The Great Debate, part 4

24 quick questions now.
I'm only going to mention things that sound new.
This is kind of an interesting thing, but it's rehashing what they've been saying.
Personally, I want to know a whole lot more about why GOP candidate Ken Johnson says that there's a problem with honesty and integrity at City Hall.
To help prevent all the bickering of the past two years, Johnson said he would "get elected."
Johnson said senior tax relief is not at the top of his priority list, but he would like to minimize taxes for all.
Democrat Art Ward said the initial way to address taxes is to control spending. "That helps everyone," Ward said.
It's almost game time, I think. I can't wait.
Open government?
Ward said that "decisions will not be made in the back room" or at multiple special council meetings. Johnson said he "absolutely will not participate in secret meetings" or scripted meetings.
He kind of pointed out that Ward did stick to the script in 2005, which is true.
Re K-8....
Ward said it's for efficiency and cost to put both K-5 and 6-8 in one building.
"I'm calling for a timeout" before the city moves forward, Johnson said, to create a community center with the school in the West End.
Question about police oversight...
Johnson said conflicts of interest shouldn't exist. He said he has no ties "and I owe favors to noone."
Ward said employees have a right to seek elected office, but "they need to use discretion."
Question re K-8 site in West End...
"I am agains the use of the Roberts property," Johnson said. "The West End needs a West End solution."
He said he'd be willing to use eminent domain at IGA site.
Ward said he's not limited to Roberts site. He said he'd like to see more information on alternatives.
Question about a detective that didn't investigate cases and nothing happened to his superiors....
Ward said that he doesn't know details of the personnel matter. "I can't make a judgment call on that," Ward said.
Johnson said the public needs to know matters such as this are dealt with appropriately. He said a citizen board "is the appropriat way to go" to adjudicate.
Forestville K-8 site on Crowley property?
Ward said absolutely, if it's clean. He said it would address the area's needs.
"Let's get something right," Johnson said. He said that there should be a timeout for that school, too.
Question re corrupt mayors...
Johnson said there is only constructive thing that leaders can do with power - "delegate it and give it away." He said "a giant step" toward depoliticization if a manager hired.
Ward said that with an open, respectful, considerate administration would "in itself police all of our actions."
Johnson said the mayor "is not a micromanager." He said it's another reason for a professional manager so that people can focus on specific tasks.
To manage and make sound decisions is what leadership is. "Leadership is being able to guide," Ward said.
Johnson said he'll hold open office hours and have sessions around town so people can get involved more easily.
Conveyance tax?
Ward said the money is used for one-time items so it's not built into the budget. It just lessens burden.
"I will do away with the higher tax," Johnson said. He sai the tax is too high.
"I will eliminate the higher tax."
Wow, now that will shock and horrify some city officials.
Johnson said he wants to preserve and protect open space wherever possible.
Ward said he favors open space, but "you cannot have a total community that is open space." He said owners have a right to develop their property.
firehouse for SW corner?
"I believe the answer to that is yes," Johnson said. He said there is a general lack of utilities in that area. He said there is "no question" that area is underserved.
Ward said the Water Board has been installing lines and pump stations in area. He said that area deserves assistance.
Question about poverty...
Ward said the issue is landlords enticing Section 8 people into town "so they can collect the dollars and not pump any money" into their property. He said there should be more inspections.
Johnson said the issue "gets lumped onto the head of absentee landlords" but he would like to ask landlords how to improve rental stock. He said home ownership is crucial.
Co-pays for remaining unions?
Ward said everyone understands the need to do that through "good faith bargaining" with the unions that don't have it.
Johnson said health care is high cost and sharing costs is predominate.
Question re Route 6 -- Johnson said that on eastern end of Route 6, he's planning to meet with the DOT and state Rep. Ron Burns.
Ward said he's also planning to follow up on issue seriously.
major emergency planning?
Johnson said he is "not certain we are prepared for a worst case scenario," but he said he has a wealth of background in preparing for emergencies.
Ward said that city developed two community response teams and new drills are being planned.
Question re mayors becoming target of criticism... Ward said can be accessible and try to explain. He said he'd listen and try to resolve problems.
Johnson said he favors letting everyone, including city employees, "to speak freely."
He said he wants to make it known that they can enjoy their right to free speech, even if they want to criticize their mayor.
Hold line on taxes?
Ward said that would be hard with rising energy costs. But can hold taxes down.
Johnson said many expenses beyond the city's control. But "absolutely critical" is marketing city with an aggressive economic development effort.
Final question of night: One issue you will resolve in next two years?
Johnson said, "I will have restored civility to public discourse and political debate." He said he will ensure that everyone is heard.
Ward promised "open government, open communication are the fundamentals of good government." He said it would responsive to all.

Now quick break.
Final words...
Johnson said that many Democrats are struggling with Ward. He said that staying home is not effective protest. Go vote.
"I'm not a career politician. I'm a citizen like you." He said he'll be honest, listen and energized.
"We've got an opportunity chart a new course for the city of Bristol," Johnson said.
Ward said the city is at a crossroads. "The last two years have been intersting, to say the least. The negativity at City Hall has been immense."
He said the mayor sets the tone and agenda, controlling the staff and resources.
"It's time to move Bristol forward," he said, and vowed to work with the council and boards, and to boost employee morale by respecting employees.
"I have been putting Bristol first for decades," Ward said. Bristol has the choice of experience or a well-intentioned newcomer.
That's a wrap.
Now I have to go ask my own questions. ;)



*******
Copyright 2007. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com