Candidates square off at TVCC session
Tuesday, October 10, 2006 10:47 AM PDT
Larry Meyer | Argus Observer
ONTARIO
A packed housed greeted a group of local candidates Monday night in Room 10 of the Weese Building on the Treasure Valley Community College campus.
While a number of election hopefuls were on hand, most residents appeared to be waiting for what debate moderator Cathy Yasuda called the “main event” between candidates for mayor and Ontario City Council.
In the wake of the announcement by incumbent Ontario Mayor LeRoy Cammack that he would not seek another term, the city's top slot is now an open contest between current Ontario City Coucilman John Gaskill and Ontario businessman Joe Dominick.
Dominick - who has often been a vocal critic of city government in the past - led off in the candidate statements by saying “it is time for change,” and that he wants to make the city more business and people friendly.
“It's a business,” he said, and as in any business which is short of operating funds, operating cuts are necessary and changes must be made. However, he said, those cuts should not be slashes that affect the public the most, such as withholding funds from the library and swimming pool.
He also said the system development fees are needed, but should be kept reasonable.
When a question came up about the proposed 1 percent sales tax, Dominick flatly said he would not support any such proposal.
“We are Oregon, not Idaho,” he said. “We must find a solution. Something is not working.”
Gaskill told the crowd it was gratifying to see such a large turnout for elected slots.
“It was great to have so many people who are running for city government,” he said.
Of the mayor's race, he said, “It's great there will be a choice.”
The city does have limited resources, Gaskill said, but, “let the city government do what it has to do.”
“The potential for growth in Ontario is 40 percent,” Gaskill said he has been told. The system development charges are a way to help pay for development, he said.
Gaskill said he had no plans to propose another 1 percent sales tax initiative if elected as mayor.
In the City Council portion of the forum, incumbent council member Earl Cheatham said he wished people would talk more about what they like about Ontario instead of what they hate about city government.
Cheatham said Ontario has a very productive city manager who has worked hard to provide a positive work environment and increase efficiency, always asking more from the employees. Cheatham said he has done a lot of reading and research during his time on the council and will do more to find solutions.
City Council candidate Bruce Tuttle was the briefest speaker. Tuttle said after selling his business, he now has the time to spend on the council and that he is positive about the future.
Former Malheur County Judge Russ Hursh said he had pretty much decided he was retired from public or political life, but he had heard from a lot concerned citizens and decided to run for a City Council position.
During his 12 years as county judge, Hursh said the cost of the construction of the county jail was reduced to satisfy voters, and the county saved additional money through buying used cars, instead of buying new.
Hursh said the city overspends by buying equipment it does not need.
“It you don't take care of the pennies.You will pay in dollars,” Hursh said.
Current City Council member Jim Mosier, another incumbent, said the city's budget problems are partly a result of the state tax structure. While he said Idaho has a sales, property and income tax, Oregon has no sales tax and limits property tax.
He has visited with officials from other Oregon communities and said most of the them are facing the same budget issues as Ontario.
“We are not unique,” he said.
Commenting on Ontario City Manager Scott Trainor's salary, Mosier said his pay is not big when compared to administrative positions at other entities.
Susann Mills, who with her husband operates a rental housing business, said she felt she could provide a fresh look to old problems if she is elected.
“Buildings don't make the city. People make the city,” incumbent Audrey Jacobs said, after naming a number of additions to the town. “All of us working together is key to success.”
Jacobs said her No. 1 success was working to get a Portland television station broadcasting in the local area again.
Tuttle, Hursh and Mills, who are running as group with Dominick, all were asked in what way they are independent of Dominick.
“I never answered to anyone but the citizens,” Hursh said.
Mills and Tuttle also both said they would make their own decisions if elected.
No Dhimmi wrote on Aug 14, 2009 9:38 PM:
And this isn't "racist," because Islam is not a race, anymore than Communism or Nazism are races, both of which killed far fewer people than Islam.
Disgusting. "