The candidates present their views at forum
By Nathan Straus News Reporter

The six candidates for Chandler City Council came to the Chandler Community Center Tuesday, April 22, to present their views on why the people of Chandler should elect them. Write-in candidates Bobby Lankford, Dick Jarrett, Don Daniell and Melissa Lehman were present along with incumbents Ann Hall and Gene Giger.

This political forum was sponsored by Keep Chandler Beautiful. It started at 6:30 pm with a short social period for the candidates. This period included free refreshments.

The program began in earnest just before 7 pm when the six candidates for the three open council positions took their places in front of the stage on a long, rectangular table. Each candidate was allowed two minutes for an opening statement.

After determining which candidate would start the evening, Bobby Lankford spoke of his years in Chandler and of what he believed was the city's biggest issue.

"I don't want there to be hodgepodge building erected in Chandler," Lankford said. "Once they go up we can't go back."

Gene Giger, next in line, spoke of his family and the need to continue progress.

"It's been a team effort what's been accomplished so far," Giger said. "I'm committed to continued progress."

Dick Jarrett also talked about his family and his retirement in favor of building churches in foreign countries.

"I want to see Chandler grow," Jarrett said, "and I want us to be open. If it feels like it's a concern of yours, then it should be a concern of ours."

Melissa Lehman stressed the importance of communication and transparency.

"I believe we should communicate with the people who live here and find out what they want," Lehman said.

Don Daniell said he feels like it's his duty to get involved with the city.

"I think if there's anything the public needs and I could help with it, I would do it," Daniell said.

Ann Hall talked about her past eight years with the council and her plans for the future.

"I love the community and I've seen the changes," Hall said. "We've got to plan for the future; we can keep the small community feel as we continue to grow."

After the opening statements, candidates fielded questions from citizens. They were each given two minutes to answer a question. Some questions were aimed at a particular group or candidate, others had no specific target.

The first question asked was aimed at the four write-in candidates, and was about how the candidates would vote on the first agenda item they raised, and what it would be.

Lankford reiterated his point on keeping growth from Tyler firmly in the city's control.

He said planning, zoning and controlling growth are important to keep trashy paths and sections out of the city.

"Once it's there you can't undo it. Some cities don't prepare until it's too late," Lankford said.

Jarrett said the most important agenda items to the citizens would be his most important agenda item.

"I've had about 82 people ask me about the burn ban," Jarrett said.

Jarrett also said it is a hassle for a property owner to clean up after a dozen or more pecan trees without resorting to burning.

Jarrett then pointed out his agreement with Lankford's statement about the city being ready for growth from Tyler in advance.

Lehman said she would communicate the items to the citizens and find out what the citizens think.

"Some people may not be able to go to the city council meetings," Lehman said.

Lehman added the city should find a way to communicate with these people.

Daniell said a big issue for him is the water supply for a growing city. He noted cities like Bullard and Whitehouse weren't ready for the growth Tyler sent their way and those cities' water supply suffered.

"If we run out of water we're in trouble," Daniell said.

A question was asked about the city budget. The write-ins said they hadn't seen the budget published and weren't familiar with the specifics.

Hall said the budget is around $1 million, and the city watches the budget to see what is spent.

Giger said since he believed a third of the population of Chandler doesn't read newspapers, and the rest are split between two newspapers, he doesn't know of a source where the budget could be published so everyone would look at it.

However, the budget is available on the Chandler web site at www.chandlertx.com/ default.aspx?name=Budget.

A question about making decisions was fielded by each candidate. The question asked how candidates will make sure citizens' rights are equal with the rights of those who request projects or other tasks.

Lankford said the council should handle these issues the same as they would handle the issues in the home.

"Treat people fairly, spend within your means," Lankford said. "When confronted with these things, I would find what benefits the most people with the least cost."

Giger said he had spoken of this issue before.

"We need impact statements, " Giger said.

Impact statements would declare what impact a certain project or similar task would have on Chandler.

Jarrett said the citizens' opinions were as important as his.

"People can call me and tell me what they think," Jarrett said. "I'm not going to dilute my heavenly principles for expediency."

Lehman said transparency is a must for the city.

"There needs to be a healthy argument, and we need to be together on what we decide," Lehman said.

Daniell said there needs to be more citizens speaking with their representatives.

"Reach the council, tell us what you want," Daniell said.

Hall agreed with this point and noted how often the council doesn't hear from everyone on certain subjects.

The forum closed with each candidate thanking the audience for attending, and KCB for hosting the event. They also urged the citizens of Chandler to get involved and vote in the Chandler elections.

Elections are May 10. Early voting will run from April 28 to May 6. Election Day voting will go from 7 am to 7 pm at the Chandler Community Center. Early voting will be at Chandler City Hall from 8 am to 5 pm each weekday. Early voting on May 5 and 6 will have the same hours as Election Day.

Applications for ballot by mail should be sent to Shirley Parmer, PO Box 425, Chandler, Texas, 75758.