Politics & Government

Communication, Sewer Lateral: Council Candidates Weigh in on Issues

The candidates continue their input on Florissant's top issues.

Residents wanted to know how they could continued to be informed on what's happening with city issues, and each candidate has a plan. 

They also have thoughts on the sewer lateral tax, and here's what they had to say: 

How do you plan to keep residents informed about what decisions are being made?

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Mark Behlmann, Ward 3: I plan on sending a yearly newsletter, listing two prescheduled town hall Ward 3 meeting times and dates. I also plan to provide a website address that will be updated biweekly announcing all current events and community schedules along with the council agenda. I also promise to return calls within 48 hours. I also promise to schedule appointments at residents request at a mutual time. Also, I can be reached by email on a regular basis.

Joe Eagan, Ward 3: I have visited every street both residential and commercial in Ward 3, and by Aug. 2, I will visit 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 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.    

Find out what's happening in Florissantwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

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: My initial recommendation to those who have access to the Internet is to watch the city council meetings online. Our residents will see exactly what decisions are being made and how they affect them. In today’s world, electronic communication has become a part of daily living. My preferred method of communication would be through email. I would anticipate providing a periodic email blast to Ward 6 residents updating them on events happening throughout the city, projects both proposed and in process and with providing a synopsis of the council decisions. For those who do not have access to email, I would be happy to mail a copy of my email to them. 

Pat Stinnett, Ward 6: To inform the residents of Ward 6, I would propose improving the existing city website to display timely updates and streaming video of meetings. I would also send out updates via email and utilize the city newsletter. Finally, I intend to have weekly office hours for the citizens of Ward 6 to visit face-to-face and express their views.

Are you in favor of cutting the sewer lateral tax in half since we no longer need it to be that high?

Mark Behlmann, Ward 3: First of all, it needs to be proven, to the public and residents as to the exact condition the sewer lateral fund is in. If in fact, the program is flush and is set up to do exactly its meaning, then yes, I agree that the tax should be reduced. Again, this relates back to the current condition of the city budget.

I believe a plan to make reductions can be put in place. I also believe that the plan must be followed as advertised to the residents. By following through with any advertised plan builds support and confidence within the resident. I believe one must earn respect by setting the example first.

Joe Eagan, Ward 3: As we fight our way out of this recession, we need to take a look at areas that we can cut taxes in order to save our citizens, especially those who are on fixed incomes, such as our seniors, more money. I would be willing to take a look at all of these areas and examine the viability of making cuts.

Elizabeth O’Fallon, Ward 3: The ever-increasing cost of living in Florissant is a big issue of concern for me.  We have many residents who are struggling because they live on a fixed income, are unemployed or underemployed. We need to help residents get through these difficult economic times by reducing their tax burden as much as possible. I am in favor of reducing the sewer lateral tax. 

Steve Purgahn, Ward 6: I would be open to reviewing the sewer lateral tax. Again, a review of the economic impact on the city and residents would need to be determined before deciding to lower the tax. 

Pat Stinnett, Ward 6: As was agreed to by the city council earlier this year, I support a decrease in the sewer lateral insurance program, but would defer the decision on the amount until the end of the year to review the 2011 budget projections and expenditures.


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