Tonight, with approximately 75 people in attendance, 10 Republican candidates vied for votes and expressed their answers to questions from the audience. Mayor Feichthaler and Council Persons Bertolini and LePera attended the meeting, as did Former Mayor Kempe.
The ground rules allowed a 2 minute introduction, 30 seconds to answer questions and 3-4 candidates got the opportunity to answer each of the questions. There was also a 1 minute closing response for each candidate.
During introductions the most oft repeated phrases were about improving trust, reducing spending and enhancing the economic development. While a few of the candidates brought out specifics, most of the introductions were marked with broad general statements and hopeful memes for a brighter future, but without real substance as to how we’ll get there.
Tom Hair stated that he wanted to follow the Governor’s lead of a 4% across the board reduction in all departments. David Drake lamented the increasing crime rates, and stated that he would “get the Public Safety Building built”. Lynn Rosko listed many of the perks that the City Manager receives and recommended removing some of them questioned why our City Manager was still with our city(Thanks for the clarification, Lynn). She also stated that if our city were a business, that the CEO would have been fired. Eric Grill stated that the City has been more reactive than proactive lately and he plans to hold accountability from the top down if he is elected.
Chris Berardi laid out a specific three part plan of economic development improvement, cutting government spending and beautifying the city. He further pressed each issue with details. He recommended cross training employees, looking at the fleet for cost reductions and using code enforcement and private/public partnerships to improve beautification and reduce government costs.
The questions were next. The first group of candidates were asked when property tax relief would become effective. They all stated that the relief would be effective if we cut city government spending. City spending is less than 25% of the total tax bill. Another question asked if the county should install the new library in North West Cape. All of the candidates who were questioned, responded that it was fine if the county paid for it.
When asked for ways to improve the city and citizen’s way of life, Eric Grill recommended a fee on permits to improve beautification. Pete Brandt stated that increasing disposable income was the best way to improve our way of life.
When asked to place their top three issues, Lynn Rosko listed trust, reducing spending and reducing UEP costs. Chris Berardi reiterated his introductory issues of Economic development, Spending controls and beautification. Bill Deile agreed with Lynn Rosko that trust and spending reductions were his top two but stated that increasing pride in the city was his third issue. Tom Hair recommended a reduction in taxes, a smart growth plan and economic development as his three main issues.
None of the candidates asked stated that they would reduce the number of council members from 7 to 5. All of the candidates asked stated that they supported spending caps. None of the candidates supported large cuts in fire, police or emergency services. Tom Hair stated that the proposed increase of 10% for these services in the current budget may be too high. None of the candidates supported changing ordinances to allow work vehicles to be parked in driveways.
No candidate asked had a solid answer for a specific item where overspending is occurring. They also lacked answers for ways to get our fair share of funding for projects from County and State governments.
The format did not allow all candidates to answer all questions. Many of the questions raised were excellent and do show that there is quite a bit of work to go for our candidates, if they want to work for the best interest of our residents. I do recommend that everyone try and attend one of the upcoming candidate events.
