News : Vinton city forum: Council, mayoral candidates discuss variety of local issues

Zach Parmater speaks to the crowd during the city candidate forum on Tuesday.

The Vinton city candidate forum took place Tuesday, with nearly 90 people filling the U.S. Bank Community Room to hear the 2-hour discussion.

The candidates all agreed that a "Yes" vote on the Vinton telecom utility is an important first step in offering more Internet options to Vinton residents. They also agreed that the city's web site is in need of a drastic improvement.

The forum included the following questions:

1. Introduce yourself, how you have served the community in the past, and what you hope to accomplish in office.

2. Also on the ballot are 2 questions about the telecom utility. What are your views on a telecom utility, and do you think such a utility should be run by VMEU or a separate entity?

3. The City’s website offers virtually no information. What do you think a city web site should offer, and who should make sure that happens?

4. Housing has been an agenda item at several Council meetings. If elected, what would you do first concerning housing?

5. What would you do to strengthen the partnership with Vinton Unlimited and Benton Development Group to encourage economic growth and tourism?

6. What is the difference between the role of a mayor and that of a council member?

7. Tami: Tell us what your previous years on the council have taught you, and what you hope to accomplish in the next 4 years:

8. To you 5 first-time candidates: We admire your courage and your willingness to take the risks of running for office. Tell us what inspired you to do this, and how you have felt throughout the process.

9. John, at least one Council meeting you left your Mayor’s Chair to address the Council from the position of the audience. Can you explain your goal and purpose in doing so? (Three incumbent city council members also responded after Mayor Watson’s remarks during the forum.)

10. The city agreement with the Humane Society only covers lost and stray dogs. What is your solution for cats?

11. John: You ran for county supervisor in 2014; are you considering another run for county office?

12. Bud, you left during your last term and the City was unable to accomplish some business until a replacement was found. Can you assure voters you will remain in office, if elected?

13. Does the City provide a good working environment, with fair pay and career opportunities, for its employees?

14. What do you know about any efforts underway to build support for a new recreation center and how committed would you be to such a project?

15. If a congressional delegation were here considering the future of the AmeriCorps campus in our Vinton, what would you tell them?

16. Summary: Tell us more about yourself and any questions you wish we had asked.

Look for more stories about the candidates as the Nov. 3 election approaches.

Video available

Thanks to Eric Upmeyer of the Vinton-Shellsburg IT department for his work in recording the video and uploading it to You Tube. The school offered this service as a public service and not as an intended endorsement of any candidate or issue.

See the video HERE.

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