Let me begin by explaining how this forum worked. Each candidate was asked to deliver a 3-5 minute speech of his or her views on why they should receive our vote to be elected to serve as leaders within our community. Because of the many candidates in attendance and the restricted amount of time that was available, a decision was made to ask preselected questions by whom I assume was the President of the Indian Mound Civic Association. The questions that were asked dealt mainly with circumstances that are/have affected the residents of this Indian Mound Subdivision.

In attendance:
Mac Watts (Mayor), Jr. Shelton (Mayor), Louis DeJohn (Council), Aaron Moak (Council), Lucky Ross (Council), Ralph Washington(Council), Joan Lansing (Council), Tony Lobue(Council), Charles Lee Hinton (Council), Wayne Messina (Council), Mike Mannino (Council), Doug Browning (Police Chief), Wade Welborn (Police Chief), Michael Garner (Police Chief)

The topics discussed ranged from a variety of different issues from the development of the Master Plan, implementation of individual Council Districting, Permitting Fees, CH2M HILL (City Services), Infrastructure of roads and drainage, etc…

If nothing else, I saw a group of incumbents’ and candidates that are very passionate about their beliefs which were made evident by their many different and vocal (sometime heated) opinions.

Below I have listed the topics of discussions and the general opinion of each candidate-

Master Plan-

(For) Mac Watts, Louis Dejohn, Aaron Moak, Jr Shelton (but would like to revisit)
(Against) Mike Mannino, Charles Lee Hinton
(No Opinion Voiced) Joan Lansing, Lucky Ross, Ralph Washington, Wayne Messina, Tony Lobue

Implementation of Council districting-

(For) Charles Lee Hinton, Mike Mannino, Louis DeJohn (either way)
(Against) Aaron Moak
(No Opinion Voiced) Mac Watts, Jr Shelton, Joan Lansing, Ralph Washington, Wayne Messina, Tony Lobue, Lucky Ross

Permitting Fees (Lowering the fees’)-

(For) Jr Shelton, Wayne Messina, Mike Mannino, Tony Lobue, Aaron Moak, Ralph Washington, Louis DeJohn
(Against) None
(No Opinion Voiced) Mac Watts, Lucky Ross, Joan Lansing, Charles Lee Hinton

CH2M HILL (City Services)-

(For) Mac Watts, Aaron Moak, Louis DeJohn, Jr Shelton, Lucky Ross
(Against) Mike Mannino, Wayne Messina
(No Opinion Voiced) Joan Lansing, Ralph Washington, Tony Lobue, Charles Lee Hinton

Improvement of Infrastructure (Roads & Drainage)

(For) Mac Watts, Jr Shelton, Aaron Moak, Louis DeJohn, Joan Lansing, Wayne Messina, Mike Mannino
(Against) None
(No Opinion Voiced) Charles Lee Hinton, Tony Lobue, Ralph Washington, Lucky Ross

The development of low-income housing, apartment’s complexes, trailer parks and Government subsidized housing units-

(For) NONE
(Against) Mac Watts, Jr Shelton, Mike Mannino, Aaron Moak
(No Opinion Voiced) Louis DeJohn, Joan Lansing, Ralph Washington, Tony Lobue, Lucky Ross, Wayne Messina, Charles Lee Hinton

Please keep in mind that although candidates were listed under the (No Opinion Voiced) category, it doesn’t necessarily mean they are (For), (Against) or do not care- It simply means they didn’t comment on the issue because of time restraints…

Please utilize the information as a study guide towards your decision….Remember that there is two remaining debate forums left…Please utilize these events to decide on who you believe is the most qualified candidates’ to lead our community. Please educate yourself by visiting with each of these individuals so our city will continue to grow in the right direction. Don’t Forget to Vote!!!!!!

CJ