Red

I have never met Red, I did attend the Candidates Forum where he answered the questions submitted.

(About the Forum - Candidates, as well as the audience, were able to submit questions prior to the beginning of the forum.  Questions were picked out randomly and the candidates responded to each question in a rotation decided by a draw at the beginning of the forum.)

One of his primary pitches to the crowd and in his materials is his business experience and acumen. While helpful the challenges of navigating the various aspects of  a governmental budget, spending, city codes, state law, Sunshine Act, county regulations, EPA, the list goes on and on, is daunting (I can tell you from my experience as a businessman turned alderman it is mind blowing) The training wheels for a new alderman will be on for some time, some in my opinion/observation never come off.  (If you attended meetings with any regularity since 2002 you might come to the same conclusion)

Question- Why do you want to be alderman
McLaughlin-Been working 80% outside of WL, now is spending 80% @ WL
Clark-Knows the community, knows the City and City Staff

Should WL have term limits?
M-Yes, 2 2yr terms
C-No, too many contests already uncontested

How would you create a long range plan?
M-That is in my wheelhouse, I would have a 10-15 plan and discuss every week
C-We create an annual budget, maintenance of city infrastructure is a big deal

Any consideration for sidewalks on Eastside Drive?
M-We have to be creative, take a look at it again
C-It has already been thoroughly reviewed and rejected, traffic calming ideas to slow down traffic would be a better idea

Can we get a swim team for WL?
M-We need to be creative
C-Actually coached a swim team, but you really need a pool which makes it very difficult

There were also two questions regarding Alderman Stevenson's property issues, although not readily apparent to many of the eligible voters in the audience...more about that later