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Council candidates share platforms at forum |
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Saturday, October 20 2007 |
By TJ HEMLINGER
Staff writer
Editor's note: This is the second of two stories regarding the candidate forum conducted Thursday night.
Nine candidates for the Columbia City Common Council and one for the position of clerk-treasurer spoke to an audience of interested citizens Thursday night in the auditorium of the high school, outlining their platforms if elected this fall.
Speaking were incumbent Thor Hodges (D) and Donald Sexton (R), from the northwest district; incumbent Grace Lotter (D) and Nicole Penrod (R) from the southeast district; Dan Weigold (R) and Chick Harker (D) for the at-large seat, where there is no incumbent; Roger Seymoure (D) and incumbent Doug Fahl (R) from the southwest district; incumbent Walt Crowder (R), unopposed in the northeast district; and incumbent Rosie Coyle (R), unopposed for clerk-treasurer.
Each candidate had three minutes to present his or her platform before turning the stage over to the two mayoral candidates.
Weigold emphasized his experience as the county’s GIS coordinator, saying he has 20 years of experience and considers himself a public servant, not a politician.
“Being an Eagle Scout showed me how important service is,” he said. “I’ve worked more than 20 years for both city utilities and as a Whitley County government official.”
He said spending tax money is the most important aspect of the job as a council member.
Weigold said he would research issues and examine expenditures.
As for economic development, he said, “We can improve on how we market the city by using technology. This would involve the mayor and the Economic Development Corp.
“The people of Columbia City have been wonderful to me,” Weigold said in conclusion.
His opponent, Harker, said the issues that are important to him include accountability.
“I feel today’s elected official must be a good manager, getting the best quality as well as quantity for every dollar spent. The city council spends your money — we must be accountable.
“Economic development is the single most important issue. The best way for our city council to support this effort is to develop and maintain the strongest possible infrastructure. This would include not only the machinery and materials but also the people involved.”
Harker said “curb appeal” is important to prospective businesses.
“We need to continue improving our two-way communication not only within our community but also with all governmental offices and agencies around us.”
Harker said he hopes to improve the city’s financial position through effective management of existing resources, increased education and training of city personnel, continued pursuit of grants, and developing the lowest possible tax rates.
Sexton, a vice president with Lake City Bank, said, “As a fiscal conservative, I would balance the budget. Your money would be closely watched.
“We must have representative government. I would listen to the citizens and represent your thoughts and ideas.
“If you think Columbia City’s best days are behind it, you’re looking in the wrong direction.”
Hodges emphasized that he has spent the past four years on the city council, and even though he is running in the northwest district “we work for the entire city.”
As a city police officer, he said, “What first piqued my interest was that I saw the issues and asked, ‘What can I do to help?’ I have five kids that I hope can live and prosper in this city.”
He said his father and grandfather were both members of the Churubusco town council, and he saw the importance of service.
Hodges said his qualifications included a great deal of time working with youths, “and I saw their needs and goals.
“And as an employee of the city I have been an advocate for the city employees, who are our most valuable asset.”
Penrod, in her turn, said she had been part of the city for 30 years. Her top priority for much of that time was raising a family.
“This community has been a wonderful place to raise a family,” she said.
Penrod has been a secretary for her neighborhood association, and she has been a volunteer in the community.
“I want to be a part of shaping the future of Columbia City. I feel we should support our businesses and bring in new business.”
As far as the issues in the race, Penrod said, “We should be able to communicate with and be accessible to the citizens. I will reply to any messages and try to find answers.”
Lotter has spent four years on the city council, with time as council president, and serves on the Board of Works. She is a former teacher and has bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education.
The major issue as she sees it is money and how the city spends it. “The goal in any endeavor is getting the most bang for your buck. I voted against tax abatements for small businesses. That would have applied to more than 50 businesses.”
She said she supports tax abatements for larger businesses that would add jobs to the local economy.
Lotter said one reason utility rates are so high is because of federal and state mandates.
“Every rate increase passed by a unanimous vote, and they were made with the utmost care.
“I’m a hard worker and a good listener.”
Fahl said he filed for office on the first day possible.
“This job is important to me. I have four reasons for running: I have four daughters, and I want them to enjoy a safe, clean, healthy Columbia City.”
Fahl has been on the city council for eight years.
He said local government is going to have more power and more authority because of state legislature action, and “we are going to have to find a way to fund services without more property taxes.
“The two things we have to focus on are economic development and tightening our belt. I do support small business tax abatements.”
Seymoure said the city council offers an opportunity to provide services to the community. Now retired, he said he wouldn’t have had the time when he was working full-time.
As an accountant, “I have the financial training to be a good steward for your tax dollars.”
He said he would save the city money by eliminating the family insurance plan for council members.
“I feel the council members are adequately compensated.”
Seymoure said the city faces a lot of challenges, but that his background in accounting and economics gives him the experience to meet those challenges.
Crowder is finishing his eighth year on the city council.
“I feel I’m unopposed because the people know who I am: I’m fair, and I listen to people. I’m on the Board of Works, which handles the day-to-day operations of the city.”
He is a four-time president of the city council.
“I’m committed to customer service.’
Now retired, Crowder started at the bottom working for one of Embarq’s prior forms. “I’m not a ‘yes man.’ I do my homework.
“I want to work with our city employees.”
Coyle has worked for the city for 42 years, 28 as clerk-treasurer. She is a designated Indiana accredited municipal clerk for the state of Indiana. She has served as district director for the Indiana Association of Clerks and Clerk-Treasurers and has served as executive director of the Clerk’s League for Third-Class Cities.
Coyle also has served on the Columbia City/Whitley County Joint Planning Board. In 2006 she received the Financial Management Award for the state of Indiana.
“I love working for the citizens and enjoy the job and will continue to serve the citizens to the best of my ability. I think Columbia City is a great place to live, and I am looking forward to serving our community for another four years.” |
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Last Updated ( Monday, October 22 2007 )
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