Published: May 06, 2008 09:20 am            

Candidates’ response disappointing, chairman says

The response of a recent survey given to all Richmond City Commission incumbents and candidates is disappointing to Dennis Brewer, chairman of Citizens for a Better Madison County and pastor at Unity Baptist Church in Richmond.

The local grassroots organization distributed the surveys in March and gave everyone an April 1 deadline.

Copies of the survey and the answers provided recently were distributed to all Richmond pastors.

Incumbents Robert Blythe, Kay Cosby Jones and Bill Strong responded along with candidates John S. McDaniel and Rita H. Smart, leaving five new candidates and one incumbent who did not respond to the survey.

Not responding were: incumbent Mike Brewer and candidates Michael Bryant, Cameron Scott Gibson, Doug Parker, Richard Thomas and Ian Ward.

“We regret that some of the candidates did not feel it was worthy of their time or attention to share their position on possible issues with a segment of the citizens of Richmond,” Brewer said.

Candidates were questioned on a wide variety of issues including: expanding Sunday alcohol sales; underage drinking; citizen input in government; expanded gambling; domestic partner benefits for city employees; and adult-oriented establishments.

The group wanted to be proactive by surveying candidates before the primary election May 20 rather than react after the face, Brewer said.

“We realize that the Richmond City Commission is a legislative group and many of the decisions they make affect all of us,” he said. “The decision by the Richmond City Commission to allow the Sunday sale of alcohol within our city served as a reminder to us that those which we elect to various offices are then inherently empowered to make decisions which affect each of our families.”

The following are excerpts from the 15-question survey:

Q: What is the primary reason that you are seeking the office of commissioner for the city of Richmond?

A: McDaniel — “To give the city a much-needed change. To help the citizens of this great city have a much-needed voice to all of the city’s businesses, not just excerpts of what happened the day after the meeting.”

Blythe — “To be able to influence the decisions that directly affect me and those I love; to be able to serve the people of this community.”

Jones — “I have enjoyed working hard on many tough issues to make today better for us all and to prepare for the future for my 14-year-old son. I want to tackle the problems and be part of the solution.”

Strong — “For the best decisions to be made, elected officials have to approach every issue open-minded and be willing to vote for the best interest of the community instead of their personal agenda or ego.”

Smart — “I have numerous citizens express dissatisfaction with the lack of citizen participation and input into Richmond City government. I soon recognized that this is a major void in our present city government. Community forums and citizen participation in Richmond always seems to have been reactive instead of proactive, and remains so.”

Q: Are you in favor of expanding the Sunday sales of alcohol to all retail businesses that currently sell alcohol? (liquor stores, grocery stores pharmacies, etc.)

A: McDaniel — “No. I don’t think that it will make a difference in the sales at the places that already sell on Saturday. It has not made a significant difference in restaurant sales to date.”

Blythe — “No”

Jones — “No. Lexington has just taken this move, but I do not favor this for Richmond. I would vote no if asked to vote on this issue.”

Strong — “No. I am totally opposed.”

Smart — “Considering the three choices to answer this question, I would have to check ‘undecided’ at this time. Going back to my training in public policy education, I would seek public deliberation in weighing the cost and benefits of solving problems together. In this manner, people become aware of the differences in the way others realized true cost and benefit. This process enables us to find courses of action that are consistent with what is valuable to the community as a whole.”

Q: Are you in favor of term limits for the office of city commissioner?

A: McDaniel — “Yes. People being in office too long is the greatest hindrance to the city and its people. It affords the public officer to be “too comfortable” with their position.”

Blythe — “No.”

Jones — “No. We run every two years ... very expensive, but the public has opportunity to re-elect or not. It is very difficult to begin and see through much in two years. I’m in my 10th term and hope to serve an 11th. I often know the background of an issue, mistakes made in the past and from whence we have come. Continuity of service can be a plus.”

Strong — “No. I believe if a person in city government or even a pastor of a church is doing a good job, trustworthy and conducts themselves correctly, they should be allowed to stay until voted out by the citizens or congregation.”

Smart — “Absolutely. I think term limits would provide new ideas and opportunities for more people in the community.”

Richmond residents who would like to see a complete copy of the survey can send a request to pastor@unitybaptist.org.

Ronica Shannon can be reached at rshannon@richmondregister.com or 623-1669, Ext. 234.

        

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