Mike Allegretto, Pete Madden, Mike Hyson, Keith Hartzell and Eric Sauder pick questions distributed by Diane Mozzo.
About 75 people attended a City Council candidates forum Tuesday night at Ocean City High School.
The event was sponsored by the Democratic and Republican clubs of Ocean City and featured all five candidates running for the three open at-large seats on City Council in the May 13 municipal election.
The candidates made opening (2 minutes) and closing (5 minutes) statements and answered questions randomly drawn from a hat.
The following are summaries and excerpts from the forum.
ERIC SAUDER
Two minutes in 20 or fewer words: I'm the voice of the people. "I pledge that I will bring citizens and property owners into the process."
On bay side dredging: "Need to keep pushing on finding a spoils site ... lagoons are every bit as important as streets."
On high costs of personnel: Says "we're well in excess" when comparing to other towns and believes city can operate more competitively without sacrificing public safety or efficiency. Says costs can be reduced in off-season.
On council being part of contract negotiations again: "Council should be part of the process." Concedes he's "a little green on that."
On town's year-round population loss: "First thing we need to do is make Ocean City attractive and affordable." Next zone it for single-family homes. Then promote it as a place to live and not just vacation.
On public access to the bay: Says town has gotten nowhere with any of its initiatives.
Closing statement highlight: "Stop zoning for profitability and start zoning for viability."
KEITH HARTZELL
Two minutes in 20 or fewer words: Loves serving. Loves Ocean City. Loves town's volunteerism. Stands on record of reducing costs but increasing roads and drainage investments.
On town's year-round population loss: "Biggest issue is to attract families." Points to rezoning of former Peter Lumber Company property for single-family homes and "coastal cottage" experiment as examples. Suggests town could be marketed to commuters.
On roads and drainage: "It definitely is the No. 1 issue." Says he's been a leader on the issue as the city doubled its annual investments in roads and drainage from $2.5 million to $5 million and its overall capital investments from $5 million to $10 million.
On quality of work by utility companies: "It's a matter of vigilance." Community Operations Director Roger McLarnon reviewing it.
On skills of persuasion: Says council members respect him as somebody who always does his research and homework.
Too many zoning districts? Must look at intent of every zone and review Master Plan as well as council can.
Closing statement highlight: "I prefer going to you" (on the idea of citizens coming to reverse workshops).
MIKE HYSON
Two minutes in 20 or fewer words: Running to ensure system of checks and balances, but not as obstructionist. Wants to continue infrastructure investments. Promises fiscal responsibility.
On skills of persuasion: As former police officer, has experience in conflict resolution. Would always try to make compelling arguments.
On public access to the bay: Sees plan for marina and restaurant on the 900 block of Palen Avenue as one opportunity. Continue Tennessee Avenue access. Promote existing Bayside Center.
On drainage: In favor of mechanical pumping stations. Would seek more "independent outreach" and grants.
On vision for Ocean City in next 10 to 20 years: Would like to see Ocean City become more of a year-round community. Wants to improve Ninth and 34th Street corridors. Help shopping district. Improve bayside access.
On high costs of personnel: Says costs can be reduced through collective bargaining, attrition (replacing full-time employees with part-time) and, in some cases, using surveillance monitoring to do the work of public safety personnel.
Closing statement highlight: "I'm proud of running a clean and positive campaign."
PETE MADDEN
Two minutes in 20 or fewer words: Has credibility as former school board president. Has local knowledge as real estate professional. Invested in community as father of four.
On vision for Ocean City in next 10 to 20 years: City has done a great job of being "America's Greatest Family Resort." "We need to keep it that way." Need to keep costs in mind, but make sure city thrives.
On Historic District: Must maintain integrity of district without completely handcuffing property owners.
On consensus vs. confrontation: Says he won't always agree with everyone and has experience from school board in dealing with conflict and divergent opinions.
Too many zoning districts? Doesn't suggest throwing away existing Master Plan but constantly looking at and considering it.
On "struggling" downtown shopping district: "Overdoing it to call it 'struggling.' " Set people up to succeed and consider making district more compact.
Closing statement highlight: "I'm living proof that families do move here."
MIKE ALLEGRETTO
Two minutes in 20 or fewer words: Wants to continue mission of first two terms in "fair and responsible budgets," contract negotiations and capital projects.
On reverse workshops (where citizens present ideas to council): Favors in some circumstances but also likes the looser "town hall" or constituent meeting format.
On "struggling" downtown shopping district: Says sometimes people exaggerate the problems. Overall it's doing well, and the city should continue to work to promote it.
On bay side dredging: Wants to continue existing work in navigating a difficult regulatory environment to find spoils sites.
On 34th Street corridor beautification: Room to improve sides of road and medians.
Closing statement highlight: "If we can get them over the bridge, they'll love this town" (on increasing year-round population).
