Lind holds forum for candidates

LIND – About 30 residents turned out Monday, Oct. 4 for a "meet the candidates" forum featuring seven of eight political hopefuls, who mostly agreed on generic questions.

Mayoral candidates incumbent Paula Bell and challenger and former two-term mayor Jamie Schmunk were among the field.

Others participating in the forum included Town Council Position No. 1 candidates Rosemary Elkington and London Dew; Position No. 2 candidate Sheri Marlin; and Position No. 3 candidates incumbent Richard Baldwin and challenger Laura Dew. Position No. 2 candidate Mike J. Wold was absent.

Each candidate was give 3 minutes for an opening statement.

Moderator Steve Shoffstoll collected written questions from those in attendance addressing broad areas including ordinances, the local economy, budget challenges, transparency and goals.

There was a lot of agreement between the candidates on the issues.

On the subject of town ordinances, Bell said she had enforced them "as fairly as she can be" during her term in office. Schmunk suggested the ordinances should be on-line to provide greater access.

London Dew said by following ordinances, Lind would "be a better town." Elkington noted she had been working with the current council to update ordinances.

Baldwin said that while some ordnances are obsolete or out-of-date, he would "enforce them without favoritism."

Laura Dew said she needed to learn about the current town code, and Marlin indicated there could be improvements, and has some ideas to improve "the dog-barking ordinance."

In terms of the local economy, there was general agreement it is in the town's best interest to patronize local businesses and to host events to get people to visit.

It was also noted the last two years have been difficult with the cancellation of the annual Combine Demolition Derby.

In terms of budget challenges, London Dew described infrastructure problems, particularly with water and sewer systems. There was agreement among candidates that those systems needed to be addressed, and that repair and replacement probably represented the biggest budget challenge.

With regard to transparency, most candidates thought town business was transparent.

However, it was noted that council meeting attendance is low.

Bell noted ordinances are available at the Town Hall and Schmunk reiterated her idea for publishing the town ordinances online. She also suggested a video link for council meetings, noting the meeting hall is small.

If elected Marlin indicated her Top 2 goals would be to update ordinances, but also to make sure what is being adopted by the council is in "the best interest of the town."

Laura Dew also said updating ordinances was a goal, along with cleaning up some unsightly properties.

Baldwin said updating ordinances is a goal, along with updating water and sewer infrastructure.

Bell said she sees a need to clean up some properties, but noted it requires "cooperation of the property owners." Schmunk and London Dew echoed sentiments of others with regard to town clean up and the infrastructure issues. Elkington said her goals would be to secure grants to help fund the water and sewer repairs, and would want to increase transparency in town business.

In closing, Shoffstoll noted some submitted questions were addressed to specific candidates. But since the format was to give each candidate an opportunity to respond to the same questions, Shofstoll suggested residents find another opportunity to ask the questions directly.