Eau Claire City Council candidates discussed a wide range of topics, from what the council could do to improve street repair to raising property taxes, during a forum Wednesday night at a local school.
Eleven candidates took questions from community members during the session at Delong Middle School, 2000 Vine St.
Each speaker was given 90 seconds to respond to a question.
Candidates in attendance included: Dave Adler and Dennis Berry from District 1, Toby Biegel and Fred Urmann from District 2, Beverly Boettcher and Rodney Pettis from District 3, Lynne Young from District 4, Joel Levandowski and Beryle Middleton from District 5 and council president candidates Howard White and Jane Tappen, who arrived 40 minutes late because of an emergency.
One question asked the potential council members what they think the most pressing issue of the immediate future is for Eau Claire.
Several candidates mentioned revenue sharing, labor negotiations for city employees and dealing with the flooding from last fall.
Councilwoman Young cited a need for more public safety.
“I’m horrified at the number of people I see running red lights,” she said, adding that pedestrians crossing with no regard to their own safety are also a problem.
Candidates also were asked to address the public perception that past councils have bickered among themselves.
Some candidates said the problem was exaggerated by the media.
“A lot of the stuff in the press was tabloid press … with a political motivation,” Tappen said.
Other candidates said there was a problem because of the perception the public has. White mentioned talking with community members who thought the council had a bad reputation.
“We need a leader in there who will lead the council in a positive manner,” he said.
The forum is scheduled to be aired on the Community Television Government Channel on March 9, 14 and 15 at 7:30, 7 and 8 p.m. respectively.
City Council elections are scheduled to take place April 3. Voters may vote for a council candidate in their district and a council president.
