Posted on 03/25/2006 11:44:02 AM PST by SheLion
The need for jobs and the condition of downtown buildings top the list of issues facing Sedalia, said mayoral candidates Thursday at a forum hosted by the League of Women Voters.
Candidates David Schick and Larry Stevenson said Sedalia needs small businesses.
"That way if they come in, and things don't work, we don't have the catastrophe like when the Union Pacific shops came in here," Mr. Stevenson said. "... When they shut down, they crippled Sedalia."
Mr. Stevenson, 63, said he would promote the enhanced enterprise zone to attract more business to the community.
Kevin Walker says better jobs will help single parents be better mothers and fathers.
"I want to help bring quality jobs to Sedalia, because Sedalia should be able to support its own community," Mr. Walker said. "É We need new opportunities for the 21st century."
Incumbent Bob Wasson said the need for jobs goes along with other quality of life issues the city should address, such as education, health care, transportation for senior citizens and the need for a community center.
Mary Merritt, a member of the local Pettis County League of Women Voters and president of the statewide non-partisan organization, was forum moderator. About 40 people attended the event at the Municipal Building. Municipal elections are April 4.
Each candidate gave a five-minute speech, answered questions from the audience and gave a closing statement. Candidates introduced themselves and told the audience how they perceive the duties of mayor, why voters should chose them and how they would address Sedalia's biggest need.
Mr. Wasson, 71, said a mayor must be mature, dedicated, experienced and have vision, integrity, personal honesty, values and firm convictions.
"I want to talk about stable leadership. We have moved along and got things done," Mr. Wasson said. "I don't make a lot of noise; it's not an ego trip. É A mayor needs to be transparent and work with the City Council. ... We don't need a different battle every two weeks."
If elected, Mr. Walker, 41, said providing more activities for youth and improving the condition of downtown buildings are issues he would champion.
"I enjoy being the youngest candidate," Mr. Walker said. "I bring a younger viewpoint."
Mr. Walker, Mr. Schick and Mr. Stevenson said they would all aggressively enforce ordinances that hold owners accountable for the condition of their buildings.
The city is restricted by state regulations in terms of personal property, Mr. Wasson said.
"We don't own the buildings in downtown Sedalia, (tearing down others' buildings is) not really the way city government works," he said.
The city is looking at revising building codes to encourage the use of loft apartments downtown, Mr. Wasson said.
Mr. Schick, 63, said he thinks the city needs to encourage more local ownership of downtown buildings.
All of the candidates said that at this time they would not support a city-wide ban on smoking in public establishments.
Mr. Stevenson said he disagrees with the 3-percent raise the City Council gave all employees. He said across-the-board-raises reward all employees, even if they don't deserve it, and give the smallest raises to those who make the least amount of money.
The City Council is also taking too long to hire a replacement for former Police Chief Ted Litschauer, Mr. Stevenson said. He said he would like to see one of the commanders in the department promoted into the position.
Mr. Schick, former Sedalia street and sanitation superintendent, said the city needs changes in its street programs. "Now we have more potholes than we ever had," he said.
Others have told Mr. Schick that a city employee is trying to make changes that have "historically worked within the Sedalia area" and "sell off some equipment vital to the streets program," he said.
"I think we need to make some changes in the city employees, but I won't mention any names," he said.
The mayor serves a four-year term and is paid $9,600 annually.
Sedalia relies heavily on two things: Whiteman Air Force Base to the West (20 miles) and the Missouri State Fair (fairgrounds are within Sedalia.) It behooves the prospective mayor not to kill the goose that lays golden eggs...
They are SMART!! 
Thanks for the ping!
Yeah...those Midwest folks tend to be smarter than the coastal Libs give them credit for.
Without a doubt!!!!
That's why I loved having my 1st AF assignment be at Whiteman AFB. The nicest folks around, and it was actually fun to see a year with four distinct seasons, as opposed to my native Puerto Rico's one (hot and humid season.)
SUPER!
P I N G !!!!!! :)
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