City Manager Judy Gilleland has announced her retirement and her last day is June 6. Those who attended the interviews Saturday forwarded their recommendations to city staff. City Council will select Gilleland’s replacement.
Each of the candidates were asked the same questions from facilitator Tom Brickey, then, if there was time, he asked questions submitted from the audience. There were about 10 people who attended the public forum in Council Chambers, and most of them listened to every candidate.
Landen on the city's income tax increase the first quarter of 2014: "One quarter does not make a year, and one year doesn't make a trend. We got to be vigilant, make uncomfortable choices."
- On city's image: He once was told by someone that Middletown "was that place that loves to hate itself. That has got to stop."
Howington on why she's interested in leaving Rhode Island: Her son lives in Cleveland, her husband's family is from Louisville, and she has friends in Butler County.
- On whether she'd cut firefighter positions as City Manager Judy Gilleland has proposed: "Fire is difficult. SAFER grants are difficult." She said it's important to get level of services where they are acceptable.
Davison on whether she'd live in Middletown: "Absolutely." She called herself "a people person" who likes to be "rooted" in the community. She and her family spent a recent weekend in Middletown.
- On how to attract new business: It's important to show potential companies that the city is "serious" about doing business. She said it's crucial to create "a one-stop shop" for businesses to make it as easy as possible.
- On when she thought out-of-the-box: Steubenville was losing $68,000 to $100,000 a year operating its public swimming pool. But after creating partnerships with non-profits, the faith community and other agencies, the pool remained opened and the city stopped losing money.
Norfleet on how to increase revenue: Go after those who owe the city money, and when possible, make major purchases with neighboring cities. "Every dollar adds up."
- On a success and a failure: He said they both happened at the same time when he was fired as city manager in Compton, Calif. in 2011, after he made tough financial decisions. He left Compton in a "better place," he said.
Adkins on the future of the Towne Mall Galleria: He called the East End mall "doomed in its current form" because of the competitive retail available to the south in Monroe and Liberty Twp. He said the city needs to decide the "best use" of the mall property.
- On the city's top priority: Economic development. "We are losing out, not aggressive enough. We don't play well with others in Butler County."
- On whether he'd move his family from Mason: "If I'm in, I'm in. I'm here to stay."
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