Blog Recap: Florissant Mayoral Candidate Forum

More than 300 people have gathered at the for the Florissant mayoral candidate forum, presented by the and the City of Florissant. 

The League of Women Voters is moderating the event, which starts at 7 p.m. 

We'll post live updates throughout the forum of what's been said and more. 

8:56 All candidates implored residents to get out and vote on April 5.

8:51 Spreng encouraged voters to if not vote for him, to vote for someone on April 5.

8:49 Candidates have begun their closing statements.

8:44 Last question for the night: With the 50th celebration of the Valley of the Flowers coming up, how would you assist in celebrating it? Schneider said he would get Kurt Warner, Stan Musial and John Goodman to help celebrate. Behlmann said he doesn't know any celebrities, and he'll have to vote for Schneider, which elicited the largest laugh of the night from the crowd.

8:40 Candidates are discussing the enforcement of taking down political signs down following the election. It's a mixed reaction from the candidates. Podleski said it's free speech; Geerling said that she will uphold the law; Garrett said that there won't be much problem from him since he won't have signs posted. 

8:33 Candidates are responding to question regarding establishing a commission to review the city's charter, which hasn't been updated in 30 years. Behlmann is open to the idea as well as Robert Garrett. Susan Geerling refused to go on record for either way before she found out more information regarding it.

8:23 Schneider and Podleski said they wouldn't have a problem with looking into sharing services or amenities with neighboring communities. 

8:20 Residents have asked candidates their position on contracting services with St. Louis County for city of Florissant, and most have said that they are not interested in doing it. Schneider and Garrett said that the police department is second to none when comparing St. Louis County Police Department.

8:15 Candidates are responding to plans for keeping balanced budget and not dipping into reserve fund. Each candidate has said that you have to look really closely at each department and all expenses and income. Although the police department takes up more than 40 percent of the budget, as mentioned by candidate Robert Garrett, it's not feasible to cut there but possibly other places.

8:02 Podleski and candidate Michael Spreng said we could visit area businesses to entice them about the amenities in the Florissant area, regarding getting more families into the area.

8:00 Candidates responding to question regarding getting more young families people to move into the city as well as how to keep current residents here. 

7:48 Moderator asked, what are the candidates willing to do about cutting mayor's salary? Behlmann said he supports a 30 percent pay cut. Schneider and Andrew Podleski said that it's a fair salary for the position. Geerling also supports cutting the salary. All have said it's in the city council's hands to cut the salary before the upcoming election.

7:44 Current question on the floor is, what would you do, as mayor, to correct problems and inequities of the payment plan for city employees? Schneider and Behlmann have said that they would revisit and speak to employees about their thoughts. Podleski said the new plan is a step in the right direction, but he would evaluate all positions and see what needs to be done.

7:39 Question on the floor is will the new mayor continue the senior programs that have been established, especially during the past two years. All candidates support and anticipate continuing programs for seniors, and Mark Behlmann said they would like to add others.

7:35 Candidate Michael Spreng said he wants to work with Greater North County Chamber and North County Inc. to bring in more businesses to North County that will help the Florissant area.

7:34 Third question: What are you going to do to stimulate growth in business community? 

7:28 Second question: What's the No. 1 priority for city of Florissant as mayor? Podleski stated reorganizing the budget would be his highest priority. Geerling said that she wants to create a sense of pride and community satisfaction. Spreng and Garrett agree that balancing the budget and scrutinize over the Florissant budget.

7:24 First question to candidate Mark Behlmann asking to explain his top accomplishment.

7:20 Candidate Susan Geerling said she will use her own car during her term as mayor, if elected. 

7:12 Candidates have begun to read their opening statements. Tom Schneider said during his statement, "Your vote will impact Florissant for generations." 

7:08 Moderator Debbie Howard reviews the rules of the forum to the public as well as the candidates. She's also introduced the timer for tonight's forum.