MOUNT VERNON — Knox Pages hosted six candidates in a public forum Thursday evening at the Woodward Opera House, all seeking election to Mount Vernon’s City Council on Nov. 4.
All three write-in candidates seeking election for the 3rd Ward seat on council attended — Taylor Jacklin, Jennifer Shoman and Greg Yashnyk.
Three of the four candidates seeking election for three At-large seats on the council were also present — including incumbent Mel Severns. Alan Reed, running as a write-in candidate, participated, as well as Rodney “Dale” Miller.
Incumbent Amber Keener was unable to attend, but is also seeking re-election into an At-large seat.
Below is a list of timestamps for the questions asked that correlate with the video of the event, as well as a photo gallery from Source Media Solutions and Audience Engagement Editor Brittany Schock.
Timestamps
- 3:50 — Is transparency an issue in city government? Why or why not? What would you change?
- 9:20 — Do you support using the emergency clause? Why or why not, and under what circumstances?
- 14:00 — What are your budget priorities?
- 18:07 — Question for Jennifer Shoman specifically: You noted infrastructure is already strained and advocate for a thoughtful pause and comprehensive review of current and future development plans. How long of a pause, and how do you assess what’s truly necessary to meet demand?
- 19:11 — Question for Greg Yashnyk specifically: You mention traffic flow on Coshocton Avenue and that we need to work together to develop and implement solutions that create access and minimize the impacts on current residents of the area. Who would you work with, and what are your solutions?
- 20:22 — Question for Taylor Jacklin specifically: You listed as your first priority the need to balance the city’s growth with retaining a small town identity and values. How do you plan to do that?
- 21:35 — Everyone acknowledges that Coshocton Avenue is stressed with the amount of vehicle traffic. Do your solutions to improve traffic include anything related to public transit or bicycles?
- 27:14 — Question for Rodney ‘Dale’ Miller specifically: You said the voice of the people has been missing from council meetings. Do you have a plan to involve residents in decision-making?
- 28:45 — Question for Alan Reed specifically: You mentioned public safety as a concern and that you would seek projects to ensure continued safety. What does that mean? What projects? What’s lacking?
- 30:04 — Question for Mel Severns specifically: You said you are not pleased with the number of heavy trucks on inner city streets and mention east-west traffic as especially problematic. This question is two-fold: 1) does the number of heavy trucks extend to waste hauling companies, and 2) what is your recommendation to fix the east-west traffic?
- 31:36 — What is your solution to a new courthouse, and do you have a cap on how much you would spend to implement that solution?
- 37:17 — If you received a $1 million grant to use for the city in any way you wanted, what would you do with it and why?
- 43:43 — We’ve heard many comments about landlords not keeping rental properties in good condition and aesthetically pleasing. Is this a problem, and what would you do to fix it?
- 48:31 — Question for the 3rd ward candidates specifically: How do you feel about high-density housing?
- 51:41 — What are the most important things that need to happen relating to growth?
- 57:45 — Closing remarks from all the candidates.
