What each candidate feels is the number one challenge and their solution for same is the question that the eight candidates have been provided with in advance, according to Chamber Government Relations Chair Connie Tushla.“The Chamber and Latino Town Hall see this as an extremely important election…Santa Paula is at a turning point,” noted Tushla. “The Chamber would probably feel that the economic development of Santa Paula is the number one question for Santa Paula,” an economy that would be impacted by housing and jobs. “This next council is going to be absolutely instrumental in determining the economic future that we develop.”An important aspect of the forum is that the Nov. 7 election features eight candidates, and “When was the last time we had such a full slate of Council-hopefuls?” to consider and choose from.Although “at times not a lot of people pay attention or turn out we hope people will attend the forum to see how the different candidates feel about the issues,” as well as offer insights on how they should be tackled.The first four questions of the evening will be those that were crafted by the Chamber Executive Committee - Tushla said that the Chamber contacted various individuals and organizations asking for their input on possible candidate questions – and “then after a break we’ll come back for audience questions.”Major issues that might be addressed at the forum concern “short term solutions” for funding the new wastewater treatment plant and how to fix Santa Paula’s inventory of aging roads, “Both big issues in Santa Paula…”Candidates are being asked to bring all their campaign literature so that interested voters can take home the documents for perusal.“It is crucial that people attend this forum, which I believe is the only citywide public forum” for the City Council race, noted Tushla.
City Council Candidates’ Forum next Thursday
September 29, 2006
Santa Paula News
“Santa Paula faces numerous challenges: what in your opinion is the number one challenge and what is your plan for solving it? Please be specific,” is one question that is sure to be asked at a special forum featuring candidates for City Council to be held next week.
By Peggy KellySanta Paula Times“Santa Paula faces numerous challenges: what in your opinion is the number one challenge and what is your plan for solving it? Please be specific,” is one question that is sure to be asked at a special forum featuring candidates for City Council to be held next week.Santa Paula voters will have their first opportunity to see – and hear from - the eight people vying for three City Council seats up close and personal at an October 5 Candidates’ Forum.Jointly sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce and Latino Town Hall, the Candidates’ Forum will be facilitated by the League of Women Voters and feature David Maron – the host of cable television’s Impact – as moderator.The forum will be held at the Community Center, 530 W. Main St., from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Spanish language translation will be available.Those attending the forum will have the opportunity to ask the candidates – Council incumbents Mayor Rick Cook, Dr. Gabino Aguirre and Mary Ann Krause as well as Ralph Fernandez, Bob Gonzales, Sergio Hernandez, Fred Robinson and Damien Shilo – questions via index card.Candidate audience questions can be asked of selected candidates or of the group as a whole. Attendees will have the opportunity to hand in written questions throughout the evening although time might not allow all questions to be posed to the Council candidates.Initial questions will be asked by Maron and answered by each candidate who will square off at the polls on November 7.
