Forum Fun

The candidates Forum was held last evening at the Community Center, by my quick count at least 120 and probably more WL citizens turned out to hear what the candidates had to say. One thing for sure, the candidates had ample opportunity to convince the voters why they deserved their vote. Some hit the mark, others not so much and there was even one meltdown.
Here are some of the highlights of the 12 pages of notes I took. This review is not meant to be all inclusive.

York in his opening statement talked about safety and security issues facing the city as well as infrastructure maintenance and upgrades. Bos mentioned "bringing about change", openness, community involvement, financials in the open, "other information" and a 5/10/15 year plan. He said citizen concerns include water and sewer bills that are too high, maintaining home values and the Community Center. Some of the Q&A session questions included:

• Do you favor a variance for lot size at Sonoma Ridge? Bos-No York-No
• Do you favor rezoning for smaller lots? Bos-No York-No
• #1 priorities, short and long term? Bos-Grinder costs, streets, "conclusion on this property" (Community Center) York-Completion of sewer study, Barry Road negotiations, infrastructure/streets/water on Eastside.
• How would you handle appointments to boards and commissions? Bos-Form a nominating committee, get alderman more involved, "get alot of input." York-Ask chairs/presidents of boards/commissions for input, seek alderman feedback, consider self nominations by citizens.

Closing statements: Bos-"Life is good at Weatherby Lake", he sees the community coming together, he is seeking consensus. York- Safety and security, sewer and infrastructure, passing Proposition One to make KC MO pay franchise fees to the city.

Opening statements by alderman/candidates:

Clark-4 term Eastside alderman, member Planning Commission

DeJong-Mechanical engineer, experience in managing facilities, retired in Dec, "got the time"

Alderman Finn-presiding alderman, long time community activist (Park Board, WLIC, Fireworks), liason to South Platte Ambulance District.

Stevenson-"My turn to give back", Sr VP experience at Fortune 500, wants long range planning committee, interested in procurement procedures.

Selected Q&A responses:

• Stand on Annexation? Clark-against, DeJong-against, Finn-against, Stevenson-against
• Financial transparency? Clark-not an issue, all information available, DeJong-Keep people informed, use email, communicate how bond issue money is spent, "go around and get feedback", Finn-reviews financials on a monthly basis, including every paid bill, Stevenson-important issue, 42 page financials "not easy to understand", need to distill down, people do not want surprises.
• Presenting a united front to KC MO & Platte Cty? Clark-City and WLIC currently working together to protect common interests, DeJong-Would like to see City and WLIC "meshed up", committees and boards working together, Finn-We can work together, some factions within the city make it difficult, we will get it done, Stevenson-We are in a difficult spot because a long range plan is not in place.

Closing statements: Clark-looking out for the welfare of the entire city, advocate against Owens development, promoted trail system study, liaison for Anders Jack cemetery project, voted against Somoma development, wants single family homes only at WL. DeJong-has technical skills, team building experience, concerned about air traffic patterns over the lake, would like to bring back "the Happening". Finn-Involved in community for 33 years, concerned about siltation issues and effects on lake, initiating a dog park project, encouraged support. Stevenson-Wants to do "what's best for the City", business experience would be transferable skill to the city, procurement experience might be helpful as well.

Last, but certainly not least the presiding municipal judge, Geran and opponent Roper. Opening statements: Geran-. Judge for four years, family at WL for 35 yrs. Believes in community service and probation, aware of some complaints about his sentencing, has dismissed about 12 cases for trespassing, "has made himself available". Roper-Municipal judge Pittsburgh, PA, Fed Prosecutor DC, environmental attorney, WLIC board, promises consistency in rulings.

If you are looking for the meltdown, it is here. If you didn't attend last night, it will be difficult to summarize Judge Gerans' responses to Q&A and make sense to the reader...that is because, in my opinion, Geran didn't make any sense. Most of his responses were rambling, sprinkled with comments about "planted" questions. He was very defensive and questioned the credentials of Roper twice as well as her being part of a environmental lawsuit against the US. Huh? He read from a former campaign brochure when answering a question regarding his position on trespassing.

Roper on the other hand stressed how important it was to be "consistent, predictable, making judgments quickly and fairly". In regards to trespassing, Ms Roper said it was important to maintain our way of life, as trespassing was an assault from the outside. It seems to me she is very much in sync with the values (and laws) of our city. If you were not there last night and have a Geran sign in your yard, I would recommend you consult someone who was. My bet is you might want to retire your Geran sign early.

No brainer=Roper for Municipal Judge.

I've devoted more time than anticipated to this post...I'll have more comments/perspectives.