Twenty Questions for City Council Candidates: Ward 3

On April 7th, voter will select new City Council members.  The individuals we select to represent us on City Council are our closest connection to government.  Their decisions have greater impact on our lives than most national decisions.  Your vote is very important.  That is why Rolla Preservation Alliance decided to contact the candidates, so voters can be informed and to take time to cast a ballot and act on their best judgement.

This week, Rolla Preservation Alliance continues its series of questions for the City Council candidate running in Ward 3.  To recap, RPA contacted the eight individuals running for City Council in Rolla.  Over the next few weeks we will post our questions with their unedited answers in order to educate the voting public of the opinions and beliefs of the candidates.

Incumbent, Susan Eudaly is running unopposed in Ward 3.

Q & A with Susan Eudaly

Boundaries of Ward 3 in orange.

Name?

Susan Eudaly

Where are you from?

I grew up in St. Louis, MO. Then moved to Arnold, MO in the second grade.  I graduated from Fox Senior High School.  I attend college at Southeast Missouri State University.

How long have you been a resident of Rolla?

I have been a resident of Rolla since 1983.  I am a retired teacher of 32 years.  I taught for Rolla Public Schools.  Three years were spent in Van Buren, MO as a teacher.

What is the single most important issue in your ward?

I don't think you can pick one thing for each ward.  We have a park issue coming up for a vote.  This will impact Ward three if it is not passed.  Services for Coventry Park will be cut back.  This park is used quite a bit in Ward 3.

What is the worst thing to happen in your ward in the last five years?  
I can't name the worst thing.  We did have a house that burned and it took a long time to get it resolved but it has been taken care of, fixed up and sold.

What is the best thing to happen in your ward in the last five years?   
Ward 3 takes pride in the upkeep of property. 

What does Rolla do well? 
We have a great fire and police system.  Our utilities are among the best.  We have very good response to power outages.  Our city employees are among the best in the business.

What could Rolla do better? 

We can always improve ourselves in all area.

 

How can you/the city support small business development and expansion? 

We can help small business by making it easier to acquire the necessary permits to do business. 

What should we do to encourage others to relocate here? 

We have a good quality of life in Rolla and we continue to grow.

What should we do to encourage graduates from Missouri S&T to stay in Rolla?

In order to entice graduates to stay, we need to have more jobs that will attract them.  I know that's easy to say-we have to continue to work to keep them here.  We have Brewer Science, MO-Sci and a growing medical hospital.

Do you support the Rolla West Master Plan and the Westside Transportation Plan?  Why or why not?
Yes, I do support the Rolla West development and the transportation plan.  We have to find a way to move traffic better around town.

Do you support the Forum Plaza Community Improvement District? Why or why not? 

Yes I support the Forum Plaza Development.  This is much needed to improve shopping on that side of town.

What is the proper use of tax increment financing (TIF)?  Is there a proper use?  
When trying to attract business to our town, we need to be able to use TIF if needed.

Is eminent domain ever warranted?

I am not a fan of Eminent Domain and would hope not to ever have to use it.

Due to the growth of the student population at the Missouri University of Science and Technology, more student housing is needed.  With the recent proliferation of student housing construction by private investors, do you think stronger regulations and building codes are needed from Planning and Zoning Department?  Why are why not.

Planning and zoning codes are working.  If they need to be changed then this can be brought to the council.  It really helps us if people in the area where these buildings are going up come and talk to us.  We can just assume that if no one comes forward in opposition to these developments, then they are not opposed to them.

Do you support the overall campus master plan of the Missouri University of Science and Technology?  What do you like? What changes would you like to see?  
Yes I support the overall master plan of Missouri University of Science and Technology.  I really like the pedestrian bridges being suggested across 63.  This is a very dangerous highway to cross.

Do you support the Rolla Preservation Commission and their efforts to retain and reuse the historic built environment?  Why or why not? 

Yes, I support the Rolla Preservation Commission. I don't like tearing down buildings that have a history and can be saved.

What are your thoughts regarding Rolla’s historic heritage and historic assets? 
I am all for saving our historical buildings but it does take money and support to keep them.

What do you think is the best way to stabilize the core residential neighborhoods of Rolla?

It is not my place or the council's to tell a person in a neighborhood that they can't sell their house.  So your question about the best way to stabilize a core residential area is really not my job. We have planning an zoning commission that looks over request for development and then they come to us.  If people in the neighborhood are opposed to it, then we can decide from that response.  But I am not going to tell a person they can't sell their house to the hospital or the university.  I would not take that right away from a homeowner. 

Twenty Questions for City Council Candidates: Ward 2

This week, Rolla Preservation Alliance continues its series of questions for City Council candidates.  To recap, RPA contacted the eight individuals running for City Council in Rolla.  Over the next few weeks we will post our questions with their unedited answers in order to educate the voting public of the opinions and beliefs of the candidates.

The individuals we select to represent us on City Council are our closest connection to government.  Their decisions have greater impact on our lives than most national decisions.  Your vote is very important.  That is why Rolla Preservation Alliance decided to contact the candidates, so voters can be informed and to take time to cast a ballot and act on their best judgement.

 This week we will focus of the candidates running for City Council in Ward 2.  Running for City Council are Gregory Sawyer (incumbent) and Matthew Crowell.

Q&A with candidate Gregory Sawyer (incumbent)

RPA did not receive a response from Mr. Sawyer.

Boundaries of Ward 2.

Q&A with candidate Matthew Crowell

Name?

Matthew Crowell

Where are you from?

I was born in Logan, Utah, but grew up in Harrisonville, MO.  I attended college at Truman State University and law school at the University of Missouri, Kansas City, before moving to St. Robert to be with my wife.  After a short stint in St. Robert, my wife and I moved to Rolla; my wife to teach art at the Junior High and me to work at the local Public Defender’s Office.

How long have you been a resident of Rolla?

I have had the privilege to call Rolla my home for the past six years.

What is the single most important issue in your ward?

The single most important issue in Ward 2 is to ensure that our ward remains a strong magnet for business while maintaining its residential neighborhoods.  The recent rezoning threat of McCutchen Acres from single-family residential to the heaviest possible commercial use to allow Wal-Mart to put in a grocery store, gas station and liquor store was not only a direct attack on the character of Ward 2’s neighborhoods but also a direct attack on the businesses that have called our Ward home for many years.  This is why I decided to run for City Council.  I felt betrayed when our current councilmember, Greg Sawyer, voted in favor of allowing the rezoning of this residential track to commercial use for Wal-Mart at the expense of all the residents and businesses of Ward 2. 

What is the worst thing to happen in your ward in the last five years? 

The worst thing to happen in our ward the last 5 years was the threat of the rezoning of McCutchen Acres to allow for another Wal-Mart store at the expense of the neighborhoods and current businesses.  When our current councilmember, Greg Sawyer, voted in favor of this rezoning, I decided it was time for Ward 2 to have a voice in City Council that would look out for the residents and established businesses of our ward.  This is why I am running for City Council. 

What is the best thing to happen in your ward in the last five years? 

The best thing to happen in our ward the last 5 years is the resurgence of investment by businesses including the new Sinks Pharmacy, Liquor Cabinet, Dollar General, Furniture Express and of course, the future redevelopment of the Forum Plaza.  As councilmember of Ward 2, I would continue to make Ward 2 an excellent place for business while ensuring that it maintains its residential appeal. 

What does Rolla do well?

Rolla does a great job of attracting a diverse group of people and businesses despite its small size.  In addition, Rolla maintains an excellent park system and indoor/outdoor activities for the community.  If elected, I would strive to continue to make Rolla a welcoming environment for people of all cultures and backgrounds as well as build on the existing park system. 

What could Rolla do better? 

Rolla needs to do a better job of being transparent to the taxpayers.  Everyone can agree that parks, schools and other government functions are important and worthy of our support.  However, we should know where our money is spent and ensure that we do not make promises we cannot keep or afford.

 

How can you/the city support small business development and expansion? 

As a member of the Rolla City Council, I would continue to support small business by fostering an environment that encourages working with and assisting business development and expansion.   An excellent example of this cooperation is the Forum Plaza Community Improvement District.  Furthermore, the City can continue to highlight its central location with great highway and rail access, diverse workforce, and low cost to business and industry.  The City should continue to foster strong ties with MS&T and the Small Business Administration, Rolla Regional Economic Commission, Meramec Regional Planning Commission, and other organizations to help assist small businesses to grow and develop.   

What should we do to encourage others to relocate here? 

To encourage individuals to move and stay in Rolla, we must continue to work on changing Rolla’s image of a small Midwestern town to that of a thriving hub for technology and innovation in one of the most attractive outdoor settings in Missouri.  Rolla needs to continue to develop and support a diversity of dining, shopping and entertainment options and we must fully support our parks. 

What should we do to encourage graduates from Missouri S&T to stay in Rolla?

JOBS! If we want to keep the talent that Missouri S&T attracts and fosters, we must encourage business and industry that can support college graduates.  We do that by keeping the cost to do business in Rolla at a minimum and competitive tax rates while at the same time maintaining a quality of life that exceeds that of the big cities through our lower crime rates, our better schools, and our better parks and recreational activities.

Do you support the Rolla West Master Plan and the Westside Transportation Plan?  Why or why not?

I support the Rolla West Master Plan and the Westside Transportation Plan.  Rolla needs to encourage continued smart growth and be open to new business and industrial development while working to preserve the character of Rolla.  Rolla West does just that; it incorporates new development, enhances the aesthetics and pedestrian friendly appeal of Rolla while utilizing and preserving the character of Rolla by developing in a commercial/industrial area of Rolla utilizing existing infrastructure.

Do you support the Forum Plaza Community Improvement District? Why or why not? 

Absolutely.  My decision to run for Ward 2 councilman was based in part on current ward 2 councilman, Greg Sawyer’s, decision not to support the Forum Plaza Improvement District and instead supporting the reclassification of single-home residential property to allow for a Wal-mart/gas station/liquor store in the center of our neighborhood.  Ward 2 is a great place to live, but also a great place to shop.  Ward 2 is a great place for businesses to operate and it makes sense for us to support those businesses that have a long history with our ward. 

What is the proper use of tax increment financing (TIF)?  Is there a proper use?  Tax increment financing should be used only in extremely limited circumstances to encourage development of blighted areas.  Even then, we should be wary of the fiscal impact that such financing will have on our schools, law enforcement, roads and other services we rely on the city to provide.

Is eminent domain ever warranted?

In those extremely limited circumstances outlined in Article 1, section 26 of the Missouri Constitution, eminent domain may be warranted for the general welfare of the people e.g. for highways, safety, etc.  However, this does not mean that anyone should ever have to give up his or her home for a shopping center or office park.  When we do ask someone to sacrifice their property, we must make all efforts to ensure that they are given just compensation for their property being mindful of the value that the owner places on the property.

Due to the growth of the student population at the Missouri University of Science and Technology, more student housing is needed.  With the recent proliferation of student housing construction by private investors, do you think stronger regulations and building codes are needed from Planning and Zoning Department?  Why are why not.

 I do not think that Rolla needs stronger regulation and building codes.  Rolla already follows the International Building Code and has strong regulations in place.  However, as councilman of Ward 2, I would make sure that the current regulations and codes are followed so that the most vulnerable in our community, including the elderly and young adults live in safe, well-constructed homes.

Do you support the overall campus master plan of the Missouri University of Science and Technology?  What do you like? What changes would you like to see?  Yes, I support the master plan.  I am very excited with the concept of the campus front door providing an attractive and obvious “front” entrance to the university, which would both improve the campus’s look and make it more inviting, but also serve to beautify Bishop Avenue.   I am also very excited about MS&T’s desire to revitalize Pine Street and the idea of repurposing the old power plant into an occupiable building.  Both of these ideas focus attention on preserving the historic center of Rolla and an iconic landmark of our city, the university power plant.  Finally, the preservation of the campus creek and the concept of the living lab are exciting features that would be great to see implemented in other design projects in Rolla. 

Do you support the Rolla Preservation Commission and their efforts to retain and reuse the historic built environment?  Why or why not? 

Yes, it is important that while we constantly strive to improve our community, that we not let go of our past.  It is extremely sad to see Rolla’s architectural gems, like the Hafeli House, be destroyed to make way for improvement.  Obviously, Rolla needs to make sure that everything is done to preserve its historic buildings and character.  This is why I support the efforts of the Rolla Preservation Commission.

What are your thoughts regarding Rolla’s historic heritage and historic assets?  In 2011, I had the privilege to participate in the Rolla’s Sesquicentennial Celebration.  As part of this celebration, I acted in the reenactment of the debate on whether or not Rolla should secede from the Union.  As part of the celebration, I was able to tour the old courthouse and the Dillon Log Cabin.  I love that Rolla was able to preserve these historic buildings.  I think it is also impressive how Rolla’s historic buildings, such as Benton Square, the Public House Brewery and even City Hall and RMU building, can still serve as viable commercial buildings.  We need to continue to reuse and repurpose our historical assets as we continue to grow.  As a member of City Council, I will do everything I can to make sure that we do all we can to preserve our historical buildings.

What do you think is the best way to stabilize the core residential neighborhoods of Rolla?

In order to stabilize the core residential neighborhoods in Rolla, we need to honor our commitment to those homeowners to provide adequate city services, to honor zoning commitments and fully support the parks located in those neighborhoods.  This is why I am running for City Council, because current Ward 2 councilman, Greg Sawyer, failed to recognize these basic ideas when he voted to support the heaviest possible commercial use, including a Wal-Mart, gas station and liquor store, right in the middle of a residential neighborhood of Ward 2.  The reoccurring zoning requests in Ward 2 for McCutchen Acres to Commercial to the detriment of all those that live in this Ward must stop!

Twenty Questions for City Council Candidates: Ward 1

Last month, Rolla Preservation Alliance contacted the individuals running for City Council asking them to answer twenty questions regarding the city.  Currently we have heard back from five of the eight candidates.  Over the next few weeks we will post our questions with their unedited answers in order to educate the voting public of the opinions and beliefs of the candidates.

The individuals we select to represent us on City Council are our closest connection to city government.  Their decisions have greater impact on our lives than most national decisions.  Yet, during the 2014 municipal election only 16.70% of registered voters in Phelps County turned out to vote.  The year before that roughly 8% of registered voters turned up at the polls.  These local elections are decided by a handful of votes.  In 2013, the election for City Council in Ward 6 was decided by 6 votes.  In Ward 5 it was decided by 7 votes.  Your vote is very important.  That is why Rolla Preservation Alliance decided to contact the candidates so voters can be informed and to take time to cast a ballot and act on their best judgement.

This week we will focus of the candidates running for City Council in Ward 1.  Running for City Council are Jonathan C. Hines (incumbent) and Ryan Yoakum.

Q&A with candidate Jonathan C. Hines (incumbent)

Name? 
Jonathan C. Hines

Where are you from?
Grew up in Collinsville, Illinois, not far from St. Louis.  Graduated from Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau, MO, and was commissioned into the Air Force.  I served 22 years in the Air Force, and when it was time to prepare for life after the Air Force my family and I chose to come to Rolla.  Throughout our lives we often came to this area for vacation and we intend to stay here for the rest of our lives.

How long have you been a resident of Rolla? 

July of 2015 will be 10 years.

What is the single most important issue in your ward?

Economic development and jobs

What is the worst thing to happen in your ward in the last five years?

The increase in drug problems a couple of years back was really a black eye for the ward.  The neighborhood watches and police have done a very good job cleaning this up

What is the best thing to happen in your ward in the last five years?

Revitalization of the downtown area with some new buildings, parking, new businesses

What does Rolla do well?

Our parks system delivers great recreational opportunities and park acreage to everyone at very low cost, especially compared to much large cities.  Our parks help us draw in sports tournaments and aid economic development.  So what we do well is get the most out of our dollars for our park system which makes our city a great place to live.

What could Rolla do better?

We need to address our transportation congestion problems with Hwy 63 and Kings Highway.  The volume of traffic is a constant source of frustration for many in the city, and it is only going to get worse.  The traffic study being done should give us data and insight to aid in developing solutions to the traffic problems.

How can you/the city support small business development and expansion?

Keep reasonable regulations and minimal taxes in place to enable creative entrepreneurs the ability to start their businesses and grow them here.  There is great local talent coming to and through the university.  It would be great if more of our local talent could develop businesses here.

What should we do to encourage others to relocate here?

People relocate for jobs and quality of life.  Rolla has a good quality of life which appeals to many people.  The parks, schools, and easy access to outdoor recreation are positive for our city.  We also need to maintain a business friendly atmosphere to create more jobs.

What should we do to encourage graduates from Missouri S&T to stay in Rolla?

The university’s technology transfer building is helping students develop their ideas into viable companies.  These all have the potential to decide to remain in Rolla.  Keeping a business friendly environment of reasonable regulations and low taxes makes it easier for the business to decide to stay here.

Do you support the Rolla West Master Plan and the Westside Transportation Plan?  Why or why not?

The Rolla West Master Plan is an important part of the city’s future growth.  The transportation issues that have been noted for many years are going to be studied and have recommendations come from the study so the city can decide how best to proceed.

  

Do you support the Forum Plaza Community Improvement District (CID)? Why or why not?

I did vote for it, reluctantly.  The costs of the development will be passed on to the customer, whether it is hidden in the cost of the products purchased, or is clearly visible as a sales tax on the receipt.  The CID approach at least allows customers to see what the increased costs are for a refurbished shopping center, and if they don’t like it, they can choose not to shop there.  In which case, none of their money will go to support the redevelopment improvements at Forum Plaza.

What is the proper use of tax increment financing (TIF)?  Is there a proper use?

This has been a hot button issue, mostly due to some of the efforts with it in the past.  As we talk about the need for jobs and economic growth, we also have to realize that we, as a city, compete with other cities for business relocation and development.  Cities should not be in the pickers of winners and losers economically.  The free market does a much better job of allocating resources.  However, there are times that using a portion of increased tax assessments to help pay for a large development project are needed to bring the project to Rolla.  The benefits of the project, via jobs, sales taxes, and property taxes, to the community must far exceed the tax increment financing costs to be considered.

Is eminent domain ever warranted?

Only for public infrastructure, like roads, where it is a critical need…not to be used to take someone’s property away for economic development. 

Due to the growth of the student population at the Missouri University of Science and Technology, more student housing is needed.  With the recent proliferation of student housing construction by private investors, do you think stronger regulations and building codes are needed from Planning and Zoning Department?  Why are why not. 

No.  The current regulations and codes are sufficient.

Do you support the overall campus master plan of the Missouri University of Science and Technology?  What do you like? What changes would you like to see?

The master plan for the university is an important guide for university growth over the next decade.  The university is a critical component of our city, and in my ward.  The plan outlines projects that will make our city more appealing for those who visit, attract more students, and help bring more economic growth. 

Do you support the Rolla Preservation Commission and their efforts to retain and reuse the historic built environment?  Why or why not?

Yes.  Not only is it important to know who we are and see where we came from…it is good for economic development and tourism.  I am a history major and live in a house nearly 100 years old…I love history.

What are your thoughts regarding Rolla’s historic heritage and historic assets?

When I moved here I was somewhat surprised and saddened by how many interesting buildings had been lost.  It is important to keep the city’s heritage, which can be done while still making improvements.  When done right it improves economic development.

What do you think is the best way to stabilize the core residential neighborhoods of Rolla?

Strong neighborhood watch programs and police relationships to ensure safety and remove any drug or criminal activity.  

 

Boundaries of Ward 1 in Orange.

Q&A with candidate Ryan Yoakum 

Name?
Ryan Yoakum

Where are you from?
I grew up in Dixon, Missouri.

How long have you been a resident of Rolla?
I have lived in Rolla for two years.

What is the single most important issue in your ward?
The City of Rolla supporting the growth of businesses is the most important issue. Many businesses
in Ward One have been a part of Rolla for a long time and are a tremendously important. These
businesses provide jobs for Rolla residents and taxes to the city.

What is the worst thing to happen in your ward in the last five years?
The aging building infrastructure within my ward has been a hardship on people living within the ward
and upon the businesses located there. Many new businesses would much rather locate in other areas
within the city, such as along Highway 63.

What is the best thing to happen in your ward in the last five years?
The expansion of the University has brought more business to the ward. The University expansion has
also resulted in many new residential buildings being either built or renovated.

What does Rolla do well?
Rolla works well with the University as well as playing host to several different regional economic
collaborations.

What could Rolla do better?
I believe that Rolla could better address severe poverty through more funding of community outreach
programs. Volunteer programs could be created for example to further education.

How can you/the city support small business development and expansion?
Small business development can be supported by continuing to keep graduates of MS&T within the city
as well as work to create a business incubator to assist with the actual creation of brand new businesses.

What should we do to encourage others to relocate here?
The City of Rolla continuing to support large employers within the region that have consistently
provided employment. Supporting these business will result in further growth creating more jobs
necessary to build the economy of the city.

What should we do to encourage graduates from Missouri S&T to stay in Rolla?
Graduates from MS&T need job opportunities within this city. So many of them leave because the
nearest available jobs for them are located in larger cities. More job opportunities would keep a
graduates within the city.

Do you support the Rolla West Master Plan and the Westside Transportation Plan? Why or why not?
Currently the Missouri Department of Transportation is facing huge budget deficits. The Rolla West
master plan would be much more feasible if MoDot were able to assist with funds for such a project. As
it stands the Department will have a large number of roads it is unable to maintain much less be able to
provide for such a project as this.

Do you support the Forum Plaza Community Improvement District? Why or why not?
I do support the improvement to the District. Renovating the area will attract more business and be
good for the community as a whole.

What is the proper use of tax increment financing (TIF)? Is there a proper use?
The proper use of a TIF is to use such funds for improvement of blighted tracts within a city. Such
projects should result in economic development that will increase city revenues.

Is eminent domain ever warranted?
Eminent Domain is certainly warranted whenever the health and well being of citizens is put at risk.
Some economic and transportation projects also warrant its use.

Due to the growth of the student population at the Missouri University of Science and Technology, more student housing is needed. With the recent proliferation of student housing construction by private investors, do you think stronger regulations and building codes are needed from Planning and Zoning Department? Why are why not.
The P&Z has upheld the codes that are in place and simple expansion of the University is not a cause
to warrant new codes to be put in place. The codes in place already exist to meet such needs and
standards.

Do you support the overall campus master plan of the Missouri University of Science and Technology? What do you like? What changes would you like to see?
I support most of the plans held by the University, however such plans should not impede
transportational development such as along Highway 63.

Do you support the Rolla Preservation Commission and their efforts to retain and reuse the historic built environment? Why or why not?
I do support the effort to preserve the architectural treasures within our city. We can grow as a city
without tearing down our past.

What are your thoughts regarding Rolla’s historic heritage and historic assets?
The historic heritage of our city is rather impressive. Buildings from the Civil War Era in particular should
be protected and treasured.

What do you think is the best way to stabilize the core residential neighborhoods of Rolla?
The best way to do this is to continue to grow the city as a whole. Business growth will provide more
jobs which in turn will keep the city growing at a continued pace.

Please stayed tuned as next week we will post the answers of candidates running for City Council  in Ward 2