BLOG RECAP: Florissant Mayoral Candidate Forum, Part Two

With less than two weeks to the April 5 election, the Florissant mayoral candidates have another opportunity to speak to the public Thursday night. 

The North St. Louis County Republicans' Club host the second mayoral forum for the public to gauge who the next respective leader of Florissant will be. 

Stay tuned to Florissant Patch throughout the night. 

8:58 Each candidate now has two minutes for final comments.

8:55 Garrett said that he believes the city would not be able to do much with seniors' homes as it's a personal issue. Schneider said he would like to keep seniors in their homes and give them more activities. Behlmann said that he would like to work to get younger families in the city and work with current residents to make it happen. 

8:52 Garrett said he would like to see the sound of the meetings improve on the cable channels. Schneider said he would like to work with cable companies to make it easier. 

8:46 The final question of the night is in two parts: Is there a way to get easier TV coverage of the city council meetings? Is there a good way for seniors to transition out of their homes and younger people into them?

8:40 All candidates were opposed to a marina in Sunset Park. The topic of selling the golf course was mentioned by Geerling as it doesn't make a profit. However, Behlmann said that a loan has to be paid on it and right now it's not feasible. Garrett said that it would not be an easy process to sell the golf course.

8:32 The next question is, are there any assets to be sold to put some funds into the rainy day fund? Also, would a marina be possible in Sunset Park for revenue?

8:27 Podleski and Garrett each stated that the salary of the mayor is appropriate as it's comparable to similar sized cities. Geerling said she still urged the city council to pass a bill to lower the mayor's salary.

8:25 Podleski and Geerling each said they would not use the car allowance or bodyguard. 

8:23 The third question on the floor is regarding the mayor's salary, car and bodyguard use.

8:20 Candidates Michael Spreng, Robert Garrett and Schneider all agreed that eminent domain should be used sparingly, but there are few occurrences where it would be necessary.

8:14 Behlmann, Geerling and Ward 6 City Councilman Andrew Podleski each said they're opposed to eminent domain; however they said there are rare occassions for it. 

8:12 The next question on the floor is regarding the candidate's stance on eminent domain.

8:06 Candidate Susan Geerling said that she does not support any TIFs for Walmart; however she said that if they comply with all ordinances and don't ask any special favors, she can't tell them no. Candidate Michael Spreng said he would do everything in his power to make sure it would not happen. Candidate Robert Garrett said the city can make Walmart's life hard to get in, but the city can't prevent them from coming in if they follow all ordinances. 

8:02 Schneider and candidate Mark Behlmann have stated that a project such as Walmart would not bring a TIF or CID to the Florissant area. Both stated their not for Walmart coming in the city.

7:58 First question on the floor is concerning the installation of Walmart behind Lowe's and how it would affect that area of Florissant. 

7:46 Ward 3 City Councilman Tom Schneider kicks off the introductions of each candidate. Each one has a few minutes to give their biography.