Friday, April 20, 2007

Tribune's candidate survey answers begin to appear, and here are excerpts (Part Two).




Earlier this week, the Tribune’s candidate questionnaire answers started to appear at the newspaper’s website: Election 2007.



Previously, we perused the first batch: Tribune's candidate survey answers begin to appear, and here are excerpts.

Here are more current favorite quotes, pulled entirely out of context. Some are funny, some revealing, and others vapid. What are yours?


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Bill Schmidt (D; council; 2nd): “ --- ” (apparently no answer was provided in the survey box marked “age,” although he received full credit -- 10 points -- for writing his name on the quiz).

Robert C. Caesar (D; council; 2nd): “We must have a vision for the future of New Albany and be willing to work together to reach that vision.”

Harry T. Harbison (R; council; 2nd): “New ordinances to bring us up to code with surrounding cities and counties. New restrictions on how long a zoning ordinance is in effect.”

Peter M. Lyons (R; council; 2nd): “I believe a unique contribution that I would make would be to be proactive, forward thinking, and to get things done. There needs to be progress for growth. It took 4 years for Scribner Place to be approved. Caesar’s Casino said it was the hardest time they’ve ever had to give away 20 million dollars. I believe there can be investment in Downtown AND the rest of the community.”

Shirley Baird (D; council; at-large): “I have never been involved in politics. Therefore I can come to this office with a perspective of a regular citizen and taxpayer. We are not, nor have ever, been wealthy, so I can identify with people who have limited financial means.”

Vicki Denhart (D; council; at-large): “Look at the facts, not the politics.”

John Gonder (D; council; at-large): “The most important issue facing the city and this position is untapped potential. As an example, one of the popular trends in municipal design is New Urbanism. The older neighborhoods of New Albany were built in the New Urbanist style long before the term was coined. These neighborhoods are a huge resource for the city. They not only represent wise use of physical resources, but with forward-thinking leadership, they can become powerful economic engines that power a revival of the central business district. Such a renewal will lead to city-wide prosperity.”

According to the newspaper, “Candidates(s) listed on the (Democratic at-large) ballot that did not submit questionnaires by deadline include: Donnie Blevins of New Albany, James Hollis of New Albany, Jack Messer of New Albany.”

Kenny Keilman (R; council; at-large): “I won’t let this office be a forum for me to have petty grievances be brought out.”

Richard T. Berryman (R; council; at-large): “I have 20 years’ experience in the sewer side of the city’s business which the sewers are costing us an arm and a leg and I would like to face the EPA one on one.”

Kevin W. Zurschmiede (R; council; at-large): “I will work towards creating new ordinances that will establish qualifications and performance guidelines for city employees. These new ordinances will help city employees retain there jobs through administration changes and reward employees that are willing to work hard to help improve our city.”

According to the newspaper, “Candidates(s) listed on the (Republican at-large) ballot that did not submit questionnaires by deadline include: Steve Burks of New Albany, Tonye Rutherford of New Albany.”



But seriously, folks: Why not return the surveys?



Editor's note 4/20/07: It should be noted that the Tribune's survey did not include unopposed candidates in non-mayoral races, i.e., 6th district D, 5th district D, 4th district R and city clerk D. It was the newspaper's, not the individual candidate's, decision.

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