Published: May 07, 2008 09:14 pm            

Primary to see 3-way battle for Ward 9 city council seat

As the May 20 primary election nears, the Commonwealth Journal approached each of the 12 candidates for positions on Somerset’s city council with ten questions in an effort to help our readers learn more about the men and women who are vying to serve.

Through Friday, we’ll feature responses from the candidates from each of the four city wards which will be available for selection on next week’s ballot.

Responses are listed in the order in which they were received by the Commonwealth Journal from the candidates.

Today’s article features the candidates who are hoping to be elected to serve Ward 9 of the City of Somerset — Michael McWilliams, a newcomer to politics, and the incumbent, Jim Mitchell. Also on the ballot will be Karla Anne Ballew, who has run several times unsuccessfully for a seat on the council. The Commonwealth Journal did not receive a survey response from Ballew.

(The candidates for Wards 1 and 2 were featured in Tuesday and Wednesday’s editions.)

The two top vote-getters on May 20 will advance to the general election in November.

Here are the questions and responses from two of the Ward 9 candidates:

• Why would you like to serve as a Somerset city councilor?

McWilliams: I would like to serve as a Somerset city councilor to be a voice of reason for the taxpayers and residents of the city on financial and personnel issues. In order to serve, I need to look at every issue from their perspective.

Mitchell: To serve the City of Somerset on the city council is an honor, and trying to build a better community for everyone is something that I enjoy doing.

• In what ways are you qualified to be a member of the council?

McWilliams: I understand what is required to be a member of the legislative body having had prior experience and training in this position. I have served on budget committees for the council, as well as in my business experience.

Mitchell: I have lived in the city since 1971 and have worked for the City Water Department for 30 years and have also served on the Somerset city council for three-and-a-half years. As I am retired, I can be available any time of the day or evening for any of my constituents.

• What are the most important issues the City of Somerset is facing today?

McWilliams: The city has many issues to be addressed. A tightening economy, lack of federal and state grants, health insurance costs to our employees, and unemployment are all causes of concern. The city also needs to be progressive and look to the future needs of our community. This includes water availability, expanding the boundaries of the city, and cooperation with county and state entities to bring more industry to the area.

Mitchell: I would like to seek more job opportunities and more grants at the state and federal level to help better our community. The price of fuel today has put a large crunch on our budget. I would like to try and seek ways to accommodate these prices.

• What is Somerset’s greatest asset?

McWilliams: The people of Somerset are the greatest asset. Through cooperation and hard work we should be able to accomplish whatever is best for the city.

Mitchell: The City of Somerset as a whole has an outstanding workforce that we can be very proud of.

• What are your thoughts on the possibility of a city-wide smoking ban?

McWilliams: I personally would have no problem with the city-wide smoking ban, as I have never been a smoker, but have read the medical reports and seen the physical and medical complications due to smoking.

Mitchell: Some of our businesses are smoke-free now. I think each individual business should have the opportunity to make that decision for their own business.

• In your opinion, should it be legal to sell alcohol by the drink in restaurants in the city?

McWilliams: Alcohol may be legal, but I have strong convictions in this regard. I do not think the city needs the increased problems associated with alcohol consumption.

Mitchell: I believe that it should not be for the city council to make that decision. It should be up to each individual voter.

• Previous and current mayors and council members have been divided on many issues. What approach would you take to working in a sometimes-controversial environment?

McWilliams: Every individual has their own perspective on issues. The 12 councilors and mayor representing the city must put aside personal opinions and work collectively to solve each issue in the residents’ best interest, not their own. I will listen to the people who elect me and vote accordingly.

Mitchell: I think that the city council has made every effort to work with the current mayor in every way possible. The mayor has proven that he has had a problem following the policies and ordinances that have been set before him. One issue: we have had to work without a police chief for approximately 16 months. This is only one of many other issues.

• In your opinion, is it feasible to revitalize the downtown Somerset business area? Why or why not?

McWilliams: As much as I would like for the downtown to be revitalized, I do not think it is feasible due to the lack of parking and all the government buildings that have taken much of the available property.

Mitchell: Yes. I believe that downtown Somerset is the heart of the community. The downtown buildings have a lot of character and history that I would like to see be preserved. I would like to see more of our downtown buildings being renovated and occupied, for instance, the bakery that has opened up downtown near Goldenberg’s.

• Has SomerSplash water park been a good investment for the city? How to you envision the water park in the future?

McWilliams: I don’t think SomerSplash has been a good investment. I would have liked the money utilized in a way more people of all ages could have benefited from it year round. Since the investment has been made, I would like to see it succeed, but it may require expansion to do so.

Mitchell: The water park has been enjoyed by thousands of families in our community. It could be a great investment for the City of Somerset in the future if managed properly.

• What else would you like voters to know about you?

McWilliams: I am a lifelong city resident, a graduate of Somerset High School, and attended Somerset Community College. I am a member of Langdon Street Baptist Church. I married Marnella Avera and we have two children, Chris (and Shannon) McWilliams and Shawna (and Johnny) Campbell, and four wonderful grandchildren, Brayden and Brycen McWilliams and Kelsey and Trey Campbell. I am employed in management at Advance Auto Parts in Somerset. I have worked with the public in customer service my whole career and look forward to representing the citizens of Somerset. For questions or concerns, I can be reached at 678-9144.

Mitchell: I am working for you, the taxpayers, to have a safer and more productive community. I am not here for just a few people, I am representing all of my constituents in the community

        

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