April Election 2013: Meet Your Mayoral Candidates

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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.

Two candidates, current Mayor Jon Dalton and former alderman Barbara Ann Hughes, are vying for the seat of Town and Country mayor. The city's mayor serves a four year term.

Earlier this month, Patch sent questions regarding the election to both candidates. Below are the questions and each candidate's response. 

Check back later this week for answers from Town and Country and Manchester candidates running for aldermen.

Editor's Note: The 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 in which they filed. 

1. Briefly explain your qualifications to serve as mayor.

Jon Dalton (Incumbent)-

My strong record of effective, experienced and compassionate leadership as Mayor of Town & Country for the past eight years makes me uniquely qualified to continue serving in this office.  As an attorney with 27 years of experience, I fully evaluate all sides of an issue, establish common ground among conflicting interests, and work collaboratively to build consensus on important matters in our city. My expertise in public interest projects and government regulation further allows me to offer innovative solutions to complex issues, and I am firmly committed to continuing my professional, fair-minded and trustworthy representation of Town & Country.

Barbara Ann Hughes-

• Member, Town and Country, Parks and Trails Commission
• Founding member and elected first President, Town and Country, Parks and Trails Foundation
• Alderman, Ward One (2000-2004), Town and Country
• Chairman, Town and Country, Parks and Trails Commission
• Chairman, Town and Country, Public Works and Storm Water Commission
• Chairman, Town and Country, Public Relations Commissions
• Secured funding for preservation of Estill log cabin reconstructed in Drace Park
• Wrote grant and received private funding for “House by House” Program designed to reduce/recycle demolition waste from the deconstruction of an existing home and the construction of the new house

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?

Jon Dalton -

Thanks to the productive, transparent and collaborative manner in which our city government now functions, Town & Country is in the midst of a true resurgence, and I am seeking another term as Mayor to build on this progress.  Consequently, I feel the primary issue facing our board will be the development of a forward-thinking strategic plan for investment in public infrastructure and community assets to protect property values and our quality of life, while emphasizing fiscally responsible budgeting to ensure high quality city services and a 0% residential property tax.  I will continue to support preservation of the beauty and traditions of our outstanding community. 

Barbara Ann Hughes-

Promote fair and equitable governance that restores respect for a democratic process inclusive of all residents. To accomplish this I would start with the following three things. Ensure that boards and commissions are representative of all viewpoints, not a select view. Hold elected officials accountable for their behavior at Board of Aldermen meetings. Eliminate the ability of elected officials to utilize city resources, such as the city newsletter, to further their own political ambitions.

3. What is the greatest challenge the city will face in the next year?

Jon Dalton -

Because of economic conditions, we have been forced to defer full implementation of our storm water management and road improvement programs.  Fortunately, our strong record of conservative budgeting and fiscal management has generated more than $15,000,000 in reserves, which is six times the amount required by ordinance.  Accordingly, I have recommended a major investment be made from these reserves into our capital assets to avoid continued deterioration in our roadways and address much-needed storm water management programs while maintaining our AAA credit rating.  This investment will bring us current on deferred projects and protect our property values and surroundings.  

Barbara Ann Hughes-

Proximity to major highways, hospitals and shopping makes Town and Country a prime location for developers. Residents expect elected officials to preserve existing zoning ordinances. With improvement in the national economy elected officials may be faced with the option to approve commercial development. Large tracts of open land along the 64 corridor in addition to previous discussions regarding the possibility of “town center” create an air of uncertainty. It is imperative that elected officials uphold our existing zoning ordinances while focusing their efforts on re-vitalizing Manchester Meadows Shopping Center.

4. Explain one change you would like to see made within the city during your term as mayor.

Jon Dalton -

During my next term as mayor, I am extremely focused on ensuring the revitalization of our commercial districts and the realization of our Master Plan for Parks and Trails.  Both of these essential community elements not only make Town & Country a special place, but with these improvements, we will continue to enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors alike.  Specifically, the full utilization of Manchester Meadows and a completed trail along Mason and Topping Roads would significantly increase access to goods and services and recreational opportunities, enhancing the quality of life for us all.

Barbara Ann Hughes-

Town and Country is fortunate to have approximately $15 million dollars in the General Fund. While it is prudent to retain a healthy reserve it is important that elected officials balance this with the wants and desires of residents. As Mayor, I would like to see elected officials evaluate excessive, allowable General Fund reserves. If prudently possible, invest in cost-effective projects designed to enhance property values and our quality of life. In addition, I envision the implementation of a cost-effective deer management program in cooperation with surrounding municipalities that is humane and reduces deer/car collisions.