For the 2019 Voters Guide, we emailed town and city candidates a set of 14 questions on professional experience, local priorities and general issues. We have included those questions and the unedited responses. We have noted when candidates left questions unanswered. We have also provided links to candidate websites, campaign funding reports and other local media coverage when available.
Any questions or suggestions should be sent to: whitmancowatch@gmail.com
CANDIDATE BACKGROUND
Running against: John G Jacobs
Website: None
Social media: None
Other recent coverage:
Lewiston Tribune: Uniontown voters have three contested races on ballot
QUESTIONNAIRE
What is your current occupation or job title?
Police Officer
What other memberships or affiliations would you like to list for voters?
(Declined to answer)
What professional accomplishment are you most proud of and why?
(Declined to answer)
What is your vision for your community and are there any other cities that you see doing things right or would like to emulate?
Quality growth of business and residential development.
What is your philosophy for guiding new business and housing development? What, if any, role should the council play in recruitment or restriction?
Consistency by the planning and zoning board is vital when reviewing permits. However, open minded thinking when reviewing new ideas is also important. Making the process seamless for applicants, can play a vital role in recruitment of both business and housing development.
What would you list as your highest priorities for local infrastructure repairs, expansions or new projects?
Our aging water system is a priority. Smart spending for repairs/updates now, will save tax payer dollars later. These improvements will also assist in the recruitment of future development.
What do you consider your community’s greatest housing challenge and what steps would you take to address it?
Our town lacks a balance of housing and business opportunity. With many of our residents commuting outside for employment, it creates a challenge when recruiting new housing growth. Recruiting more business opportunities could help address this issue.
Do you think your community provides adequate resources for public safety services (police and fire) and what, if anything, would you change?
Our community has dedicated volunteers committed to public fire safety. It is important to continue to provide them with the necessary tools and training to aid in their effort.
With the hiring of a part time Police Chief we have some law enforcement coverage. It may be beneficial to seek a partnership with the town of Colton, to improve coverages for both towns.
How would your rank your expectations for council/city government transparency on a scale from 1 to 5, with 1 indicating a discrete approach to governing and 5 indicating a proactively open approach?
Four
Do you consider your community’s tax rates high or low? As a steward of taxpayer dollars, how do you approach balancing demands for city service against the citizen tax burden?
(Declined to answer)
Do you support the council enacting policies to address climate change or promote environmental sustainability? If so, what steps would you take?
(Declined to answer)
What do you think of existing local regulations on cannabis businesses and production operations?
(Declined to answer)
What, if any, role do you think the council should play in promoting local arts, cultural events or tourism?
(Declined to answer)
If you could wave a magic wand and instantly change one thing about your community, what would it be and why?
(Declined to answer)