April Election 2013: What Your Aldermen Candidates Want to Change in Your City

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With the April 2 election day drawing near, Patch wants to make sure voters are able to make informed choices about their candidates.

There are seven total open aldermen seats in Town and Country and Manchester, with eight candidates running. Only one race is contested, which is the seat for Manchester Ward III alderman currently held by Alderman John Schrader.

Aldermen are elected to two-year terms.

Earlier this month, Patch sent questions regarding the election to all aldermanic candidates. All week, Patch will share the candidates' responses with readers.

Each day, Patch will post one question along with the answers of those who responded. 

Editor's Note: All candidates received an identical questionnaire via email and were each given the same amount of time to reply. They are listed below in the order of their wards. 

PATCH QUESTION:

4. Explain one change you would like to see made within the city during your two-year term as alderman.

CANDIDATE ANSWERS:

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TOWN AND COUNTRY:

Ward I: Lynn Wright-

I would like to see us reach out to the community to see the direction the residents would like us to move forward via more trails, more events, public art, dog park, better land use. Having town hall meetings for each Ward I feel would be a good way to reach out to the community to get this information. 

Ward II: Tim Welby-

No Response

Ward III: Fred Meyland-Smith-

Some things are not in need of change. I believe our City has benefitted from the thoughtful, responsive leadership of Mayor Dalton over the past 8 years and we need to keep him serving our community. Further, our current 8 member Board of Aldermen is a group of dedicated citizens that deliberates and collaborates well. That said, our City should continue to search for ways to enhance the experience of living in Town and Country such as restoring and expanding services such as branch removal, leaf pick-up and the sort.

Ward IV: Jon Benigas-

No Response

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MANCHESTER:

Ward I: Paul Hamill-

While it will not occur within two years, I would like to see the main business district become a destination for residents in Manchester and throughout the area. 

Ward II: Michael Clement-

A change, I’d like to see initiated this year, would intentionally seek ways to enhance the economic activity to areas of old Manchester. The old Manchester area includes those businesses that dot Manchester Road from Hwy 141 to Sulphur Springs Road/Baxter Road. While looking rustic and inviting, the area proves formidable to car and foot traffic. The question to ask is,” What can the City do to invite and promote more economic traffic and activity to our small businesses?” Finding positive answers to that question would be a very welcome change for our businesses and residents!

Ward III: John Schrader (Incumbent)-

My greatest wish would be to see more of the public involved with the city. We have a great attendance with parks programs, aquatic center and various activities throughout the city however not much involvement in government. It would be a treat to see more attendance at board meetings and general public concern, after all, municipal government affects people’s lives on a daily basis. 

Ward III: Anthony Mueller-

I would like to see the city get excited.  I have found there is a lack of citizen participation at Alderman meetings.  I would love to see the citizens in Manchester get excited about the city the way I have.  I would love to find ways to encourage more participation.

READ RELATED STORIES:

Town and Country-Manchester April 2 Election Guide

April Election 2013: Meet Your Mayoral Candidates

April Election 2013: Meet Your Candidates For Aldermen And Their Qualifications

April Election 2013: Candidates For Aldermen Discuss Their City's 'Primary Issue'

April Election 2013: What Your Candidates For Aldermen Say is City's Greatest Challenge