Politics & Government
Balancing Act: Council Candidates Respond to Residents' Questions
Florissant candidates discuss how they plan to deal with relations and money of council and administration.
What are your thoughts on both mayor and council salaries? Too high? Just right? Not enough?
Mark Behlmann, Ward 3: I have stated publicly during the mayor's race--“any new mayor should start at a apprentice position. I am on record supporting a decrease in the mayor's salary of 30 percent or $90,000 per year.” As a business owner, there were times in order to make payroll for the week I did not receive a check. I always made sure employees were paid first. I still live under that philosophy. If employees take a pay cut, handed down by the council or administration, both entities should realize a pay cut as well.
Joe Eagan, Ward 3: I think we need to study the salaries of both the mayor and council and compare them with those of similar cities. Again, all options should be on the table.
Find out what's happening in Florissantwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Elizabeth O’Fallon, Ward 3: Both the mayor and the members of the city council are employees of the city, so our salaries are tied into the Florissant city budget. During difficult economic times, when many residents are having their own salaries reduced, or receiving a pay freeze, I think it prudent to consider cutting a percentage rate of all these salaries.
Steve Purgahn, Ward 6: I think both are in line with salaries of employees in private industry when compared to the responsibilities of each position. Therefore, I think both are fairly compensated.
Find out what's happening in Florissantwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Pat Stinnett, Ward 6: My first thoughts are that the current council approved both salaries, so that is an indicator that they feel the compensation was compatible to the responsibilities. Cutting the salary of the mayor would also not help our short-term cash situation, since state law does not permit the salary of an elected official to be lowered during their term of office.
How will you enhance the interaction among council members and between council members and the mayor/administration?
Mark Behlmann, Ward 3: I believe things need to first start at the council level, building trust and faith between one another. As adults, it is never too late to start at the beginning. Coming together and communicating takes a lot of willpower. I believe the council needs to be fixed first, becoming that unified body, before attempting fixing the relationship between the council and mayor.
Joe Eagan, Ward 3: One merely needs to attend the city council meetings to see the rancor that persists. We have a new city administration, and soon we will have two new members of the city council. There are a tremendous number of issues that affect the citizens of Florissant. We are at a very precious period in the city’s history. Very simply, the city council owes it to the good citizens of Florissant to provide a government that works in a positive manner toward the resolution of problems and more importantly to a vibrant and bright future. I am prepared to work with the citizens, city staff, administration and entire council to ensure this goal.
Elizabeth O’Fallon, Ward 3: It is my personal belief that a little civility goes a long way. As a council, we need to remember that we are elected by the people to conduct city business on behalf of the people. Keeping this focus at all times will best drive resolutions for the sake of the city.
Steve Purgahn, Ward 6: As I have observed personally, and have discussed with residents, keeping the council meetings professional would go a long way toward reducing animosity and bickering. Through my experience as a business owner, employee, father and husband I have learned that when it comes to resolving an issue, the resolution comes more quickly without a personal attack of the opposing side’s character. Each council member is going to be passionate about issues that affect their ward. If opposing members kept the debate professional and based on the facts and arguments of the issue, I believe that the council meetings would be more effective and professional. As a councilman, I would propose to the council that a resolution be made by the council members that each will resolve to stick to the issue and avoid at all cost the use of character attacks.
Pat Stinnett, Ward 6: I will personally visit with each council member and forge relationships that will carry positively into the operations of the City of Florissant. The worst thing that can befall a community, in my opinion, is to have deep, ongoing political controversy and drama. It drives away business and commerce and saps the energy of a community. I want the council and mayor to all find common ground and work together for the best interests of the citizens of Florissant.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.