http://thenewsherald.com/stories/10...051030007.shtml

Eleven contend for six seats on City Council

By Jason Alley, The News-Herald


PUBLISHED: October 30, 2005 LINCOLN PARK — Eleven people are running for the City Council, but only six will have a chance to hold the office for the next two years.

Voters will determine that when they head to the polls Nov. 8.


Incumbents Valerie Brady, Mariano DiSanto, Michael Higgins, Mark Kandes, Thomas Murphy and Frank Vaslo are being challenged by residents Sandra Cotter, Michael Lemuel, Thomas McPartlin, John Nelligan and James Rutherford.

The News-Herald Newspapers sent questionnaires to the candidates seeking their answers to a number of city-related issues.

The biographies of the candidates and the first question-and-answer ran in the Oct. 23 editions of The News-Herald.

In the Oct. 26 editions, the candidates discussed their thoughts on the city hiring it's first-ever city manager and a buyout plan offered to many top-ranking city employees.

The last set of questions appears today.

Q: What is the most pressing issue facing the city and what will you do to address it?

Brady: Decreasing property values. Being that the majority of our funding is from property taxes, we have to protect our home values. Currently, Lincoln Park has a high property transfer rate. New residents are moving to Lincoln Park as a place to initially start their families. While I am excited to entice them to our city, we also need to keep them. I would prefer to see incoming families' plant roots in our city. In order to accomplish this, we need to promote youth activities, provide quality services and detour property neglect.

Cotter: I want and believe strongly in a clean, safe city. The vacant businesses and houses blemish our city and serve as nothing more than a huge distraction to investors, developers and prospective homeowners. I would much rather see an empty lot than a building that continues to stay vacant and invites vandalism and crime. I would like to see more aggressive steps taken toward these buildings, much stricter codes and more enforcement of these codes. As with every good plan, you have to begin with step one before steps two and three can begin.

DiSanto: The most pressing issue facing our city is also our most valuable asset — our infrastructure. Over the last 30 years, we have neglected our roads, water distribution system and sewer system. Over the last four years, I have been committed to addressing this issue and working toward improving our infrastructure. We, together with U.S. Rep. Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick (D-13th District), secured a $1 million federal grant for the reconstruction of River Drive. In addition, we have invested $9 million in our infrastructure and I will continue to support this effort toward improving our community.

Higgins: The lack of revenue and way too many empty, abandoned storefronts and houses. Step one is to collect on all of our owed taxes. Step two is to become much more effective in attracting good businesses. The time when we can just sit back and hope businesses will come to us is long past. This is why I pushed for the Lincoln Park Business Expo as hard as I did. We need to put a spotlight on our city and sell it to let people know Lincoln Park is a nice, safe and inexpensive place to live and do business.

Kandes: Foremost in my mind is to maintain city services while searching for new revenue and decreasing our expenses. The city must maintain a balanced budget. Our city leaders must look at all options to improve services, become more efficient and more cost effective. Our taxpayers deserve the best bang for their buck. Cutting services and raising taxes should not be an option. We must find other means to not only maintain the status quo, but to increase the services provided to the residents of Lincoln Park.

Lemuel: The failing condition of our roads. Traveling throughout our city is one dangerous adventure after another. While our leadership has made several attempts for road repair, they have failed in getting the problem under control. Now we are faced with a mileage that is indefinite. We are forced to succumb to less quality repairs by placing an asphalt overlay on our roads instead of solid new concrete. We should utilize as much federal and state funding as possible to fight the daily decay of our roads. Urban congestion grants should be investigated and aggressive applications made on our behalf.

McPartlin: The most pressing issue facing our city is the reduction in state revenue, which has a great impact on the quality of city services. The city administration needs to work diligently to make it very clear to our state legislators that our city cannot withstand further budget cuts. It is also imperative that the council, the city manager and city employees come together and work as a team. Our most important tasks are to maintain a balanced budget, a clean and safe environment for all residents, and to rekindle a great sense of pride in our city.

Murphy: I believe being honest, straightforward and open with our people on the problems we face is vital. Telling the truth on things like our road and infrastructure problems. With nearly $100 million in road repairs, the $3 million we spend annually will total $45 million in 15 years for a temporary asphalt bandage for the roads. After 15 years, you will need them fixed again, but it won't happen because the other $55 million in bad roads won't have been touched yet and more will go bad. The proposed "forever" roads tax would be a costly mistake for taxpayers.

Nelligan: The economy. The role of the local government is limited in what it can do to help. However, we can cut costs by pooling insurance and health care purchases with other units of government, possibly the Downriver Community Conference or the Michigan Municipal League.

Rutherford: The most critical issue facing our city is our current and future financial situation. Many have and will blame our situation on the reduction in state revenue sharing. We shouldn't be dependent on the state to keep us solvent. Proper long-term planning could have avoided the monetary dilemma our city is in. Let us look within our own city to make the necessary and sometimes tough cuts that will be necessary. Some systems and processes have been outdated for many years. Let's look to increase efficiency and provide a higher level of service to our residents.

Vaslo: Several issues continue to threaten the health and vitality of the city. Rising costs, especially in health care and energy, are a major concern. We need to join with neighboring communities to form a purchasing group to demand better prices from municipal service vendors. The city needs to maintain a strong presence in the Michigan Municipal League and the Michigan Suburbs Alliance to make sure ourinterests are represented. The city continues to be assaulted with lawsuits. We have to improve our risk management, better train employees to avoid liabilityand seek tort reform.

Q: Much talk over the years has been about revitalizing the city's downtown area near Fort and Southfield. Many people contend that nothing much has happened except for talk. What do you envision that area someday looking like and what can be done to accomplish that?

Brady: Revitalization needs to occur citywide. The problems we face in our business districts are not centered strictly in our downtown area. In order to produce results, it is imperative that we continue with our redevelopment ready efforts to present a welcoming atmosphere for existing and future businesses. Enhancing the aesthetics of our business districts is also mandatory if we anticipate positive results. Traffic-enhancement incentives need to be implemented. Bicycle racks, trash receptacles, benches and improved lighting would produce remarkable results in this area and would reduce criminal activity. The majority of which can be funded through traffic-enhancement grants.

Cotter: Let me just say, you can envision all you want for the downtown, but until you address the parking issue, nothing more can happen to attract new businesses. I would suggest at this time that any business or developer who approaches our city must include in his or her plans adequate parking for that development. Each business is then responsible for a clean, safely lit parking lot, which takes care of a horrific blight problem our city currently has. When we address this problem of parking, then we can begin to envision restaurants, family-oriented businesses, coffeehouses, etc.

DiSanto: I agree that talk is cheap. It is time we start doing. We need to refocus our efforts and define our vision with our elected and appointed officials and residents. We need to continuously support our business owners by providing grants. During my years as a councilman, we have started to proceed with some development projects. However, we need to focus on preserving our roots and building new. I envision a downtown where families can eat, shop and enjoy entertainment. However, my vision is irrelevant unless it's supported by our business owners, residents and the marketplace.

Higgins: I envision a steakhouse, a coffee shop, doctors' offices and all kinds of things, but we must be willing to do the work to get them here. There are many things that need to be done to bring businesses in. We must stop waiting for businesses to come to us. We need to get active recruiting them. We must do better public relations by letting businesses know what we have to offer. City leaders must be open minded, work together and be ready to hear new and different ideas. We must be willing and ready to think outside the box.

Kandes: Over the last couple years, we have made progress. We have introduced multiple businesses into the downtown area. There has been multiple facelifts on some of the downtown buildings. Even though we have made progress, we must continue to focus on further accomplishments. We are far from having a successful downtown. The city must look at the master zoning of the downtown area and remove restrictions, thus enhancing redevelopment in our downtown area. The downtown did not decay overnight nor will it revive and prosper overnight. I believe I can provide the leadership needed to continue reviving the city.

Lemuel: I would like to enhance the foot traffic and decrease the amount of vacant buildings. As a prior business owner, I am aware of the needs of small family-owned establishments. Our city has failed in being business minded and business friendly. We must find a way to attract new businesses to our downtown area instead of impeding their progress. Governmental assistance should be offered to all businesses. If we provide them advertising direction and educated planning assistance, we could aid in the prosperity of our local establishments.

McPartlin: I envision a collaborative effort among the existing businesses within our city limits to bring about a positive change to our downtown area. It is up to the city administration to rally these businesses people and the residents to address this challenge. I would research other communities that have successfully renovated their downtown areas, such as Wyandotte, and more recently, Trenton and Taylor, to duplicate their successes and eliminate their pitfalls. I would then support a series of town hall meetings to discuss these ideas together with residents and business owners.

Murphy: Many councils have tried, but we have been plagued by a failing Michigan economy and a number of development problems. We were on the right track when we decided to hire a professional to go out and sell Lincoln Park by letting businesses know what we had available and what we were looking for to build our city. Unfortunately, we had a problem getting the right individual for that job. Now we have a good man, but we are only paying him part time. We need to pay a full-time professional what they are worth to get it done right.

Nelligan: I hope the American Indians will get their art school and cultural center put in that area. I see it and the brew pub as the area's best hope. The city needs to be 100 percent behind the American Indian group. Property tax relief from the DDA would also help the area.

Rutherford: The Downtown Development Authority's past and current efforts have been an analogy of taking one step forward and two steps backward. There have been many opportunities over the years and none have come to fruition. Lawsuits, one after another, have put the DDA in financial crises on numerous occasions. The Michigan Department of Transportation has turned down repeated requests for median parking. Let's now look in a different direction. Many businesses have moved out of our city over the years. Please, let's get business friendly. Vaslo: The Fort and Southfield corridor has new retail, new housing and newrestaurants. I envision more of the same. There are some interesting and unique plans for the area. Can we do better? You bet. But, economic development is 90 percent market driven and Michigan's economy is stagnant. What can we do? Be redevelopment ready. Let developers know if they come to town, they will be treated fairly and uniformly and that approval processes will be handled quickly and with courtesy. When word gets out that Lincoln Park is open for business, business will come.

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recordar la yocorazon

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I wonder how many of the non-incumbents answers to this question were also edited or changed?

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As I challenged in another thread, Put Up or Shut Up.

Please post the real response by the "non-incumbent candidate" and the respons printed in the News Herald.

You love to make accusations. Here is a perfect time for you to prove your point.

I challenge you sir.

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Congratulations Councilman Mario DiSanto. The Dean of the LP Council

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I don't think it's up to me to put up or shut up. I'm not the one that was edited. I won't set this candidate up for payback by the News Herald.
It's up to that candidate to raise the issue. I did call this person about this question today, and was told once again, this question was once again under the 100 word limit, and was also edited.
Magoo, if you choose not to believe me, that's fine, I'm just repeating what I was told by the candidate. I think they're telling the truth.

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I am curious, why is this candidate afraid to come forward. Will they be this afraid to speak up once they are elected?

What you are doing by making these statements is putting doubts in my mind about all of the non incumbents and this is not a good thing.

If there is an issue, this person either needs to accept it and not complain quietly behind the backs of the newspaper or come forward and set the record straight. We have see too much backbiting lately that I would not want to see this person in office if that is their propensity.

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What I find remarkable is that a candidate just happened to share that info with Primo and Primo only.

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You made the accusation. This is one time we can see if this is real or only imagined.

1. Have the non-incumbent candidate post his answer

2. Post the News Herald "edited" answer

If this "non-'incumvent" wants to sit on the city council, he has to have enough guts to point out the News Herald is biased. How can we trust him to speak up when something is wrong once he is on the council if he will not speak up now?

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Boy oh boy. I never seen so many generic answers. It's almost like they spend two years practicing their answers.

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Arctic Cat Thundercat Test Pilot

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Nobody is willing to stand out. They all want to walk down the middle of the road.

None will make a promise. They do not want it to come back and haunt them They could at least say this is want they want to accomplish. This is the resolutions I plan on bringing to the table.

Nope, all of them will be sitting and voting on resolutions submitted by the Department Heads.

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I don't think that Neligan's answers were generic. They were very short unlike the others . They also spoke of particular things and not big concepts .

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Once again, shoot the messenger. Instead of being concerned that our local Newspaper is allegedly editing comments that are critical of this administration, some decide we'll discredit Primo so that nobody believes him. That's standard operating procedure for some members of this administration. Shoot or discredit the messenger, that way people will discount the message.
I have simply repeated what I was told. I believe that person, if for no other reason because the News Herald has no credibility IMHO, and this person does. They have no reason to make this up, what do they gain. Sympathy. I doubt it.
If what I repeated is true this is more evidence that the News Herald is involved in an unethical way with this election. Their actions here, if this is true, illustrates a level of unprofessional ism and unethical behavior that no citizen should tolerate. To edit candidate profiles is totally unacceptable behavior. If this candidate chooses to be silent, that's their business, I'm not their mother. But once I've been told about this gutter type of unprofessional ism, I will open my mouth. No one has to believe one word I say, that's a choice, but I stand by what I said, and I think it was important enough to let my fellow citizens know about it. I realized certain councilmen or their puppets on this site under their fictitious names will attempt to discredit my message, but I didn't or won't let that stop me from stating what I've been told, because I believe it did happen.

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Primo, this is your opportunity to prove your allegations.

Show us the original answer by this "non-incumbent" candidate, then show us the so-called edited version.

One would think you would be excited to be able to finally prove your allegations. But instead, you try your best to put a spin on it.

You should be a politician. You point the finger, but never have anything to back you up. This is what Senator Joseph McCarthy did during the "Red" Hearings of the 50s

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Your comments are in direct contradiction to each other:

Frank Vaslo lied because I read it in the NH and I believe that the NH would never edit anything given to them

I cannot believe the NH because someone who is afraid to speak for themselves told me something and I believe the NH edited their content.

You are the only one discrediting yourself. No one else needs to do this as you are doing such a fine job of it.

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edwardandsusan (10-31-05)

Don't put words in my posts Lupin.
In another post, I said if I had the choice to believe the News Herald or Vaslo on the real estate agent question, I said given the option of believing Vaslo who IMHO has no credibility or a business entity that has little or none IMHO, I'll go with the little or none.
I think Vaslo was stupid enough to say it, without thinking it could be easily checked, and Alley just printed what Vaslo told him.

I was at the council meeting tonight and heard Alley state to a member of these forums that Vaslo did indeed tell him that he was a real estate agent. That is not to say that Alley is neccessarily telling the truth, but once again I heard Alley say it.
Those who choose to believe Alley can, those who choose to believe Vaslo can. My credibility is not in question, because I only repeated what I heard from Alley's own mouth. Like anyone else, it is my right or option to believe who I choose to believe.

If I were running for council, and the NH misprinted or omitted parts of what I wrote in my profile, I would file a complaint, with the parent company of the NH, and probably go to the podium.
If the NH is willing to stoop to the level of gutter journalism that they often do, IMHO, the sky is the limit as to what else they might do to hurt this candidate. I don't necessarily blame this candidate for not coming forth, just because I may have handled it differently. It's their campaign and I will respect their right to handle it the way they choose. I repeated what I was told and stand by it, my creditability is very much intact as far as I'm concerned. If that candidate wants to go public, that's their choice to make, not mine. I stand by what I said, and won't be goated into changing my mind, because someone wants to question my credibility.

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Why would Alley make up something like Vaslo being a Real Estate Agent. Makes no sense.

As far as the non-incumbent candidate, I doubt that would be too hard to figure out. Primo said "he" a few times so that eliminates Cotter.

That leaves Rutherford, McPartlin and Lemuel.

I agree with Magoo on this one. If this guy can prove the NH edited his words then he should come forward. If he wants to sit on City Council he has to be brave enough to buck the local newspaper.

If the answer got "edited" wouldn't that be done by the Editor? The Reporter only submits his copy. The Editor has the final say on what gets into the paper. If it was edited then blame the editor not the reporter

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