Asked whether class sizes will increase, Saunders said yes, "but not by much."
She said elementary schools will have 25 students per class, middle schools will have 30 per class and the high school will have 32 per class, which is what the teachers' union contracts call for, Saunders said.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
East st. Louis School District - School Closings
Responses from John Piazza
Copy and pasted responses from John Piazza. I did go back and highlight the responses in red. Hopefully I did not miss any.
1. What is the extent of your education? I have a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from the University of Illinois in Champaign.
2. How long have you lived in Columbia? We moved to Columbia almost eleven years ago. If not a lifelong Columbia resident where did you grow up and where did you live right before you moved to Columbia? I grew up in Cahokia, IL. With my job I have lived in many communities but most recently in a small town, Plainville, IL, just outside Quincy, IL.
3. Do you feel that the length of time you or your family has lived in Columbia makes you a better candidate than someone else? I don't think it has a particular bearing. Perhaps, since most of the council has a significantly longer tenure my perspective might be a bit different and thus add to the diversity of opinion. Why is this continually an election talking point? Probably because it is a point that differentiates the candidates. Unfortunately, it splits the town in an unhealthy way. Many residents of Columbia, my family included, do not have deep rooted family trees in Columbia, is their opinion worth less to you when compared to others who have lived here for generations? Certainly not. And while I might be better prepared to represent your family's position, I feel that most residents desire the same things from our community.
4. What is your occupation?I have worked as an engineer for over 24 years. My current position is as a business manager having several engineers and technicians reporting to me. How will it affect your serving on the city council? I believe that it has prepared me to objectively consider very complex issues to determine the best solution available for a particular opportunity. I have both a technical and commercial background that will allow me to contribute to finding solutions that help the city move forward in a responsible manner. Much of my energy is spent first understanding an issue, then evaluating the possible solutions, and then making (and taking responsibility for) decisions that can have a significant impact on my employers success.
5. Does your occupation make you a good candidate to serve as chairmen of any present city council committees? I am certainly interested in serving and think that there are some committees that could more effectively use my skills but will serve as requested.
6. How have you gathered your information regarding issues facing the city? I have gathered most of my information primarily by speaking with the citizens of my ward. In addition, I have also taken the time to attend some of the council meetings, to read the council meeting minutes for the past several years,to speak with current aldermen, the mayor, various department heads, and those citizens (and groups) that have offered their opinions.
7. How many city council meetings have you attended in the last year? Two years? I have attended only a few meetings but have read the minutes from the past four years.
8. If you support commercial growth in Columbia what specifically will you do to make that a reality? I believe that commercial growth is good for Columbia. New businesses typically creates jobs, produces sales tax revenues, and increases the value of the property - all generating revenue for our city. I will begin by meeting with existing businesses to better understand why they chose Columbia and what they think other businesses are looking for as they choose their location. My experience has taught me that the best way to win is to understand the rules. What types of commercial entities do you feel Columbia needs the most? I believe that we need to encourage both commercial and light industrial growth. Those businesses that either allow us, as residents, to spend more of our dollars in our community or encourage non-residents to spend their dollars in our community.
9. Does commercial growth belong in the bottoms in light of the current issue facing the certification of the levy? If the levy issue is resolved do the bottoms become a good place for development? Why or why not? If elected, I will expend significant energies to better understand this opportunity. In short, I believe that the bottoms are a natural area for our community to utilize for commercial growth without adversely affecting our small town atmosphere. It also has the unique benefit of being likely to draw dollars not only from other communities but also from across the state line. A very positive benefit that must be fully explored before making any quick decisions.
10. Alderman Stumpf has proposed the idea of having an economic development committee in order to field questions, comments, and ideas regarding any economic development opportunities that may present themselves to the city a number of times over the last year. Would you support this idea? Why or why not? I have not fully reviewed the concept of creating another committee, but it seems that we already have a Director (and assistant) for Community and Economic Development. While I intend to become very familiar with their goals and methods, and I would like to think that I can have a positive impact on this department, I do not think that I, as an alderman, need to control this function. I believe that this is such an important issue to our City that we need to have professionals whose only focus is the development of our community. I believe that the council should set the tone/policy and then we should rely upon those dedicated to this purpose.
11. What types of incentives if any do you support to attract development to Columbia? Get specific, developers will know what they want. Each opportunity brings with it unique opportunities - both in terms of possible revenue to the city and requirements from the city in support of the business. The issue is too complex to offer a single solution that fits all sizes. I have spent many years negotiating very large contracts and the first rule you learn is to know the value of what you give and only give when you receive in exchange. I do not believe that we as a city must give away a litany of prizes to attract businesses. We just have to help them to offset the risks that they take when they start a new business. I will do my best to utilize my education and experiences to serve the city in this matter.
12. Do you support the annual 4.99% increase in Columbia’s tax levy? Is this an “ethical” practice to the community and its residents? Since I have not had the opportunity to fully evaluate this question, I will not offer an opinion at this time.
13. Should the city vehicle sticker tax be re-instated? Why or why not? It seems unfortunate that the city lost this source of revenue especially when we are currently struggling financially. I would avoid re-instating the tax.
14. Should city departments be allowed to carry their budgeted balances over yearly, rather than the end of year balance rolling back to the general fund? Why or why not? This seems a mute point as the city is not operating in a surplus. But as this seems to be a major issue in the fire departments bid to join the rural fire district, I think it is worth investigating. Once we understand the benefits and the ramifications, I believe that we can find a good solution.
15. Do you support the fire department merging with the rural fire district? How will the merger improve the department for city and rural residents? Does it benefit the city? Since it has been decided by the current council to put this to the voters, I believe it is best to allow the entire city to decide.
16. Will you vote for aldermen to receive a pay increase again in the next election cycle in light of the budget issues we face as a city? I haven't given it a lot of thought - I am certain that none of the current or those seeking the position are doing it for the stipend.
17. Are there any pressing issues facing Columbia in regards to infrastructure you feel should be immediately addressed, other than the road by McDonald's leading past Firestone on the way to the Post Office? Since I have not had the opportunity to fully evaluate this question, I will not offer an opinion at this time.
18. Do you feel my questions are biased towards any one line of thinking or candidate in particular? Not at all.
For Challenging Candidates
1. What compels you to run for city office? I feel that in order to keep our quality of life, both at a high level and affordable, requires a professional approach to managing the city. My education and experience have prepared me to contribute to the city. Do you have higher ambitions in politics? No
2. Have you met with other candidates or community groups to discuss issues and the upcoming election? Yes If so which ones? I have met with the three other challenging candidates and I participated in the forum hosted by the Progress for Columbia group.
3. Were you brought up to speed regarding city issues by any certain people? Answered in question 6 above.
4. Are you a “member” of Progress for Columbia? No Did PFC or any of its members assist you in your candidacy in any way? While I am not certain of their membership, I have garnered their support as a result of my desire to help Columbia prosper.
5. Have you ever met with or discussed issues facing the city with your aldermen? Yes with Mary Ellen Niemietz. Specifically the one you may be running against? No If not, why? I am not sure it would be a profitable use of time. If yes, did you find that conversation satisfactory?
No Responses from John Piazza and Steve Reis
I sent an email out this morning to all candidates in an effort for everyone understanding the process requesting responses to my questions from Steve Reis and John Piazza. I wonder if they are pondering if I am a real person or not, which has been used as a reason for not responding to me in the past by people.
I understand my email was never received by TJ as his email address bounced back as being rejected by his email systems domain. His responses while important for people to see are not as vital as others since as we all know TJ should win the election rather easily, it is the luxury of running unopposed, not a dig against anything TJ stands for or has stated throughout the election process.
I have received responses from all candidates except Steve Reis and John Piazza. I'll assume they both received the email I sent as it is how they were notified of the candidate forum they were both in attendance at.
Steve & John,
I understand my questions may not be viewed as important for you to answer since I do not live in your ward and will be unable to cast a vote in your favor, if I viewed you as the right candidate. Both of your opponents have responded to my questions and have their responses on my blog for their prospective voters to point to, they may also point to the lack of responses from either one of you. I heard both of you make reference at the candidate forum for the need for a council that can work together to meet the needs of our community. The community needs to know what your stance is on issues facing our city before they choose to elect you.
I can assure all candidates one thing. If you are elected I will continue to occasionally send emails and ask questions regarding your actions as an aldermen. While you are elected by the people of your particular ward you do represent and vote on behalf of the entire community. You as an elected official have an obligation to respond to questions people may have and ideas they may share with you.
If you feel the need to, email me back with any concerns you have regarding getting responses back to me.
Thanks
-Levi Ottwell
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Responses from Alderman Hejna
Responses copied from two pdf documents Alderman Hejna sent over to me a few hours back.
1. I graduated from Columbia High School in 1983. Attended Belleville Area College.
2. I grew up in Columbia. I have family that goes back many generations. After living in a couple of other communities for short periods of time, there was never any doubt that I would always want to call Columbia home. My husband Jeffrey was transferred to Cleveland, OH for his job in 2002 and we were there for one year before moving back.
3. Yes, I feel it makes me a better candidate because I am aware of community issues that have happened in the past... I think it’s a talking point because this is a very tight-knit community where neighbors have always watched out for each other and we are proud of our heritage. No, I don’t think their opinion is less worthy. I believe new ideas and opinions are very important for a community to grow and I will attest to this as my husband grew up in St. Louis and wanted to live here.
4. I have been a stay at home mom. I just recently started a home based business which still gives me great freedom to attend to my duties at Alderman.
5. Before I chose to stay home with my daughter I was employed as an office manager at Lutheran Church of the Living Christ & Quick Dough Inc. My prior employment, as well my home based business, gives me a financial background which includes accounts payable/receivable, billing, payroll, as well as working with all levels of employees. I was the former Finance Chairman and I am currently the Refuse/Recycle Chairman.
6. Growing up here I watched my parents be very active in the community. Currently, I stay very involved volunteering for the organizations that I support and talking with everyone I can about the issues that face them and their families.
7. I have never missed a City Council meeting since being elected into office in 2007.
8. I do support commercial growth in Columbia. As an Alderman we must make smart policy decisions and provide reasonable economic incentives to bring business here, but not provide multi-million dollar tax rebates in TIF districts for multi-billion dollar big box stores.
9. At this time I do not think it is economically feasible for development to occur in the floodplain without the levees being repaired. It could be a good place as long as our city reaps some benefit from whatever develops there. I would like to see a business park, office campus complex along with some retail. We are Columbia and we need to develop our own signature stamp, not copy other communities of just larger and larger strip malls.
10. I absolutely support Alderman Stumpf’s idea of an economic development committee. Right now the City Council is ill informed of what is taking place with economic development. It’s always a big secret, and information is not as forthcoming as it should be. A committee would be a great liaison to the council and would help open up ideas for everyone to discuss and debate for all of our benefit. Our city government needs more transparency, the
Alderman need to be allowed to be more involved and help this community grow in a positive direction.
11. Some of the incentives that can be used are waiving fees for sewer and water tap-ons, allowing building material variances, sales tax rebates after a certain amount of sales is reached. I do not support TIF districts. Columbia is not blighted, and our current TIF district has committed over $3.9M in property tax rebates. It is simply not fair to the rest of our residents and businesses to require them to pay ever increasing taxes, while a few receive these excessive tax rebates. Public tax dollars should be used for the public benefit, not private profit.
12. No, I do not support and have been consistently opposed to the annual 4.99% tax levy that gets approved every year. No tax should ever be automatic and unfortunately that is the way our City Council has always handled it in the past.
13. No, the city vehicle tax should not be reinstated. It is a regressive tax that is only charged to people who own or are purchasing their cars; it does not include lease vehicles. It is also very inefficient as the revenue that is generated isn’t very great compared to the costs associated with collecting the tax.
14. Right now we have a budget projected to spend more in expenses that projected revenue. I do not believe we have monies to consider rolling over for the various departments.
15. Yes, I do support the merger; however the City should reduce its taxes by the amount that would be collected by the newly formed fire district because the City will no longer be providing these services.
16. I voted against it in the past and unfortunately it did pass. I will not support this in the future.
17. Yes, as our City continues to grow we have to expand our parks and trails with a park land set aside ordinance as well as develop a comprehensive street plan.
18. No, I thoroughly enjoyed answering all of your questions and appreciate your attention to detail.
For Incumbent Candidates
1. Championed for a balanced budget. Despite the objections of the Mayor and senior Alderman, we were able to cut spending and achieve an effectively balanced budget in the 2008-2009 fiscal year after the prior City Council had burned up most of the City’s reserves when it budgeted $864,000 more in General Fund expenses than revenue received.
2. With a heart filled with a desire to serve the city that I care so very much about, I will work to help this city recognize its true potential.
3. I have the exact same concerns as everyone else about government spending and having a balanced budget. I also believe that Columbia’s growth has slowed because of the economy in general, but I wouldn’t say our growth has been stagnant. We have several new businesses on Main Street and we are improving everyday.
4. No, you have a genuine interest in your local government.
5. I have no regrets. I know that I stepped on a few toes over Columbia Crossing, but I could not support such a totally one-sided development agreement in favor of the developer - one that provided for excessive property tax, sales tax, and utility tax rebates to the developer for the next 25 years! An agreement that was so poorly made it was not even legally valid! I will not allow special interests, no matter how powerful, to stop me from doing what is right for the majority of our citizens.
Second Round of Responses from Alderman Oberkfell
Aldermen Oberkfell sent this over to me late last night in response to citizen Kevin Hutchinson's comments.
I'll go ahead and say one more time communication is the largest issue facing our city council. I cant think of the last time Aldermen Oberkfell and the Mayor spoke this much to each other during a discussion at a meeting. It's sad and it's not something that can be blamed on any one individual at the council level, the entire council is guilty of not communicating to each other as well as they should.
Levi,
Please post this in response to Kevin's comments:
Levi, you are 100% correct in stating that I was not taking credit for the new commercial growth, but rather just correcting your statement stating commercial growth was stagnant. Furthermore, unless the mayor has a crystal ball, or is psychic, no one knows if these businesses would not have built based upon the building materials. This is merely his assumption and has no facts in backing it up. I want it to be known that because of my profession, I am very familiar with subpar building materials and feel our city deserves higher building standards.
In regards to the rural and city merger, I stand corrected.
It is no secret I oppose TIF, but the TIF district was already in place and that was done by the previous council.
The 2008 special hearing on pay increases completely escaped my memory until the mayor brought it to light. To reaffirm my answer, I will not support any further increases. Again, due to the recent economic hardships, most citizens are cutting back financially and the city should not be exempt from such practices.
Brad Oberkfell
I'll go ahead and say one more time communication is the largest issue facing our city council. I cant think of the last time Aldermen Oberkfell and the Mayor spoke this much to each other during a discussion at a meeting. It's sad and it's not something that can be blamed on any one individual at the council level, the entire council is guilty of not communicating to each other as well as they should.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Responses from Alderman Oberkfell - Clarifications By Request of Citizen
I have always had the policy of posting clarifications to the site if someone finds false information that I post here for others to read. It allows for the most accurate information since I'm a one man show and cannot check every fact. I struggled with whether or not I should post this as it seems as if this could go back and forth all day.
Clarifications to the responses from Alderman Oberkfell on http://worldasiknowitnow.
Question in Black, Oberkfell in red, clarifications underlined.
15. Do you support the fire department merging with the rural fire district? The rural is actually merging with the city fire department. How will the merger improve the department for city and rural residents? Does it benefit the city? The merger would benefit the city by allowing the department to work on better response times, consolidate financial resources and equipment, and allows for additional specialized training.
The city does not have a fire district so it is impossible for the rural district to merge with a city fire district. The City petitioned to Join the Rural Fire District
16. Will you vote for aldermen to receive a pay increase again in the next election cycle in light of the budget issues we face as a city? No, I have not supported an increase in the 4 years I have held office, and would continue to not support any increases. Again, due to the recent economic hardships, most citizens are cutting back financially and the city should not be exempt from such practices.
Look at Ordinance 2695 Nov. 18, 2008 Alderman Oberkfell voted in favor of Aldermanic pay increases http://www.columbiaillinois.
3. Why do you deserve to be given a second chance at facing the challenges of the city given that the city continues to have budget concerns and that commercial growth seems to have become stagnant over the course of your term as aldermen?
I have recognized that the city does in fact have budget concerns. I have found ways to cut spending and will continue to do so when elected. I have to disagree with you, though, in that commercial growth has become stagnant over the past 4 years. In fact, we now have a Main Street that is flourishing with many new businesses, we now have a hotel in Columbia, CVS is now in a new bigger building, we are expecting a Dollar store to open in the near future, Dollar general is building a new and larger facility, Quality Collision is building a larger facility and will be selling used luxury vehicles, Gillians rehabbed a historical building and moved to the larger facility, Maverick Technologies built a large state of the art facility....and the list continues.
When asked why he voted to not pay the bills he said the city is spending too much
When asked what department or what line item
He had no answer just the city was spending too much. He did not share the ways he found to cut spending
He voted no on the building materials for Gillan Graphics without the other yes votes the building may not have been remodeled.
He voted no on the building materials for Dollar general without the other yes votes they would not have built a new building.
He voted no on the incentive package for the Hampton Hotel without the incentives they would not have built in Columbia
Maverick Technologies was approved before he was on the council but he has said he would never support the incentives used for maverick technologies
CVS is in a TIF district and he said he is opposed to TIF districts
Without the other yes votes to override Alderman Oberkfell negative votes most of the development he is taking credit for would not have been approved
Columbia Voter and Property Owner in Ward III
Kevin Hutchinson
I'm not sure I agree with the last bit Kevin shared. It doesn't seem Brad was taking credit for the new commercial growth, rather Brad was just saying that my question contained false information since commercial growth was in fact not stagnant as I stated it was while he was aldermen. I'll reserve opinion over this "clarification". I stand by my long standing opinion that communication is the main issue facing the council.
Responses From Alderman Oberkfell
1. What is the extent of your education? Upon graduating from Lindbergh High School in 1994, I enrolled in Drury University’s five year architectural program. I successfully completed the program and received my Bachelors Degree in Architecture in 1999.
2. How long have you lived in Columbia? If not a lifelong Columbia resident where did you grow up and where did you live right before you moved to Columbia? My family and I have lived in Columbia for almost 11 years. I was born and raised in Sunset Hills, MO. My wife and I lived there shortly before moving to Columbia.
3. Do you feel that the length of time you or your family has lived in Columbia makes you a better candidate than someone else? No
Why is this continually an election talking point? It has not been an issue during my campaign. Many residents of Columbia, my family included, do not have deep rooted family trees in Columbia, is their opinion worth less to you when compared to others who have lived here for generations? Absolutely not! Whether you have lived here for 5 days or 50 years, I am deeply committed in knowing all of my constituents opinions. Communication is essential for a successful city government to truly represent the people.
4. What is your occupation? How will it affect your serving on the city council? I am an Architect. I am able to advise the council (and citizens) on architectural related issues, these include but are not limited to building codes, standards, energy efficiency, etc. Does your occupation make you a good candidate to serve as chairmen of any present city council committees? Yes, Municipal Buildings, Capital Improvements Committee and the Planning and Zoning Committee.
6. How have you gathered your information regarding issues facing the city? I have been the alderman of Ward 3 for the past 4 years.
7. How many city council meetings have you attended in the last year? Two years? I have attended all the meetings except for about 4 or 5 due to the birth of my daughter, and business travel that could not be avoided.
8. If you support commercial growth in Columbia what specifically will you do to make that a reality? I do support commercial growth. However I find it necessary that we also must reduce the tax burden on citizens and home owners. To accomplish this we need to find creative alternative financial incentives, other than offering a TIF (Tax Increment Financing). I would be willing to work with our Economic development Coordinator to make this a reality. What types of commercial entities do you feel Columbia needs the most? Businesses that generate quality jobs for the area.
9. Does commercial growth belong in the bottoms in light of the current issue facing the certification of the levy? If the levy issue is resolved do the bottoms become a good place for development? Why or why not? Due to a current lawsuit, I am unable to answer this questions at this time.
10. Alderman Stumpf has proposed the idea of having an economic development committee in order to field questions, comments, and ideas regarding any economic development opportunities that may present themselves to the city a number of times over the last year. Would you support this idea? Why or why not? I would definitely support the idea. I feel a committee, such as the one Alderman Stumpf has indicated, would be beneficial in promoting and marketing our city and as a result we would have a better chance to improve our economic status.
11. What types of incentives if any do you support to attract development to Columbia? Get specific, developers will know what they want. The key is to be creative with any type of incentives. While it’s important for the developer to receive a “good deal” it is equally important that the city receives a “good deal“. Due to the recent law suite I can not comment any further than what I have.
12. Do you support the annual 4.99% increase in Columbia’s tax levy? No. Is this an “ethical” practice to the community and its residents? Is it ethical, NO. Do we get away with it, YES. This is just another way for the city to increase its spending power without notifying the citizens. While I have been in office the last 4 years, I have brought this issue to light with many of my constituents. It is unfortunate that it has continued to pass the last 4 years. Due to the recent economic hardships, most citizens are cutting back financially and the city should not be exempt from such practices.
13. Should the city vehicle sticker tax be re-instated? NO Why or why not? The city was grossing roughly $50,000 from this tax. After figuring in the postage costs and employee labor costs, the city was netting a significant lower amount. I have yet to hear anyone complain that we did away with this tax, other than the mayor and two council members.
14. Should city departments be allowed to carry their budgeted balances over yearly, rather than the end of year balance rolling back to the general fund? Why or why not? This is a great question, and I am still uncertain how I feel about this issue. There are pros and cons to doing it both ways. I would definitely be interested in hearing what my constituents would have to say regarding this topic.
15. Do you support the fire department merging with the rural fire district? The rural is actually merging with the city fire department. How will the merger improve the department for city and rural residents? Does it benefit the city? The merger would benefit the city by allowing the department to work on better response times, consolidate financial resources and equipment, and allows for additional specialized training.
16. Will you vote for aldermen to receive a pay increase again in the next election cycle in light of the budget issues we face as a city? No, I have not supported an increase in the 4 years I have held office, and would continue to not support any increases. Again, due to the recent economic hardships, most citizens are cutting back financially and the city should not be exempt from such practices.
17. Are there any pressing issues facing Columbia in regards to infrastructure you feel should be immediately addressed, other than the road by McDonald's leading past Firestone on the way to the Post Office? In Ward III there are several streets that are prone to excessive speeding and traffic. These roads (i.e. Rueck Rd., Quarry Rd.) need to be considered for additional stop signs.
18. Do you feel my questions are biased towards any one line of thinking or candidate in particular? Not at all.
For Incumbent Candidates:
1. Name one thing you specifically “took the reins on” as a city council member. I initiated the upgrade of Columbia’s building codes to the International Building Code, and have encouraged all City buildings to become more energy efficient.
Well it is definitely not the pay...LOL! But in all seriousness, with keeping future generations in mind, my goal is to make Columbia a better place to live, work and play.
4. Do you find my presence at most council meetings an issue? Not at all. I would actually prefer that you would start bringing guests. I feel that citizens should be active in their local government and hold council members accountable.
5. What action or actions if any as an aldermen do you regret and how would you handle things differently in that situation given hindsight? Absolutely not. To quote Victoria Holt; “Never Regret! If it is good....it’s wonderful. If it’s bad.....it’s experience!”
2. How long have you lived in Columbia? If not a lifelong Columbia resident where did you grow up and where did you live right before you moved to Columbia? My family and I have lived in Columbia for almost 11 years. I was born and raised in Sunset Hills, MO. My wife and I lived there shortly before moving to Columbia.
3. Do you feel that the length of time you or your family has lived in Columbia makes you a better candidate than someone else? No
Why is this continually an election talking point? It has not been an issue during my campaign. Many residents of Columbia, my family included, do not have deep rooted family trees in Columbia, is their opinion worth less to you when compared to others who have lived here for generations? Absolutely not! Whether you have lived here for 5 days or 50 years, I am deeply committed in knowing all of my constituents opinions. Communication is essential for a successful city government to truly represent the people.
4. What is your occupation? How will it affect your serving on the city council? I am an Architect. I am able to advise the council (and citizens) on architectural related issues, these include but are not limited to building codes, standards, energy efficiency, etc. Does your occupation make you a good candidate to serve as chairmen of any present city council committees? Yes, Municipal Buildings, Capital Improvements Committee and the Planning and Zoning Committee.
6. How have you gathered your information regarding issues facing the city? I have been the alderman of Ward 3 for the past 4 years.
7. How many city council meetings have you attended in the last year? Two years? I have attended all the meetings except for about 4 or 5 due to the birth of my daughter, and business travel that could not be avoided.
8. If you support commercial growth in Columbia what specifically will you do to make that a reality? I do support commercial growth. However I find it necessary that we also must reduce the tax burden on citizens and home owners. To accomplish this we need to find creative alternative financial incentives, other than offering a TIF (Tax Increment Financing). I would be willing to work with our Economic development Coordinator to make this a reality. What types of commercial entities do you feel Columbia needs the most? Businesses that generate quality jobs for the area.
9. Does commercial growth belong in the bottoms in light of the current issue facing the certification of the levy? If the levy issue is resolved do the bottoms become a good place for development? Why or why not? Due to a current lawsuit, I am unable to answer this questions at this time.
10. Alderman Stumpf has proposed the idea of having an economic development committee in order to field questions, comments, and ideas regarding any economic development opportunities that may present themselves to the city a number of times over the last year. Would you support this idea? Why or why not? I would definitely support the idea. I feel a committee, such as the one Alderman Stumpf has indicated, would be beneficial in promoting and marketing our city and as a result we would have a better chance to improve our economic status.
11. What types of incentives if any do you support to attract development to Columbia? Get specific, developers will know what they want. The key is to be creative with any type of incentives. While it’s important for the developer to receive a “good deal” it is equally important that the city receives a “good deal“. Due to the recent law suite I can not comment any further than what I have.
12. Do you support the annual 4.99% increase in Columbia’s tax levy? No. Is this an “ethical” practice to the community and its residents? Is it ethical, NO. Do we get away with it, YES. This is just another way for the city to increase its spending power without notifying the citizens. While I have been in office the last 4 years, I have brought this issue to light with many of my constituents. It is unfortunate that it has continued to pass the last 4 years. Due to the recent economic hardships, most citizens are cutting back financially and the city should not be exempt from such practices.
13. Should the city vehicle sticker tax be re-instated? NO Why or why not? The city was grossing roughly $50,000 from this tax. After figuring in the postage costs and employee labor costs, the city was netting a significant lower amount. I have yet to hear anyone complain that we did away with this tax, other than the mayor and two council members.
14. Should city departments be allowed to carry their budgeted balances over yearly, rather than the end of year balance rolling back to the general fund? Why or why not? This is a great question, and I am still uncertain how I feel about this issue. There are pros and cons to doing it both ways. I would definitely be interested in hearing what my constituents would have to say regarding this topic.
15. Do you support the fire department merging with the rural fire district? The rural is actually merging with the city fire department. How will the merger improve the department for city and rural residents? Does it benefit the city? The merger would benefit the city by allowing the department to work on better response times, consolidate financial resources and equipment, and allows for additional specialized training.
16. Will you vote for aldermen to receive a pay increase again in the next election cycle in light of the budget issues we face as a city? No, I have not supported an increase in the 4 years I have held office, and would continue to not support any increases. Again, due to the recent economic hardships, most citizens are cutting back financially and the city should not be exempt from such practices.
17. Are there any pressing issues facing Columbia in regards to infrastructure you feel should be immediately addressed, other than the road by McDonald's leading past Firestone on the way to the Post Office? In Ward III there are several streets that are prone to excessive speeding and traffic. These roads (i.e. Rueck Rd., Quarry Rd.) need to be considered for additional stop signs.
18. Do you feel my questions are biased towards any one line of thinking or candidate in particular? Not at all.
For Incumbent Candidates:
1. Name one thing you specifically “took the reins on” as a city council member. I initiated the upgrade of Columbia’s building codes to the International Building Code, and have encouraged all City buildings to become more energy efficient.
2. What drives you to continue as a member of the city council?
Well it is definitely not the pay...LOL! But in all seriousness, with keeping future generations in mind, my goal is to make Columbia a better place to live, work and play.
3. Why do you deserve to be given a second chance at facing the challenges of the city given that the city continues to have budget concerns and that commercial growth seems to have become stagnant over the course of your term as aldermen?
I have recognized that the city does in fact have budget concerns. I have found ways to cut spending and will continue to do so when elected. I have to disagree with you, though, in that commercial growth has become stagnant over the past 4 years. In fact, we now have a Main Street that is flourishing with many new businesses, we now have a hotel in Columbia, CVS is now in a new bigger building, we are expecting a Dollar store to open in the near future, Dollar general is building a new and larger facility, Quality Collision is building a larger facility and will be selling used luxury vehicles, Gillians rehabbed a historical building and moved to the larger facility, Maverick Technologies built a large state of the art facility....and the list continues.4. Do you find my presence at most council meetings an issue? Not at all. I would actually prefer that you would start bringing guests. I feel that citizens should be active in their local government and hold council members accountable.
5. What action or actions if any as an aldermen do you regret and how would you handle things differently in that situation given hindsight? Absolutely not. To quote Victoria Holt; “Never Regret! If it is good....it’s wonderful. If it’s bad.....it’s experience!”
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Responses From Jeff Huch
Again, I just copy and pasted these responses from an eamil Jeff sent to me. Good thorough responses.
1. What is the extent of your education?
Graduated Columbia High School in 1987, Graduated SIU-E - 1991 with a B.S. in Business Administration with a specialization in Management
2. How long have you lived in Columbia? If not a lifelong Columbia resident where did you grow up and where did you live right before you moved to Columbia?
I was born and raised in Columbia. In 1996 I was trasferred to Jopin, Mo and in 2000 we moved back to Columbia. My family moved to the area in 1837 after immigrating to the U.S from Hanover, Germany in 1831 and originally settling in Ohio before moving to New Hanover, Il and the Columbia area.
3. Do you feel that the length of time you or your family has lived in Columbia makes you a better candidate than someone else? Why is this continually an election talking point? Many residents of Columbia, my family included, do not have deep rooted family trees in Columbia, is their opinion worth less to you when compared to others who have lived here for generations?
I do not feel the length of time a family has been here makes a difference in the canidates. I believe it is mentioned because of the pride we have in our past generations for building such a wonderful community to live in today. I believe it is brought up because many feel it shows dedication to the community and a will to do the best we can to continue our legacy of quality of life and a vibrant community. I feel that the experience brought to the community from those who chose to be a first generation Columbian is extremely valuable. We all need to not only understand the communities history but how the community is viewed and why people chose to move here. It is important to have experience of those who have lived elswhere and learn from those experiences to keep growing our community in the best possible manner. Liiving in the Joplin/Webb City area for 4 years taught me alot about the quality of life and services that other communities have to offer. I was able to learn everything from the importance of building codes and materials to the aspects of successful and not so successful commercial development and how it affected the residents.
4. What is your occupation? How will it affect your serving on the city council?
I have worked for Walgreens since 1988. I am currently a Community Leader Store Manager. I manage one store and have been assigned 5 other St. Louis stores to assist in supervising, mentoring the manager, training and personel issues. My job responsibilities will have little affect on my ability to serve on the city council. My job enables me to bring my experiences with budgeting, personel, sales, training and human resouces to the job as alderman.
5. Does your occupation make you a good candidate to serve as chairmen of any present city council committees? I feel my business and personel skill set will enable me to serve on any of the committees.
6. How have you gathered your information regarding issues facing the city? I have gathered my information from conversations with current aldermen, the mayor, department heads, city emplyees, family and residents of columbia.
7. How many city council meetings have you attended in the last year? Two years? During my two year term as alderman I attended all but a couple due to being out of town and I have been to a number of meetings since but do not recall how many.
8. If you support commercial growth in Columbia what specifically will you do to make that a reality? What types of commercial entities do you feel Columbia needs the most?
I do support commercial growth in Columbia. To make this a reality we need to work with the economic development coordinator and the local businesses to determine first of all how we can support local business and then bring in complimentary business growth that will benefit both the new business and the existing business. I would like to see the firms that Maverick, Budnick and a number of other large employers need for their businesses to move here to be able to build areas of partner businesses which could help with logistics and money savings to make these businesses stronger and help with their possible expansions in our area. This type of complimentary business growth would positively affect everyone including bringing in jobs and strenghtening our current businesses. I feel additional retail, restaurants, office and professionial buildings would be a good start.
9. Does commercial growth belong in the bottoms in light of the current issue facing the certification of the levy? If the levy issue is resolved do the bottoms become a good place for development? Why or why not?
I feel that once the issues of the levy system is resolved that the bottoms are the most ogical place for commercial growth. Columbia sits in a unique location by a major highway to transports, people and goods on without bringing that traffic through our residential areas and downtown. The natural barrier of the bluffs and location of that property seperates that type of growth from our residential areas. The traffic on 255 is such that would support retail and restaurant types of businesses combined with easy access to south county and the city of St. Louis.
10. Alderman Stumpf has proposed the idea of having an economic development committee in order to field questions, comments, and ideas regarding any economic development opportunities that may present themselves to the city a number of times over the last year. Would you support this idea? Why or why not?
We have an economic development coordinator whose job is do do just that. If we support this position and empower him to do his job as such there is no need to duplicate these duties. The planning commission also works in this capacity.
11. What types of incentives if any do you support to attract development to Columbia? Get specific, developers will know what they want.
Each incentive package is widely different. Any support of an incentive package must have the best interest of the city, schools and taxpayers formost. Incentive packages can be fashioned to benefit all parties and help the business offset infrastructure costs. The city's interests must be first and formost in any incentive package.
12. Do you support the annual 4.99% increase in Columbia’s tax levy? Is this an “ethical” practice to the community and its residents?
The 4.99% increase is not a tax increase however it is a revenue increase. The 4.99% increase is an increase in the amount of property tax dollars, not percentage tax rate that the citizens pay. This is an increase in the amount of tax dollars which the city can receive from the property tax dollars colloected which is based on the equalized assessed value of all property, both commercial sn residential within the city of Columbia. Each year the city is allowed to request an increase of 4.99% of those dollars without a truth in taxation hearing. In a growing community like Columbia, the EAV grows at a higher rate than the 4.99%. When this higher growth rate happens the end result is more money for services to constituents without increasing the tax rate to those same constituents. My opponent is opposed to this 4.99% increase but does not have a plan to replace those lost dollars which will force a reduction in city services decreaseing the quality of life in Columbia. Every year I will look at the financial situation of the city and determine if this 4.99% increase is necessary. Quality of life is one of my largest concerns This type of increase, in some years, is necessary to keep Columbia one of the most desirable place to live in the metro area.
13. Should the city vehicle sticker tax be re-instated? Why or why not?
This tax revenue is gone and I do not believe will ever be re-instituted. The lost revenue for the projects that this tax funded must be made up elsewhere or these projects cancelled due to the lost revenue. The city sticker tax has always been a widely debated tax and the projects it funded were not widely known. Most people did not know where the money went and were happy when the stickers were no longer required.
14. Should city departments be allowed to carry their budgeted balances over yearly, rather than the end of year balance rolling back to the general fund? Why or why not?
The city operates as one unit and not a group of independent businesses. All departments must be fiscally responsible at all times with the best interest of the city as a whole at heart. They are all working out of the same checkbook so at the end of the year those departments that have operated within or under their budget contribute to the financial well being of the city and the ability to operate with a stronger budget the following year.
15. Do you support the fire department merging with the rural fire district? How will the merger improve the department for city and rural residents? Does it benefit the city?
I have had a number of conversations with Mike Roediger and members of the fire department. We discussd the benefits and their desire to become a district. This is a question for the voters to decide. Our current city council supported the measure being put on the ballot and it comes down to the vote of the citizens. With the merger we will receive the same fire protection we currently are getting except the fire department will be run by a board instead of managed by the city. The department will be its own taxing body and control their own tax levy into the future. The benefit is to be seen if the measure passes and how the department if run and managed into the future.
16. Will you vote for aldermen to receive a pay increase again in the next election cycle in light of the budget issues we face as a city?
I do not feel the job is about the money.
17. Are there any pressing issues facing Columbia in regards to infrastructure you feel should be immediately addressed, other than the road by McDonald's leading past Firestone on the way to the Post Office?
We have an aging water and sewer infrastructure that must be continuously updated to avoid issues. One of my biggest concerns is when we outgrow the current city lagoon and need to expand or replace the current facility. This is going to be a large expense when we get to this point and we must be making plans for this.
18. Do you feel my questions are biased towards any one line of thinking or candidate in particular?
I feel the questions are consistent and fair. I do not feel they are slanted in any way towards one side or the other.
For Challenging Candidates
1. What compels you to run for city office? Do you have higher ambitions in politics?
I am compelled to run for office out of my love for the city. The city of Columbia was a great place to grow up and raise a family. We have a great culture and a wonderful quality of life. I feel we need to manage and balance our growth both commercial and residential to continue to have a very high quality of life. We must continue to expand our sales tax revenue base and continue to increase our commercial EAV revenues with controlled development to continue to fund the city and our schools. We need to capture the sales tax dollars being spent in surrounding communities by offering additional shopping and service choices in Columbia. I have a very large interest in maintaining our city services and programs while adding as little burden upon the citizens through taxation as possible. We need to develope a city council that can work together to solve the issues our city faces now and in the future.
2. Have you met with other candidates or community groups to discuss issues and the upcoming election? If so which ones?
I have met with many other groups and a number of other canidates in preparation for this election season.
3. Were you brought up to speed regarding city issues by any certain people?
I have spoken with many in city government including department heads, city employees, commissoners and volunteers.
4. Are you a “member” of Progress for Columbia? Did PFC or any of its members assist you in your candidacy in any way?
Yes I am a member of PFC, Columbia Kiwanis Club, St. Paul United Church of Christ, Columbia Sportsmans and Midwest Workforce Investment Board. I have had support and assistance with my campaign from many of these groups and organizations. I have received strong support based on my many years of community service and my willingness to think out of the box and listen to the needs of others.
5. Have you ever met with or discussed issues facing the city with your aldermen? Specifically the one you may be running against? If not, why? If yes, did you find that conversation satisfactory?
No. After the last election and we had an apparent difference of opinoins on many of the issues facing the city. I spent 4 weeks reviewing the minutes of every concil meeting for the last four years. His voting record does not support the opinions and statements that he has been giving to the constiuents in our ward. I have spoken to numerous constituents who have spent years trying to get my opponent to return a call to discuss issues they have.
Responses From Alderman Stumpf
I'd like to thank Alderman Stumpf for sending his responses in. It's a busy day today so I'm just copying and pasting what he sent over to me just before noon. Reading through them I have a better sense of where he stands on the issues. Its never easy to send in responses first.
Questionnaire responses.
Education graduate U of I bachelor of science ornamental horticulture and ag industries School of hard knocks in process.
Home place was in the river bottoms near Merrimac. Moved to rural Columbia 1978. and into city limits 1984.
All input from all residents is valuable. What makes this town a good place to live is the hard working ethical and honest people that live here.
I own and operate Shadycreek Nursery which means I am very accessible to people daily.
I feel the daily decision making routine of running any business makes one more ready to accept the responsibility and appreciate the ramifications of decisions rendered.
I would welcome to be chair of any committee.
I have attended all meetings accept for two in the last four years.
Supporting commercial growth can lead to many avenues of what should and shouldn’t be done. Commercial growth should not be an at all costs proposition.
First and foremost the citizens life style of living in Columbia should be the number one consideration of what should and shouldn’t be promoted. Not all commercial growth will alleviate our egregious properly tax burden in fact some could possible worsen it. An increase in protective services and infrastructural maintenance costs all need to be considered when promoting and incentivizing business. A well thought out paced and calculated plan for business growth is what I support.
The flood plain issue for growth is controversial and complex. Density of commercial growth and what types of commercial enterprises should be the question answered before we proceed. Undeniable someday that levee will break, when? And at what cost do we proceed. The Columbia river bottoms has several unique characteristics that I feel Columbia can take advantage of to produce good high paying jobs. We have the largest inland waterway in the center of our country at our door step.
We have one of the largest rail centers cut through our city limits. We have a major interstate also cut through our city limits and we have a commercial airport within 10 miles of our city limits. These four characteristics offer huge potential for economic growth. I do not support a massive TIF district for box stores in this area, I feel other avenues need to be pursued. Do I have the answer? I feel when a good proposal is forwarded on this area it will be a decision that collectively the majority will agree on and the transparency of the plan, I will be an advocate of.
I feel an economic committee consisting of a diverse group of Columbia citizens with business and development background would serve the city well.
On incentives; the biggest concern I have about TIF is the creating of another entity where after it is created citizens have little input until it expires.
Every business has it own needs and wants and must be viewed independently.
I have voted for the 4.99% increase reluctantly as the city‘s expenditures always dictate the need.
I support the merger to have one department instead of two. Hopefully the efficiency gained will have a positive effect.
Infrastructurally speaking Gall road is in dire need of improvement. Hopefully the issue can be addressed soon as this road will experience growing traffic as Columbia’s residential growth expands.
One thing I specifically took the reigns on was the questioning of the legality of approving a $200 million Tif district.
I enjoy working with the council and the Mayor in honing the direction the city takes in it future journey.
The budget is a problem that needs disciplined decision making on the part of the council. As I did not vote to pass our deficit budget last year I feel I showed how I stand.
I disagree that growth has become stagnant; look at the renaissance of mainstreet plus 50 new homes last year. Columbia has what many places don’t; location location location
Respectfully submitted
Alderman Fred Stumpf Ward1
Thursday, March 24, 2011
My thoughts on the Candidate Forum & The Questions I Sent to the Candidates
I’ll be upfront and say I’m not a member of Progress for Columbia. I know specifically of a few people associated with the group and do trade emails back and forth with them. I have asked when their meetings are so I could attend and asked who the members are so I could get an idea of what they are about; both questions netted no answer in return. On the other side of things I have traded emails on occasion with the incumbent aldermen. I’ll discuss issues with just about anyone.
Where were all of the candidates? The incumbents were never formally invited? What!? I know for a fact that this is not true, they were formally invited on March 18th, a bit late in my opinion, and I let two of them know on March 10th a day after I was made aware of the forum. So for whatever reason Candace, Brad, and Fred had for not coming to the forum I can say that honestly they didn’t miss much.
If you took the time to watch the videos below that I have posted of the candidate forum you’ll quickly realize that while there wasn’t a wide spread smear campaign against the current aldermen there wasn’t really anything said that hasn’t been mentioned by candidates before.
The candidates who came to the forum believe that controlled commercial growth should accompany the residential growth of Columbia. They believe in having a well qualified city staff and that the utility tax should not be eliminated without a new funding source to take its place. They believe that their professional experience makes them qualified candidates. Some believe their life-long connection with Columbia make them a better candidate.
I’m not sure how much more general a question and answer session could have been. I think that these four candidates will work well with the other four aldermen who are not up for re-election this year. They share the same views and have a distinct belief that the incumbents they are opposing are holding things up in some way.
That sums up what I got out of the forum on Tuesday. I sent out the following questions to the candidates. I’ll post their answers to this website if the candidates reply. Hopefully they can get answers back to me over the weekend and people can have a few days next week to look them over. If the candidates would like to point people to this site to not only reference their reply but also their opponents that is welcomed.
1. What is the extent of your education?
2. How long have you lived in Columbia? If not a lifelong Columbia resident where did you grow up and where did you live right before you moved to Columbia?
3. Do you feel that the length of time you or your family has lived in Columbia makes you a better candidate than someone else? Why is this continually an election talking point? Many residents of Columbia, my family included, do not have deep rooted family trees in Columbia, is their opinion worth less to you when compared to others who have lived here for generations?
4. What is your occupation? How will it affect your serving on the city council?
5. Does your occupation make you a good candidate to serve as chairmen of any present city council committees?
6. How have you gathered your information regarding issues facing the city?
7. How many city council meetings have you attended in the last year? Two years?
8. If you support commercial growth in Columbia what specifically will you do to make that a reality? What types of commercial entities do you feel Columbia needs the most?
9. Does commercial growth belong in the bottoms in light of the current issue facing the certification of the levy? If the levy issue is resolved do the bottoms become a good place for development? Why or why not?
10. Alderman Stumpf has proposed the idea of having an economic development committee in order to field questions, comments, and ideas regarding any economic development opportunities that may present themselves to the city a number of times over the last year. Would you support this idea? Why or why not?
11. What types of incentives if any do you support to attract development to Columbia? Get specific, developers will know what they want.
12. Do you support the annual 4.99% increase in Columbia’s tax levy? Is this an “ethical” practice to the community and its residents?
13. Should the city vehicle sticker tax be re-instated? Why or why not?
14. Should city departments be allowed to carry their budgeted balances over yearly, rather than the end of year balance rolling back to the general fund? Why or why not?
15. Do you support the fire department merging with the rural fire district? How will the merger improve the department for city and rural residents? Does it benefit the city?
16. Will you vote for aldermen to receive a pay increase again in the next election cycle in light of the budget issues we face as a city?
17. Are there any pressing issues facing Columbia in regards to infrastructure you feel should be immediately addressed, other than the road by McDonalds leading past Firestone on the way to the Post Office?
18. Do you feel my questions are biased towards any one line of thinking or candidate in particular?
For Challenging Candidates
1. What compels you to run for city office? Do you have higher ambitions in politics?
2. Have you met with other candidates or community groups to discuss issues and the upcoming election? If so which ones?
3. Were you brought up to speed regarding city issues by any certain people?
4. Are you a “member” of Progress for Columbia? Did PFC or any of its members assist you in your candidacy in any way?
5. Have you ever met with or discussed issues facing the city with your aldermen? Specifically the one you may be running against? If not, why? If yes, did you find that conversation satisfactory?
For Incumbent Candidates
1. Name one thing you specifically “took the reins on” as a city council member.
2. What drives you to continue as a member of the city council?
3. Why do you deserve to be given a second chance at facing the challenges of the city given that the city continues to have budget concerns and that commercial growth seems to have become stagnant over the course of your term as aldermen?
4. Do you find my presence at most council meetings an issue?
5. What action or actions if any as an aldermen do you regret and how would you handle things differently in that situation given hindsight?