City Commission candidates debate revenue, spending, taxes

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The four candidates running for city commission all hold similar views on the issues concerning Mount Pleasant.

The Mount Pleasant League of Women Voters held a forum for City Commission candidates Kathy Ling, a retired high school teacher, Nancy English, Central Michigan Community Hospital business development liaison, Todd Gurzick, owner of ToDblD’s Party Store, 104 E. May St, and Attorney Lesley Hoenig discussed business development and economic growth Thursday evening at City Hall, 320 W. Broadway St. Candidates took turns answering questions submitted on note cards by members of the audience.

All four candidates said budget and maintaining community services are a major concern for Mount Pleasant in 2011.

“Budget is most important in order to have police and fire departments to keep the community safe,” Hoenig said. “And also having the revenue coming in to fund these services.”

It is important to tighten the budget, yet keep critical services, English said.

Business development and economic growth was also discussed heavily.

Each candidate stressed the necessity for business growth within the community, while maintaining quality of life for residents. The candidates all agreed new businesses should not intrude on residential areas and should be looked at on a case by case basis.

“When development and growth infringe and come close to residential areas, that’s when people start thinking about ‘How does that impact me?’” English said.

Ling emphasized the influence of where a person lives on their happiness. It’s important to have a good place to live, things to do and a community to do business in, she said.

English proposed looking into incentives for Central graduates, families and people to move to the area.

In light of recent partnerships with Union Township, the importance of cooperation between local governments was also a main topic. With revenue sharing down, it may be necessary to share services and save money, said Ling.

“It’s hard to think of a situation where cooperation isn’t a good thing,” Gurzick said.

Each candidate was pleased with the turn out and encouraged citizens to stay involved even after election season. Ling was impressed with the amount of input seen recently in the form of online surveys, letters and even meeting attendance.

“I love local government where everyone can make a difference,” she said. “It’s easy to get cynical and think you can’t do anything.”

Candidates also discussed increased taxes, single family housing and discrimination.