SCOTT CITY'S MUNICIPAL, SCHOOL BOARD CANDIDATES MEET IN FORUM

SCOTT CITY -- Candidates for elected positions in Scott City were asked what they would do to lower city taxes and how they would help the city grow at a candidate's forum Tuesday night.

Eleven candidates running for mayor, city council and school board seats spoke at the forum.

Larry Forhan, a candidate for mayor, said if more retail businesses were lured to Scott City, the city's sales tax base would increase and property taxes could be kept at present levels.

"The answer lies in retail establishments," Forhan said. "When we have the sales tax base, we have less of a need for a property tax increase."

Forhan, a computer business owner and one-time mayor of Ste. Genevieve, is running against Rodney Holloway, who did not attend the forum.

Other candidates had different ideas about dodging higher taxes. John Rogers, an incumbent city council candidate for a two-year term in Ward 2, said more industry in the town is the answer.

"Property taxes cannot run a city," Rogers said. "People need to help this town get industry in so we can better serve you."

Rogers said the city is facing money problems, and more than ever, people need to support local businesses. "The reason your taxes are high is because the revenue is not coming in from industry," he said.

Rogers is facing George Moit for the council seat. Moit, a retired railroad worker, said he'd like to see city money being allocated more fairly. He said some departments are given more money and raises than other departments, something he would like to stop.

Kenny Holder, who at 24 is the youngest candidate running for the city council, said the city should attempt to lure business by granting them short-term tax breaks if they locate in Scott City.

"We've got to market our town and make it attractive to businesses," he said.

Holder is running against Edith Davidson, 76. The two are vying for a one-year unexpired term in Ward 2. Davidson, a retired teacher, said she's worked for federal and state grants to rehabilitate parts of the city. She said volunteer work and more community involvement could help cut back on city expenses.

Terry Johnson, who is running unopposed for a Ward 4 seat on the council, also stressed community involvement, and said the reason he filed for a council seat is so he could help shape the town's future.

"I used to sit back and complain about how the city was being run and not do anything about it. But I decided to do something about it," he said.

Vying for a two-year term in Ward 2 on the council is incumbent Ron Oller and Joe Bles. Bles said one of his biggest concerns is increasing job opportunities for the town's young people.

"Our businesses here in town cannot survive with us going to Cape Girardeau to buy everything," he said.

Oller, who has served one term on the council, said he'd like to continue to work on problems the council has already tried to solve, including fixing city streets.

A candidate running unopposed for a Ward 1 seat on the council, LaDonna Phelps, said she'd like to see public faith restored in city government. She said residents should be able to approach the council without fear of being ridiculed.

"I will not stand by and let any citizens be criticized or treated in a shoddy manner," she said.

School board candidates Tom Anderson and Ray Smith talked about problems with state funding of schools and said the district is facing hard times.

Anderson said more jobs in town will help curve decreasing enrollment in the district. He said enrollment is about 900, compared to about 1,400 less than a decade ago.

About 25 people attended the forum, which was sponsored by the Scott City Chamber of Commerce. The election is April 7.