Reviewing Choices: Council Candidates Respond to Your Questions

How do you plan to get feedback from your residents before voting on issues that affect us? 

Mark Behlmann, Ward 3: I will have set up an email blast system. When an issue is coming before the council that affects Ward 3, all registered email addresses I have in my database will be contacted, posing the question I would be voting on behalf of Ward 3. Based on feedback from registered citizens’ emails and the follow-up dialogue, the majority of the answers will cultivate my decision process. I am a firm believer of majority rules.

Joe Eagan, Ward 3: I have visited every street both residential and commercial in Ward 3, and by Aug. 2, I will have visited them twice. I have talked to a large number of the good citizens of Ward 3 and have enjoyed it tremendously. Most importantly, I have heard their concerns and have already had an impact on several neighborhood problems. We have worked together already to have derelict automobiles removed and properties cleaned up. Most importantly, I have made numerous new friends. I have promised continued communication, electronically, via telephone and most importantly in person. Whether it is through frequent ward meetings, neighborhood meetings or, my favorite way, by simply walking the ward and talking to those I meet.  My phone is published, and I will promise a minimal 24-hour call response.

Elizabeth O’Fallon, Ward 3: Open and frequent communication is very important. I have established a website for my campaign, which if elected, I will continue to update to keep residents apprised of current issues. Email and social media such as Facebook will aid with this as well. Rapidly responding to constituents is vital to keeping citizens involved and feeling that their voices are being heard. I also think frequent ward meetings, perhaps quarterly, would help me keep in touch with residents.

Steve Purgahn, Ward 6: I think written documentation is important for residents as well as council members. It provides both with a way to review what both are communicating, so that misunderstandings are less frequent and facts are documented. I would prefer residents email me their ideas and questions. If they do not have access to email, I would certainly enjoy speaking to a resident by telephone or receiving a letter in the mail.

Pat Stinnett, Ward 6: As I have promised during my campaign, I intend to conduct regularly scheduled office hours weekly to solicit input from the citizens of Ward 6. I am also available by phone and promise to return all calls and emails from ward residents.

Would you be in favor of letting residents choose their own trash hauler again? 

Mark Behlmann, Ward 3: I believe in the philosophy of purchasing at wholesale prices. In many cases, this requires bulk purchasing. I'm not opposed to holding open meetings for the community to come together and learn how to achieve the best purchasing power for all that are concerned. If there is a benefit for a resident to have individual trash hauling service, I am very open to learning and understanding those effects. But as with any benefit those who are directly affected must be given the opportunity to see both sides thoroughly in order to make a wise decision.

Joe Eagan, Ward 3: Not answered

Elizabeth O’Fallon, Ward 3: I am in favor of allowing residents to choose their own trash hauler. My family has experienced some problems with our trash pickup and despite repeated phone calls and complaints, nothing was done to remedy the problem. Going door-to-door, I have heard several similar complaints from residents. I believe competition not only reduces costs but helps maintain quality of service. 

Steve Purgahn, Ward 6: Recently, St Louis County established new ordinances requiring all of St Louis County to abide by their Solid Waste Ordinance. That ordinance requires communities to either contract to provide the service themselves or join the St Louis County contracting pool. Florissant has chosen the option to contract for the services.

Pat Stinnett, Ward 6: The citizens of Ward 6 are satisfied with the savings and convenience of awarding a bid to one hauler. They do not want to go back to multiple haulers on multiple days tearing up our streets.