9/15/2009 6:00:00 AM
Salem will seek second term
Watson submits paperwork for another run, others weigh options as filing opens
| |
|
KINGMAN - Two City Council incumbents have announced their intention to run for re-election next year, less than a week after the official start of the 2010 election season.
According to City Clerk Debbie Francis, Vice Mayor Janet Watson already filled out and submitted her $500 Threshold Exemption Statement last Friday, clearing her to begin going after the 216 signatures she will need to run in next March's primary.
Candidates who intend to run for office must first file either the Threshold Exemption Statement or a Statement of Organization. The former is for candidates who do not expect to spend or receive more than $500 during their campaign, while the latter is for those who do.
Watson could not be reached for comment prior to press time Monday, but Mayor John Salem could. Salem said he's yet to pick up an election packet from the city clerk, but he did intend to have his statement filed by the end of the week.
"I do plan on running again," Salem said. "I'm looking forward to doing this. I really enjoyed the campaign last time."
In choosing to run for re-election, Salem said he wants to continue serving as an advocate for the city's fiscal wellbeing in the face of the recession while simultaneously seeking to further the city's transportation infrastructure needs and position the city to capitalize off the eventual recovery.
"I'm just getting started," Salem said. "We've been able to accomplish several things as a Council, and I'd really like to continue to be a part of that." administration's biggest accomplishments has been the preservation of the city's fiscal solvency, even as other cities around the state have had to face profound deficits due to overambitious budgets at both the local and state level.
"In my opinion, the city of Kingman is in much better shape than lots of other cities," Salem said. "We still have a fund balance, we still have our contingencies. I'm really proud of city staff; all of the departments have had to make line item cuts and put off purchases until things get better."
Salem added that he regretted raising city water and wastewater fees in the middle of the recession, but he maintained the increased fees were necessary to fund needed improvements to bring the city's water infrastructure into compliance with state regulatory agencies, as well as to continue meeting the area's water needs for the coming years.
If elected to a second term, Salem said he hopes to take advantage of any economic recovery to begin pursuing the city's enormous capital improvements plan, which is often euphemistically referred to as a "wish-list" due to the lack of funding.
"We haven't been able to put a dent in that thing," Salem said. "I'd really like to pursue some of those projects."
In addition to Salem and Watson's seats, the seats of Councilmen Ray Lyons and Kerry Deering will also be up for grabs next year. Neither man has yet approached the city clerk for an election packet.
Deering was unavailable for comment prior to press time Monday, though the Miner was able to get a hold of Lyons, who said he was still mulling the possibility of a third term in office.
"I think so," Lyons said when asked if he would run again. "I'm like 90 percent sure. If I do (run), I'll probably pick up my papers within the next two weeks."
|
Posted: Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Article comment by:
No name provided
Is John Salem the guy that got lock boxes placed on city property so people would have to lock their firearms up before going into city buildings?
Any sources for this?
Posted: Friday, September 18, 2009
Article comment by:
shame on you!
You should be ashamed of yourselves!!! Mayor Salem has done an outstanding job. Its not easy trying to pull our City out of a big mess that he did not put us in. It took several years of bad mayors and city councilmen to put us here not just one person in the short time he has been in office. If you do not like whats happening then pull your head out and do something about it!!! Quit pointing fingers and run for office! If you don't want to run, then stop complaining!!!! Its going to take a long time to get our City back to where it should be. I think that our City Council and our Major have all done the best they can in this economy and this big mess. Look around!!!! Its a mess EVERYWHERE.
Posted: Friday, September 18, 2009
Article comment by:
Michael
Loyd,it's about time you run for public office and come up with real solutions or move our world is changeing exept you and of course your option is to complain and gripe about everything and anything,its time to sit back and deal with reality,a new hosptal,a 2nd Walgreens,CVS,and middle school(there goe's your property tax) so welcome too 2009 not 1949.
Posted: Thursday, September 17, 2009
Article comment by:
jack
You know what if everyone would put their first and last names on these comments so will I. Quit hiding your identity.
Posted: Thursday, September 17, 2009
Article comment by:
No name provided
RE: Loyd, oops, I mean Your Danish Sir...
Stop with the hyperbole. A four year term is hardly a "coronation".
Posted: Thursday, September 17, 2009
Article comment by:
No name provided
i musy applaud lloyd for speaking out the way he does on issues that corrupt this community. A citizen that speaks out is personally attac ked by these elected idiots. They throw their power around and make it virtually impossable for an American to stand their ground. all the while utilizing our tax dollars to be the bully! Doesnt sound like the America i want to be a part of. Its time people...its time to stand up and say NO to these paid for politicians! some of the things that i have watched happen are so outragious that the FBi needs to be involved.
Posted: Thursday, September 17, 2009
Article comment by:
No name provided
If they treat us all with respect I would return the favor but I have been verbally attacked by them because of where I bought my house. Yep a nimby and proud of it.
Posted: Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Article comment by:
Think about it
@Jack. Sir you are truly correct in referencing those with such strong opinions. They should brave the citizenry and consider running for office themselves. I personally considered that challenge. However, I am a single mother with children ranging in ages 10-22. Who in their right mind would want to subject themselves to the ridicule and torment that the public serves up? Some skepticism is warranted, however, having been here for two generations, and watching the last local elections, it is apparent that people here have too much time on their hands. People here in power target a public official and/or an individual... a successful individual, and those in power will assure that their target is destroyed. Power plays on parties positions and ignorance. I have grown up watching the players take position. It's gross at best. The local politics are humorous,rarely entertaining, boring. I feel those who have been recently elected in county positions, are weak at best. Somewhat of a disappointment. Strong leadership is lacking within the county. They cower and thrive on bullying. FYI: Before Hurricane Katrina, Mohave County had one of the highest welfare recipient ratios in the nation. Bare in mind that Colorado City is a part of Mohave County, and with their state benefits, comes many state dollars. Food Stamps, Cash Assistance, Medial Assistance, Medical equipment,Rehabilitation, Respite, Oc-therapy, Physically therapy, on and on. There is so much genetic disorder that their situation is debilitating. Not to target them or single them out as part of the county's demise, but realize that part of the complaint has been seniors taking up too much of non-mandated dollars all the while we have a welfare recipient community who resides here, takes advantage of, and diminishes the beauty of our city. With all of these challenges, many of which are unrecognized and perhaps not revisited often enough, I believe the existing council should be offered some credit. They have families, children, and businesses that they are required to maintain. Their children don't need the negative comments against their parents when at the very least they are involved. Show some respect. Just once. Could we try that? I know I'm scattered between City, County, and State, but it's all relative.
Posted: Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Article comment by:
Your Danish, Sir...
@ Smedley bring me a Danish --
Sir, you would like your Danish with less contention, I take it. Might I suggest a side of pabulum with that, Sir? The flyers for the Mayoral coronation, Sir -- Yes, the printer will have them ready on the morrow, Sir.
Indeed, Sir -- that rascal Loyd is such a divisive soul. Shall I summon the field-hands and have him flogged, Sir? Both legs, Sir -- is that not a bit harsh, Sir? As you wish, Sir. I will see to the four-year term also, Sir -- but would that be necessary with the coronation, Sir?
The Danish is spoiled, Sir? How can that be, Sir? He just posted a new blog, Sir.
Posted: Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Article comment by:
Jack
I honestly believe that if someone is not happy about what is going on in the City of Kingman and the way in which it is being run, they themselves should run for office. Being on the political hot seat is a very difficult thing to do, and I commend those that take enough interest in our community to seek public office. It is easy to sit in the background and see what someone either has or hasn't done and make comments about their efforts, however put yourself in there position. Not many have what it takes to take on the responsibility of running a community and doing it as fairly as they can. Therefore, for all that choose to make comments against anyone that seeks public office, go sign up and run.
Posted: Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Article comment by:
Smitty
If Mayor Salem can continue to work on eradicating many of the ridiculous laws from the Kingman statutes, like the issue about dealership and apartment leasing advertising banners, he's got my vote! There's a few other laws as well but I don't want to say as they might give me away...just get rid of unreasonable stupidity.
Posted: Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Article comment by:
No name provided
Say what you want about his policies, but Mayor Salem is I think a breath of fresh air. Have you ever been to a City Council meeting? Mayor Salem leads in a manner which is commendable. He doesn't use strong-arm tactics or berate those differing from his opinion; because he has an open mind. You may call it flip flopping, but I'm glad he is wise enough to be able to change his mind when the situation warrants. He keeps the meetings focused and should at least be given props for this.
Posted: Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Article comment by:
Smedly bring me a danish
All this contention among us is not good for the community. It stagnates the political waters.
Nothing can be achieved by any mayor; when every two years the city becomes so divisive. It entrenches political thought and makes it near impossible to negotiate any worthwhile projects. Any adversary of a Mayor only needs to wait a short time before there is public outcry... which emboldens them to be unreasonable and not work towards compromise. Because of these posts, I hope you can now see why we need four year mayoral terms? Except for Lloyd of course. He would complain if Abraham Lincoln were Mayor.
Posted: Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Article comment by:
No name provided
Can't you tell by now people that are running for an office often Lie about "not raising taxes" and other promises to us they can not keep just so we elect them. That goes for Anybody running. We can all see by now that promises made are never kept. As for that, I believe Salem has been the most reachable and "out there" in his community.
Posted: Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Article comment by:
Helen
Loyd,
I looked at the web you stated, she wrote an item stating her agenda was public safety and economic developement. I searched articles and she stated she was against raising sales tax and implementing a property tax and for impact fees. Behind Watson, she is the best we have.
|
|
Article Comment Submission Form
|
|
