WANT TO KNOW YOUR
CITY COMMISSIONER BETTER?
SUE COLSON - OR - JOHN BLOUSE?
JAMIE GRIFFIN - OR - DIANA TOPPING?
CKNews OFFERS HELP
Third in a series of three
The Cedar Key City Commission has two open seats that will be voted upon on Election Day, Tuesday, May 5, 2015. In the interest of a more informed public, the Cedar Key News will provide two services to you, the reader.
One service is the Candidate Forum where you will be able to watch and join your fellow residents in asking the candidates pertinent questions regarding the city’s operation. Mark your calendar and come to the Candidate Forum on Thursday, April 23, 2015, at 5pm, at the Cedar Key Library upstairs meeting room.
Another service is the candidates’ written responses to three questions which you may read here in the Cedar Key News. This is the third question in a series of three.
Below you will find the answers to the third question:
If next year’s budget was based on this year’s budget, where would you cut or expand spending or services to keep the budged balanced?
Sue Colson, Seat 5 - Incumbent
Response to Question 3
My personal goal for this year’s budget would be to re-introduce Capital Improvement Plan for the City’s major projects.
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John Blouse, Seat 5 - Challenger
Response to Question 3
In my business, we do not have the option to increase income without earning new customers business, it’s that thought in mind, that I will use when making decisions about the City's budget. You will never hear me say: SPEND! SPEND! SPEND! To me this is careless and disrespectful to our citizen's. I can't respectfully answer this question in this format but I will commit that when deciding about any area of the budget I will make sure that it is properly funded and that professionals, that are properly trained, work in those areas.
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Jamie Griffin, Seat 3
Response to Question 3
I would like to see more investment in things that would make Cedar Key a better place to live. A revitalization of the downtown Historic District as well as improvements to parks and recreation, which can be funded with State and Federal Grants, where I also have a lot of experience. I would like to work closely with the Aquaculture community to show extreme support for the industry so that they are able to see some good returns for their hard work.
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Diana Topping, Seat 3
Response to Question 3
At this point I am unsure how to answer your question. Only because this is directed more toward someone who has been a member previously. I will try my best to make sure we are spending our tax dollars on what our town needs in priority. I would support cutting expenses that are not being utilized. The budget I CAN assure you will be balanced.
NOTE: Diana Topping has prior commitment will not be attending the CKN Forum on April 23rd. She will be back after the 28th if anyone would like to contact her with questions.
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For answers to more questions,
Attend the CKN Forum, 5pm on Thursday, 23 April 2015
at the Cedar Key Library upstairs meeting room
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