Charter Review: Council Candidates Answer Your Questions

A few weeks ago, we asked for residents to submit burning they had for council candidates, and you responded.

We asked the candidates more than 20 questions regarding handling residents' calls, budget, charter review and more.

Although we have a single question listed here, there are several more to come in our series.

We’ll continue to run candidates’ responses leading up to the Aug. 2 election.

For the first question, and the most popular question, you asked:  

Are you in favor of a ?

Mark Behlmann, Ward 3 Candidate: Yes, absolutely. I made a presentation at the city council meeting Monday, July 11 publicly announcing my thoughts, procedures, and listing my many reasons. In order to be fully transparent, there is no reason the citizens of Florissant should not have this opportunity. On the opening page of my website is a link for all to review the charter on their own from the comfort of their computer.

Joe Eagan, Ward 3 Candidate: We have experienced tough times in the City of Florissant these past few years, like every other city in the country. I have been on more than 600 doorsteps in Ward 3 during this campaign. Not one solitary person has mentioned the charter to me. The residents of Ward 3 are concerned with public safety, housing values, senior citizen issues and the continued delivery of quality services. 

That being said, I am not against a review of the charter. I spoke against the bill that was passed July 11 for a variety of reasons. Many rumors have circulated regarding hidden agendas and the city charter. Those in attendance at the July 11 city council meeting were treated to one such rumor. There is an easy solution to ensure a transparent government with complete participation by all residents.

There is only one body that has been vetted by the citizens of Florissant: the Florissant City Council. It is the responsibility of the council, as the trust holders of the community, to review the charter as it has in previous years. The review of the charter should be conducted in full view, and with the participation of every citizen in the City of Florissant, not just a handpicked few. 

At the end of each city council meeting, the council should review one of the charter’s articles. This would be conducted in full view of the public and televised in conjunction with the council meeting. All residents of Florissant, not a handpicked few would be allowed to voice their concerns and offer suggestion. I would suggest moving the start time of the council meetings up one hour to accommodate the review and viewing by all citizens. At the end of the project, the council, as with the proposed citizens commission, would review the results and offer the appropriate ballot measures.

Elizabeth O’Fallon, Ward 3 Candidate: I support a charter review.  The city charter controls how our local form of government works, and it was last reviewed in 1974. Florissant has changed a lot in 37 years.  I think a charter review commission will help ensure transparency and could provide suggestions for improved efficiency. The last time the charter was reviewed, nothing was changed. Such may be the case this time around, but there is no reason to think there would be any negative repercussion from the charter being reviewed by a panel of ordinary citizens.

Steve Purgahn, Ward 6 Candidate: I am in favor of reviewing the city charter. There are known discrepancies, which could be corrected. Ultimately, it is up to the residents to update the city charter through the review process and eventually voting on any proposed changes. 

Pat Stinnett, Ward 6 Candidate: In the seven months that I have been walking and visiting with the citizens of Ward 6, only a few have mentioned the charter review. The citizens of Ward 6 are concerned with property values, vacant homes, upkeep of rental units and their very own employment status. The debate over the review seems primarily isolated to some city council members. As with all documents, I am confident that we can enhance certain portions and update the language to today’s vernacular. Rather than do so through a small appointed commission, I support the reading of the individual articles at open council meetings followed by comments from all interested citizens and open discussion among elected officials. I believe this would best guarantee an open and transparent process.