HUMBOLDT — Financial matters took center stage among all seven Humboldt City Council candidates and the four USD 258 Board of Education hopefuls who attended a candidate forum Thursday evening.
All spoke about spending tax dollars wisely, while sharing their vision for the future of Humboldt and the school district.
The council candidates were Brenda Clark, Sunny Shreeve and Joe Weiner, each of whom hopes to replace Jerry Griffeth on the council who did not file for reelection; incumbent Vada Aikins, who is being opposed by Richard Weilert; and Wayne Carson, who is unopposed in his bid to remain on the council. Mayoral candidate Iner “Nobby” Davis, unopposed in his bid to replace the retiring Bob Sharp, also spoke.
School board members Curt Mueller and Joe Works were joined on stage with newcomers Dusty Bartlett and Larry Mendoza. Unable to attend the forum were the other two board members Helen Harrington and Sandy Whitaker. Voters will choose four of the six in the April 5 election to serve on the board.
UNDER questioning from moderator David Broyles, the council candidates were asked about the city’s biggest challenges they foresaw over the next two years; ways the city can reinvigorate its “failing downtown business district;” and their vision of the city 10 years from now.
The questions and their answers follow:
What do you think are the most important issues facing the city over the next two years?
Carson — Financial. Nobody likes taxes, but the city needs that income. Still, the city must curb t spending. I’m all for beautifying the city, but we have to take care of ourselves first,” he said.
Shreeve — Humboldt’s population has declined between 8.6 and 9.2 percent since 2000, depending on which report you read, both of which are substantial for a town Humboldt’s size. The city must continue to improve its infrastructure: water, streets, sidewalks, and bring in business.
Davis — The city needs to fix or moderately repair its streets so that potholes will not continue to damage cars. Water drainage also is an issue in various neighborhoods, and Humboldt must continue to ensure its fire department and ambulance services remain in place.
Weilert — Humboldt is spending money like crazy. There was no need to spend the money the city did to move City Hall. Grants are not free and usually have strings attached, and now the county is spending $34 million on a new hospital.
Weiner — The city is spending itself broke. The city needs to return to its basics: providing utilities, police and fire protection and improving its water drainage. Humboldt is in a “manage by crisis” mode and is not prioritizing properly where its resources should be spent. Much mental anguish among its residents can be alleviated if Humboldt can get its spending in order.
Aikins — Humboldt’s property taxes actually decreased slightly in the last year. The city has done a good job improving its water and sewer lines, and the streets should be next on the list. If Humboldt can attract new jobs and residents, its tax base will grow and tax rates will continue to drop.
Clark — According to an online report, Humboldt is $3 million in the red. Expenditures for City Hall and the swimming pool will need to be paid for over the next 30 years. Humboldt’s sales tax rate is among the highest in the state. Neither sales taxes nor property taxes should be raised, but other options should be pursued. Humboldt should also seriously consider whether outsourcing — such as having a private business handle its trash collection service — was a benefit because the city’s work force did not decrease and no savings were realized in salaries.
What should the city do to reinvigorate its failing business district?
Clark — I have a problem with the term “failing business district” because Humboldt can still boast of its businesses, and has in recent years attracted a Dollar General store, a lawn mower repair shop and has such places as B&W Trailer Hitches still thriving. If the city can afford to spend money to beautify its downtown area, it should be able to afford incentives for incoming businesses.
Aikins — Humbold’ts neighborhood revitalization program is available to help businesses or other property owners improve their properties while enticing outsiders to move to Humboldt. While grants have strings attached, they also provide funding for locals to do improvements.
Weiner — Humboldt must act aggressively to bring in outside businesses. The city’s biggest incentive is its people who are willing to help each other. The city is filled with well-educated, God-fearing people who care for one another. The city should not divert Community Development Block Grant funds for other expenditures.
Weilert — The city’s peak was in the 1950s to 1980s when businesses of all types filled the community. Many of those are gone, in large part because of a lack of community support. “It’s real simple. If you don’t support the businesses you have, they go away, and then you have to travel to Chanute or Iola to spend your money.”
Davis — Humboldt does not have a “failing” business environment, but rather a “lack of growth” issue today. The city no longer has a major highway coming through town, which raises other challenges. Grants can be pursued, because while they often have strings attached, like-kind contributions can make those funds available without costing money locally.
Shreeve — Incentives should be offered to building owners to ensure they are at least up to code. In applying for grants, the city’s biggest attribute is its willingness to provide “sweat equity.” Humboldt’s businesses aren’t failing, but “stagnation” is an issue.
Carson — The city must take care of its existing businesses before it can look to expand and bring in others. Opening a business downtown is costly because of money already tied up into its buildings along the square. Some building owners cannot afford to improve their facilities, and so the buildings are left to deteriorate.
Where do you see the city in 10 years?
Weiner — “I see everything pretty rosy. I see new businesses here.”
Weilert — Humboldt’s school district is one of the top school systems in state. The city’s population would grow if available housing could be built and people could find places to live locally. “If we don’t spend like crazy, Humboldt will grow.”
Davis — While many people criticize spending, spending now can save money in the future, if it’s spent wisely. Examples are improving the water and sewer systems now so they are no longer at risk of failing. When the economy turns around, Humboldt will continue to thrive. “I believe in us all. I am an optimist.”
Shreeve — The city’s collaborative spirit will help it succeed. If the right candidates are in place, and the city is fiscally responsible, growth will occur. “I see possibilities all over the place.”
Carson — If the city spends its money wisely, it will be in good shape in 10 years. “But if we stay on the path we’re on, we’re going to be broke.” The city should pursue grants that rely on in-kind contributions rather than monetary matches.
Clark — Humboldt’s “great school system” will continue to benefit the city, while the city must continue to concentrate on supporting its existing businesses. “If I’m not doing a good job, get rid of me.” Clark was attracted to Humboldt, in part, because a drive through town revealed several homes with bicycles lying in a number of yards. “If you do that in Kansas City, those bikes are gone before you can turn around.”
Aikins — Humboldt’s strong collection of residents will ensure the city’s future. “If we continue to have a ‘can-do’ attitude and keep our work ethic, in 10 years, I see this as a vibrant and active town.”
THE SCHOOL board candidates also spoke about financial matters, noting that spending must be curbed — or cut further — because of cuts in state aid and lost enrollment. Still, the district must continue to invest in its top-of-the-line technology programs.
Bartlett spoke about vocational programs, such as the high school’s building trades program. Those programs benefit the students and the community. The district must keep up with technology purchases.
Works noted that the key for elementary and middle school students is to get an educational foundation so that other opportunities arise when they reach high school.
Mueller said the district should eventually gear its curriculum to better prepare students for the American College Test (ACT) and away from the State Assessment coursework.
Mendoza praised the leadership of the school district’s administrators and agreed that money should be spent wisely, but that USD 258 should continue to invest in technology and continue to stress education fundamentals, along with courses in such disciplines as computers, building trades and arts and music.
