See the previous post for the Alderman part of the debate:  http://blnnews.com/2013/03/15/main-street-association-debate-alderman/

Citizens can not make an informed decisions without attending at least one debate. Mannerisms and tone reveal much more than a printed recap.

All 3 were present:  John Hanson, Lex Green, and Tari Renner.  Answers are presented below in the order asked.

East Side Bypass

Hanson:  Might be necessary for growing the city or encouraging businesses to locate here.

Green:  Believes the current goal of the city is for a prosperous downtown and the bypass would distract from that goal.

Renner:  The issue wasn’t dealt with in public and he would not support it.

Citizens voice

Green:  Citizens do not have a dialogue with the Council.  He would allow all citizens a specified time to speak at meetings instead of limiting the speakers to 5

Renner:  Wants to let citizens speak.  Proposed open meetings with citizens the Friday before Council meetings.

Hanson:  Agrees with Green and Renner.  Proposed Town Hall meetings since Citizen Voice doesn’t produce dialogue.

Role of City Manager

Renner:  Mayor is the brains, City Manager should do what he is told to do since he isn’t elected.

Hanson:  Mayor doesn’t set policy, just tone.  City Manger brings opportunity and expertise.

Green:  City Manager implements policy given by Mayor and Council.  City Manger doesn’t make decisions on policy.

Solution for Pension Funding

Green:  Increase funding over a specific time period until under-funding is resolved.

Renner:  Save money on “studies”, utilize Wesleyan and ISU student instead.  Put savings toward pensions

Hanson:  System needs reforms on the state level.  It was never sustainable, it is “messy” and “archaic”.