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Full version of Debbie's position on the issues: Daily Times Issues.pdf
Delmarvanow.com
Council Candidates Seek Change
By Laura D'Alessandro • Staff Writer • January 26, 2009
SALISBURY -- Improving the working capacity of the council before making any promises to improve the city is a common thread among most of the 2009 city candidates. After all, they'll have to work with each other to get anything else on their agenda accomplished.
Mayoral candidate Bob Caldwell, an ex-councilman who has run for mayor once before, said bringing strong and steadfast leadership to Salisbury is his number one priority, while District 1 candidate Muir Boda said one of his main goals is to rid the council of personality issues and hang-ups.
The primary municipal election is less than two months away and the election will bring at least one new face to city government. Two incumbents, Councilwoman Debbie Campbell from District 2 and Councilwoman Shanie Shields from District 1, are running for re-election and Council Vice President Gary Comegys is running for mayor. If all three were to win, Comegys' seat would be filled by appointment. Mayor Barrie Parsons Tilghman is not seeking re-election. Campbell is up against Boda.
Comegys will run against three candidates who have all had their taste of Salisbury politics before. Jim Ireton is a school teacher and ex-city councilman as well as frequent critic of Tilghman's administration. Michael Della Penna, a recently laid-off car salesman, ran in the previous mayoral election, but did not make it through the primary.
In District 1, 80 year-old wheelchair-bound Ralph McIntyre said he filed because he and his wife could use the extra income to support their great grandson. Tim Chaney, a frequent attendee of council meetings and critic of the administration also filed, followed by Cynthia Polk, who wants to see an increase in networking on the council.
Middle Boulevard resident Brian Brushmiller filed close to the deadline last Tuesday, but withdrew Friday after he was immediately attacked on numerous local blogs.
"The motivation to make the city of Salisbury an even better place to live prompted me to run for City Council, but the culture of negativity surrounding Salisbury politics made me apprehensive," Brushmiller said.
He further stated that he, too, hopes the election brings positivity back to city government. He said he was optimistic that elected officials with a positive outlook who are focused on a cooperative agenda will make Salisbury flourish.
• Where do candidates stand on the issues?
District 1:
Shanie Shields
PUBLIC SAFETY: Encourage more community involvement and seek crime preventative programs.
ENVIRONMENT: Encourage developers do go green and do more educating citizens on the importance of recycling.
BUDGET: Continue to look on ways of reducing spending in the economic times.
NEIGHBORHOODS: Continue support the ongoing revitalization of Salisbury Neighborhood Housing and Habitat.
INFRASTRUCTURE: Since funding is limited I will support partnering with other governmental agencies such as the current efforts on Waverly Drive to address the flooding issues.
HOW WILL YOU HELP IMPROVE THE WORKING ENVIRONMENT ON THE CITY COUNCIL? Continue to follow the code of conduct that was adopted in 2007 and our goal that was set in our last goal setting session, improving positive communication.
Tim Chaney
PUBLIC SAFETY: Increase manpower in the Salisbury Police Department and give them raise they were promised.
ENVIRONMENT: If we can make the Wicomico River healthy again it may bring back fishing, boating and other water sports that could fully fund the Port of Salisbury marina, hopefully enabling more revenue for the city.
BUDGET: Supports a line-item budget. Cut wasteful spending.
NEIGHBORHOODS: Get a network started between neighborhood associations for team walks and activities, power in numbers, and to reach out to the children before drug dealers can.
INFRASTRUCTURE: Stop sprawl.
HOW WILL YOU HELP IMPROVE THE WORKING ENVIRONMENT ON THE CITY COUNCIL?
Put rubber stamping projects to an end and work for the people.
Ralph McIntyre
PUBLIC SAFETY: Stronger penalties not more officers.
ENVIRONMENT: "The environment isn't too bad when you get down to it."
BUDGET: "The city wants to do too many things." Cut spending.
NEIGHBORHOODS: Most people don't care about city politics because they haven't been able to get what they wanted from the city in the past.
INFRASTRUCTURE: Repair pavements and streets.
HOW WILL YOU HELP IMPROVE THE WORKING ENVIRONMENT ON THE CITY COUNCIL?
The council president tries to keep everyone under control as best as she can. I'm bullheaded, at least that's what my family says, so if someone says something I think is wrong I'm going to tell them.
Cynthia Polk
PUBLIC SAFETY: Consistency in service to District 1 neighborhood.
ENVIRONMENT: Respect the Wicomico River and "Go Green" initiative
BUDGET: Effective and efficient managing of city resources.
NEIGHBORHOODS: I want to see District 1 a neighborhood where families are proud to live and raise their children. Together we could create a safe, clean and healthy environment for our children by effectively and efficiently managing city resources and provide after school programs in the neighborhood for the youth.
INFRASTRUCTURE: Safe roads strong bridges
HOW WILL YOU HELP IMPROVE THE WORKING ENVIRONMENT ON THE CITY COUNCIL?
I will respect the code of conduct that the council members agree on. I will commit myself with an open mind, and a win-win Situation policy.
District 2:
Debbie Campbell
PUBLIC SAFETY: Continue aligning resources, legislation and political will to meet the goals with measurable results, making our city safe for everyone who lives and works here.
ENVIRONMENT: Continue to emphasize "doing the job right the first time" with sensitivity to environmental responsibility in all repairs and new development.
BUDGET: Continue to protect the tax dollars of the citizens, advance and support budgeting and financial management practices that will ensure that resources and money are spent on what the city needs rather than promoting bigger government.
NEIGHBORHOODS: Continue to meet with, talk with, listen to and respond to their ideas and concerns and work with members of the community, continue to be their representative and advocate on the council -- regardless of the neighborhood in which they live.
INFRASTRUCTURE: Much work is needed, including tighter contract conditions, stronger oversight to stretch our infrastructure dollars, better prioritization of projects and continued opposition to favoritism and tax subsidies.
HOW WILL YOU HELP IMPROVE THE WORKING ENVIRONMENT ON THE CITY COUNCIL?
Continue to encourage fellow council members to put the voters first; to make decisions that protect the interests of the whole community; and I will continue to serve with diligence.
Muir Boda
PUBLIC SAFETY: Add crosswalks on Route 13 at targeted locations, focus on empowering investigative units to aggressively deal with gangs in schools, promote cooperation among agencies, work closely with churches and civic organizations to promote regular activities for youth.
ENVIRONMENT: Encourage citizens to practice sustainable habits by recycling, conserving energy, using sustainable products and conserving water. Implement a higher standard of accountability for businesses and government violators.
BUDGET: Work to keep taxes low and cut unnecessary spending and commit to reducing debt as fast as possible.
NEIGHBORHOODS: More citizen involvement in standing up to gangs and crime. Prevent neighborhoods from becoming war zones.
INFRASTRUCTURE: Create a long term plan that includes immediate needs such as cross walks and dangerous sidewalks, then look at the city as a whole to see what needs to be built and repaired and create schedule for those projects.
MAIN CAMPAIGN ISSUE:
IF ELECTED, HOW WILL YOU HELP IMPROVE THE WORKING ENVIRONMENT ON THE CITY COUNCIL?
Begin by showing the respect each individual deserves. Work closely with all council members, the mayor and all department personnel to find the best possible solutions -- working together is how we will make Salisbury a better place for all.
Elections
Primary
March 3, 2009
General
April 7, 2009
To find out polling place, contact the Wicomico County Board of Elections. 410-548-4830
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