April Election 2013: Candidates For Aldermen Discuss Their City's 'Primary Issue'

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With the April 2 election day drawing near, Patch wants to make sure voters are able to make informed choices about their candidates.

There are seven total open aldermen seats in Town and Country and Manchester, with eight candidates running. Only one race is contested, which is the seat for Manchester Ward III alderman currently held by Alderman John Schrader.

Aldermen are elected to two-year terms.

Earlier this month, Patch sent questions regarding the election to all aldermanic candidates. All week, Patch will share the candidates' responses with readers.

Each day, Patch will post one question along with the answers of those who responded. 

Editor's Note: All candidates received an identical questionnaire via email and were each given the same amount of time to reply. They are listed below in the order of their wards. 

PATCH QUESTION:

2. What do you see as the primary issue the board of alderman must address for the good of the city in the next year?

CANDIDATE ANSWERS:

TOWN AND COUNTRY:

Ward I: Lynn Wright

One of the primary issues the board will face this coming year is to revitalize the vacant retail and commercial property that we have in the community.  Successfully filling the retiring City Administrator position is also extremely important.  We have a very unique community so this position will need to provide the vision of the future of our community. Our City Administrator performs an important role in meeting the needs of our residents, businesses and staff and while staying within the budget. 

Ward II: Tim Welby

No Response

Ward III: Fred Meyland-Smith-

Revitalization of vacant existing commercial space in our City. The loss of sales tax revenue and the absence of services that could be available to our residents if these spaces were productively filled are factors which must be addressed. This issue directly impacts our ability to address the challenge described below.

Ward IV: Jon Benigas

No Response

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MANCHESTER:

Ward I: Paul Hamill -

The primary issue will be how to provide the same level of services with less revenue. As revenues fall or stay stagnant, costs continue to rise and the Board will need to make difficult decisions to address this issue.

Ward II: Michael Clement -

The primary issue facing an Alderman, in any year, is to be vigilant to balance city needs against city revenues. When revenues sink, then the city board needs to prioritize those needs. Fortunately, Manchester developed a robust new commercial area several years ago that has allowed excellent City services to continue, even as the national and regional economies suffered. Facing the Board of Alderman this year is the expiration of the trash service contract, one of our annual budget’s largest expenditures. Renegotiating that service contract will be a primary issue for this year’s Board and City staff.

Ward III: John Schrader (Incumbent)-

Continued economic growth, although we have a stable fiscal outlook it is important to keep looking for viable businesses to bring to the city.

Ward III: Anthony Mueller -

After attending the Alderman meetings, I believe roadway repair has been brought up the most.  This issue is one that the general public would like a resolution.

READ RELATED STORY:

April Election 2013: Meet Your Mayoral Candidates

April Election 2013: Meet Your Candidates For Aldermen And Their Qualifications