GENTRY -- In order to give voters opportunity to compare the positions and views of James Furgason and Katrina Cryer, both candidates for the Ward 1, Position 2, seat on the Gentry City Council, the Eagle Observer sent to both candidates the same eight questions, asking them to respond to each question in 50 words or less. Their answers follow unedited.
Katrina Cryer
1. Why are you running for the Gentry Ward 1, Position 2, alderman position?
I am running for alderwoman because I believe there is a need for a fresh perspective on the issues facing our community. Third time is the charm. This is my third attempt to become your representative. I would love nothing more than to bring my conservative family values to our community. I have made this my adopted home, my wonderful husband Kevin is from here, and we feel honored to raise our son Kein in this amazing town. I am a small business owner (APPS Paramedical), and have been since 2006. I am a hard worker, and I will put all of my efforts into this position should you choose to elect me.
2. What qualifications would you bring to the post?
The qualifications I have for the position are a BA in Political Science/Legal Studies from the U of A and I was recently accepted into the MPA (Masters of Public Administration) program. I feel like my education, coupled with my passion for the community make me a viable candidate for this position.
3. What do you hope to accomplish if elected to represent the people of Ward 1?
I am about public opinion, and I want to represent my ward collectively. What the citizens want is what I want. I will make my decisions based on what my fellow ward residents desire.
4. What do you think should be the central focus of the city council?
The central focus of the city council should be the people of our city, as well as, supporting local business interests. We also need to focus on developing activities for the children of our community (that includes a splash park and a Boys and Girls Club).
5. Of what recent council actions do you most approve?
I chose not to answer this question because I believe that everyone has their own interpretation of what actions are good and what are bad. It's not about me it's about the people.
6. What changes would you like to see the council address and consider?
I would like to see the council thoroughly debate issues. I feel as though citizen input should be on the agenda. There is not enough public debate. I want to try and make meetings more accessible for our citizens.
7. Under what circumstances would you consider requesting an increase in taxes?
There is no reason to request a tax increase on our citizens. The people in our community need to focus on saving their money for their families. Not paying additional taxes so that the city can buy more things that we do not need. The main focus of my education is city management (including budgeting) and planning, as well as grant writing. My plan is to find money by turning to other avenues.
8. What do you view as the most important issue facing the city of Gentry?
While we have many issues that need to be addressed the most pressing is finding something for our children and adults to do. There is nothing here. Let's be honest, folks, while we have two main festivals a year there could be much more. With the right planning we could have a Boys and Girls Club, and host far more events to bring people into our community.
James Furgason
(incumbent)
1. Why are you running for the Gentry Ward 1, Position 2, alderman position?
I am seeking re-election for Ward 1 alderman to continue my public service to the community. I bring a philosophy of financial conservatism with mature and ethical business experience so I might further the development of Gentry as a community for quality of life.
2. What qualifications would you bring to the post?
My past experience on the city council has provided me a knowledge of state laws and codes that govern communities. I believe in order to be an advocate for our citizens, one must be informed and prepared. As each issue is submitted for council action, I will vote for what is best for Gentry based upon laws, principles and convictions with impartiality.
3. What do you hope to accomplish if elected to represent the people of Ward 1?
I wish to continue the financial practice of being frugal, caring for those with a fixed income. We need to look as best we can several years into the future to plan and prepare for our city's growth and development. I believe I am well qualified to do this.
4. What do you think should be the central focus of the city council?
We must wisely control the expenditures and the cost of city government while maintaining and improving the city's infrastructure. I will continue to work as a team member of the city council to move Gentry towards the bright future it surely has.
5. Of what recent council actions do you most approve?
Most recently the city council moved to expand and improve our water supply system and voted to build a new road for better access in the west side of town. The new Flint Creek park opened up avenues for enjoyment and education with a potential to connect to a walking/bike trail. All of this has come about through hard work, cooperation and consensus of the city council members.
6. What changes would you like to see the council address and consider?
Under the strong leadership of our mayor, the usefulness and functioning of the various city council sub-committees has increased. I would like to see more private citizen participation on our other city committees to ensure a greater variety of thought and interest. If we are to see needed improvements in our housing areas and business districts, we need to actively solicit public input and buy in.
7. Under what circumstances would you consider requesting an increase in taxes?
I believe any increase in a city sales tax should not set Gentry's tax rate above that of our surrounding communities. Any tax increase needs to be clearly earmarked for improvements in our infrastructure such as the waste treatment plant expansion.
8. What do you view as the most important issue facing the city of Gentry?
We need to be a community that projects to visitors as being a well-kept, clean and inviting city. Whether it is a new business venture looking for a place to open or a family seeking a house to buy, we need to have the welcome mat out. We have well maintained streets, great schools and a unique public library. We have friendly police, a great fire protection department and hardworking city employees. I want to build upon these and get the word out to others about what we have and how they can join in with us.
General News on 10/15/2014