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Three candidates vying for two city council seats
spoke at Tuesday evening's candidates' forum. Incumbents Terry Haines and John
Whiddon were joined by challenger Charlie Davidson. Also participating was Pat
Branson who is running unopposed to fill a seat made vacant by this summer's
resignation of City Councilman Paul Smith. KMXT's Jacob Resneck reports.
(city council) 4:39
"One of the most ... October 5th. I'm Jacob Resneck."
One of the most controversial topics was local
ballot Proposition 1 which would allow city employees to vote whether to
unionize.
Challenger Charlie Davidson gave the initiative his
full support saying the power of workers to unionize is a fundamental right.
davidson1
Branson noted that last year's referendum on the
same issue was defeated by a razor-thin margin. And she criticized the sitting
council for its public anti-proposition campaign.
branson1
Incumbent city councilmen Haines and Whiddons said they
were sympathetic with city employees who need better procedures for handling
their grievances. But they said they won't be voting for Proposition 1. Here's
Haines first.
haines1 /whiddon1
Moderator Bill Oliver then challenged the
candidates to defend the city's current tax structure, noting that the city has
about $11 million in reserves this year yet will be collecting about $9.4
million in sales and property taxes.
oliver1
City councilmen Haines and Whiddon defended the city's
tax code.
haines2 / whiddon2
Challengers Davidson and Branson also defended the
wisdom of the city holding reserves.
davidson2 / branson2
The full 48-minute segment from Tuesday's candidate
forum available at KMXT dot org. Election Day is October 5th.
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