“MICHAEL KEMPS (incumbent)
”The residents are the city. Members of the City Council represent the interests of a consensus of most residents. Any perception that the interests of the city should in some way prevail or override those of its residents is false and misguided. Local government is unique, in that it provides the closest and most prevalent involvement access for its citizens. It is critical that vocal support or opposition on issues be heard thoroughly, and that consensus is built ahead of a decision. Most residents need to be behind majority Council decisions that are executed in their best interest. Community sentiment is gauged by speaking with a cross section of residents, understanding positions on issues, and by being willing to truly listen. Certainly, there are times where residents are not privy to confidential information (litigation, legal exposure, labor negotiations, etc.) where best efforts need to be made to represent what one Councilmember believes is in the best interest of residents. In a situation like the roundabout, one needs to have a willingness to reverse course when consensus does not agree with initial direction. We are all human. That is forgivable. Ignoring the will of the people is not. Hearing a minority view and voting against it respectfully and/or finding compromise is honorable. The city needs to continue to improve its communication with residents; and residents need to do their part and opt in, contributing to the conversation.””

“VICTORIA LOZZI (incumbent)
”Effective council members must become “experts” in subjects that might not be in their normal areas of expertise and must consider all perspectives. Often, groups of residents, while well-meaning, only look at an issue from their own perspective. Council members must make decisions that are in the best interest of the community as a whole, both in the short and long terms. It is imperative that public discussion be encouraged as decisions are being made, and the more difficult and sensitive an issue, the more public discussion there should be. In instances where the public, or sections of the public, disagree with the Council’s thinking, we can’t be afraid to pause, take a step back, and re-think the decision, incorporating the feedback received.””

“DAVID MCGOWAN (incumbent)
”My role on the City Council is to apply my best independent, non-emotional judgment regarding the topic at hand on behalf of the entire community. This responsibility requires me to evaluate all sides of the question and effectively commutate my findings, conclusions, logic and rational in reaching my decision.

As a City Council member, I need to ensure that the city staff has adequately presented all sides of the situation in a straightforward, understandable format to ensure that all correct information is presented. As residents provide opinions and suggestions to the City Council we need to inform and educate residents in advance so that they are not making and forming opinions with limited, incorrect and/or incomplete information.

The City Council and city staff can and should improve on informing the community on upcoming decisions, but this is a two-way street. Residents can be better informed by following the important matters before the Council. When residents have concerns, I request that they bring them forward early in the decision process so that we might address any specific concerns and/or correct misinformation. My ability to represent community interests is dependent on having this community input.””

“DESIREE “DEZ” MYERS
”RE: Best decision is “X”, but community wants Y?
Residents are smart. They offer solutions and opportunities we (Council) have not thought of. Council need to be open and treat residents as trusted partners.
RE: Do you follow the “will of the people” if the public is misinformed?
It is incumbent upon the City to ensure accurate information is disseminated, especially before any proposed changes on substantive matters involving taxes, safety, and changes to the character of the city, etc.
Council can not serve the will of the people unless the people are informed.
RE: How to be transparent in the face of vocal oppositions?
Engage the vocal opposition:
• Understand and respect their perspective
• Understand if the “opposition” has material facts that should be considered and used in the decision-making process
• Publish facts to the public without bias.
RE: How will you gauge community sentiment and how much will you try to engage and educate the community ahead of time in making these decisions?
Sentiment is gauged by listening to the volume and content of calls and letters Council receives.
If it is a material matter to the residents, engagement and providing information is critical.
For instance, on the roundabout, the community objected strongly and loudly and submitted 90 questions / concerns to the city which remain unaddressed today. Further, the residents provided material facts to the city from the County that the city was unaware of.
I seek to provide a new set of ears to hear the residents.””