Manchester Candidate Q and A: Effects of Board Infighting

Last week, Town and Country-Manchester Patch profiled each of the candidates running for alderman in Town and Country and Manchester. 

This week, we are taking a closer look at the four candidates running for the two open alderman seats in  Manchester. Patch asked each of the four candidates three questions. Town and Country-Manchester Patch is posting their responses.

Today, we post our third and final question and the candidates' answers.

What impact do you feel the current infighting among the board of aldermen has had on the city?

Answers:

The unfortunate infighting among the board members has had a negative impact particularly on the residents. I have heard people say it's embarrassing to tell people they are from Manchester due to the fighting and the negative press. I have personally had friends ask "What's happening in your town?" I know we are not the only municipality that has received bad press, however we are due for a change to show how bright Manchester can shine.    

-John  Schrader, alderman candidate Ward 3

-Ward 1 Alderman Bob Tullock did not respond to this question.

I think it has had a terrible impact on the city. Many residents are extremely frustrated and embarrassed that their elected officials are more interested in petty bickering than in solving the city’s problems. When the board cannot pass a 2011 budget until February, that is a problem. When the board cannot approve a sidewalk improvement and expansion project, that is a problem. When the in-fighting lands the city on the front page of the St. Louis Post Dispatch, that is a problem. I think all the negative publicity the city has gotten over the last six to eight months has damaged the image of the city and has certainly frustrated and irritated many residents who want to see the city live up to its bright future. Residents do not expect their elected officials to act like children, they expect their elected officials to lead and focus on things which are in the best interest of the city. 

-Paul Hamill, alderman candidate Ward 1

When six strong intelligent, personalities, try to deal with economic challenges from six different points of view, all feeling that their answers is best way to solve our city economic concerns, then discord can occur. I feel less vitriol would help deal with the cities concerns without bruising other members feelings.   

-Ward  3 Alderman Don Ryan         

READ PREVIOUS STORIES: