July 23, 2014 at 2:10 p.m.
Four contests set for council (11/02/07)
Incumbent Gibson faces challenge from Watters
A longtime incumbent member of the Portland City Council is facing a challenge from a Portland woman for the District 1 seat on the council.
Bill Gibson, 71, a Republican, is running against Democrat Teresa Watters to represent the north side of Portland.
Gibson and wife Tonya are residents of 216 W. McNeil St., while Watters and husband Bryan live at 815 W. North St.
Watters, a graduate of Jay County High School, also attended Ivy Tech and Amber's Beauty School. She has worked as a waitress, truck driver and owner of a hair salon.
Gibson, a high school graduate, retired after 31 years at General Motors in Marion, including 30 as a supervisor.
The candidates recently answered questions posed to them by The Commercial Review. Their responses follow:
See District 1 page 6
Continued from page 1
Why are you running for city council and what do you want voters to know about you?
Gibson - I am running for city council again because I believe what we have accomplished over the last eight years has been good for the city of Portland and the people of my district. We must continue to get the most out of the investments of our tax dollars. I will continue to listen, speak and vote with the people in mind.
Watters - To try and help the community grow. I'm not the type of person who walks away from a problem. I'm the type person who will stand my ground and I know the difference between right and wrong. If I want something, I don't take no for an answer. I would like to see Portland grow again for the community.
What would be your No. 1 priority in the next four years if you are elected to serve on the council?
Watters - Bring jobs to the community with better wages and that are secure. Also, help the small business owner grow. We as a community need to educate ourselves on how to bring and keep jobs in the community. We have lost small businesses and factories. We need to stop losing and start gaining.
Gibson - My No. 1 priority would be to keep the city of Portland on the path of expansion. I believe we should continue to eliminate CSO (combined sewer overflows) and that we should not treat our surface water.
The creation of Tax Increment Financing (TIF) districts in and around Portland has been the source of some controversy. Would you vote to approve new TIF districts in Portland if asked? Why or why not?
Gibson - I would vote against any new TIF districts until the current one has run its course and proven or disproven the concept of TIF. The money still comes from the tax base of the city, regardless.
Watters - No. I believe it could hurt the community with a debt if we're not careful. Also, we can not afford to be in the red. It's sad that all the small businesses in town that have supported our town for 30-40 years don't get this break. But instead, letting the big corporations have it. What?
Leonhard, Brewster vie for seat in District 3
An incumbent member of the Portland City Council is being challenged by a Portland police officer for the council's District 3 seat.
Jerry Leonhard, 62, a Democrat, is running against Republican Michael Brewster, 27.
Leonhard and wife Linda live at 321 E. North St. Leonhard was appointed to the council and is making his first bid for election.
Brewster and wife Michelle are residents of 312 E. High St. He is making his first bid for public office.
Leonhard, an employee of Franklin's Electrical Service, is a 1963 Portland High School graduate.
He also formerly worked at Champion Home Builders in Ridgeville.
Brewster, a 1998 Jay County High School graduate, also earned an associate degree from Vincennes University.
See District 3 page 6
Continued from page 1
He has been a full-time officer with Portland police since 2003. He serves as D.A.R.E. office and bicycle officer.
The candidates recently answered questions posed to them by The Commercial Review. Their responses follow:
Why are you running for city council and what do you want voters to know about you?
Leonhard - I am seeking to return to the council to represent the voters to be sure that they have a voice on the council and listen to what they have to say. Then relay their concerns to the proper people. I will be available to the voters to listen to them. I will be your representative to the city council.
Brewster - I've always had an intense desire to be a public servant. It would be a pleasure to serve the taxpayers of District 3. I want the voters to know I'm a good communicator and natural leader. When elected, my door will always be open and telephone calls answered.
What would be your No. 1 priority in the next four years if you are elected to serve on the council?
Brewster - Property taxes. We need a continuation of quality city services and at the same time, find ways to keep down the costs. As a council member I would achieve this by attending every council meeting and make intelligent decisions based on all information.
Leonhard - The No. 1 priority will be to hold the line on any unnecessary spending and to continue to help Portland to grow, so our children and grandchildren have a place to work and enjoy living in Portland.
The creation of Tax Increment Financing (TIF) districts in and around Portland has been the source of some controversy. Would you vote to approve new TIF districts in Portland if asked? Why or why not?
Leonhard - I will vote for the creation of a new TIF if asked. The tax money created by the TIF district will provide more money to improve the infrastructure of the district to provide a more attractive site for potential visitors and investors in Portland.
Brewster - There is no short answer to this question. As your councilman I would consider any request brought before the council. A TIF district is a tool used by communities to pay for infrastructure costs now instead of later, saving the taxpayers money. I believe the current TIF district has been well thought-out and will be sufficient for years to come.
Geesaman, Gillespie bid for spot on city council
A sales representative who has been active in local Democratic politics for several years is taking on a former advertising representative for the District 4 seat on Portland City Council.
Randy Geesaman, 54, is the Democratic nominee for the seat, while Donald P. Gillespie, 66, is the Republican choice in Tuesday's municipal election.
The seat is currently held by council president Judy Aker, who decided to run for an at-large council seat.
Gillespie, 134 E. Third St., is married to Deanna Gillespie. He is retired from The Commercial Review/Graphic Printing Co. He is a graduate of Portland High School.
Geesaman, 219 Floral Avenue, is married to Carol Geesaman. He is a salesman for Office Concepts. He graduated from Pennville High School and Indiana University, Bloomington.
See District 4 page 6
Continued from page 1
The candidates recently answered questions posed to them by The Commercial Review:
Why are you running for city council and what do you want voters to know about you?
Geesaman - I have spent the last four years reviewing and observing city government at work. As your District 4 city council person, I will bring common sense and independent thinking to council mettings. I like to be cautious and do my homework on issues before making decisions that affect all of us. I want voters to know that you may not always agree with my votes on certain issues, but I will always have a listening ear and seek input before casting votes.
Gillespie - Running for council to keep our community moving forward as it has in the past. Voters should know that I will listen and act accordingly - for the future of our community. I feel the people of our districts should inform council members of their concerns and how the council is doing. Speak up. I will listen.
What would be your No. 1 priority in the next four years if you are elected to serve on the council?
Gillespie - I don't believe you can take office with a No. 1 priority, as all city issues are important. If I were elected, I would closely monitor the Boundary Pike/Wayne Street project. Also, I would encourage more emphasis on downtown revitalization. The John Jay Center for Learning is a huge asset for the citizens of Portland and Jay County, and with its location in downtown Portland, we need to build on their success and attempt to revitalize other downtown areas.
Geesaman - The property tax issue is a major concern, but city government is at the mercy of the state legislature and the governor as to how that will play out and affect us locally over the next four years. Therefore, I believe with the John Jay Learning Center opening soon, we should concentrate on downtown redevelopment and attracting businesses to those many vacant buildings downtown. I know other cities that have been successful in revitalizing their downtown, and I will seek their advice. Also, I do want to say that my No. 1 priority for the 4th district is to closely monitor the progress of the Boundary Pike/Wayne Street project that will start in a few months.
The creation of Tax Increment Financing (TIF) districts in and around Portland has been the source of some controversy. Would you vote to approve new TIF districts in Portland if asked? Why or why not?
Geesaman - My own research on this issue tells me that we should be cautious in approving new TIF districts. Why? I know of two cities that have gotten in trouble by ovextending themselves in this area. I see some really good pluses for the TIF district, but I also believe they have some pitfalls.
Gillespie - I am opposed to further Tax Increment Financing districts, unless deadlines are set to remove the TIF after the infrastructure improvements are completed and paid. I would like to see the assessed valuation in the TIF districts added to the tax rate as soon as possible to help the citizens of Portland.
Martin, McClung facing off for District 7 slot
A retired Portland Forge employee will face off with an employee of The Portland Foundation in the race for the District 7 Portland City Council seat.
Democrat Mike Martin, 66, 1214 S. Shank St., is challenging Republican Kent McClung, 40, 960 S. Meridian St.
Martin, a graduate of Portland High School, retired from the Portland Forge after 42 years of employment. His wife's name is Susannah.
McClung has been married to his wife Annemarie for 15 years. The 1985 Jay County High School graduate, received a bachelor's degree in political science from Ball State University in 1994.
He has been the program officer for the foundation for the past year-and-a-half, and has done some maintenance and custodial work for The Ritz Theatre.
The candidates recently answered questions submitted by The Commercial Review. Here are their responses:
See District 7 page 6
Continued from page 1
Why are you running for city council and what do you want voters to know about you?
Martin - I am running to have a voice in what goes on in this community. A yes man I am not.
I am a graduate from Portland High School. Served an enlistment in the U.S. Navy. I am married to Susannah for 34 years. I have three grown children and seven grandchildren, and five stepchildren.
My hobbies include traveling, woodworking, oil painting.
McClung - I am running for city council because I hope to continue the progress Portland made in recent years in the areas of economic development, infrastructure improvement and community relations. I believe Portland is headed in the right direction and I would like to help keep it going that way in the future.
I want people to know that I have lived in Portland for most of my life and love living here. The sense of community we have in Portland is headed in the right direction and I would like to help keep it going that way in the future.
What would be your number one priority in the next four years if you are elected to serve on the council?
Martin - My number one priority would be to work with the mayor in trying to bring more better paying employment here. Also to try and beautify this community. We have numerous activities throughout the year at the beautiful Jay County Fairgrounds that bring in thousands of people, some of which could be potential businesses, so therefore we need to present Portland as a clean and beautiful place to locate a new business or factory.
McClung - If elected, my number one priority would be creating and maintaining an environment that keeps and attracts businesses and industries. We need them in ordered to keep a large tax base, which enables a lower overall tax rate. This is achieved by improving and maintaining the infrastructure, helping the workforce improve their skills through access to continuing education and having an honest, efficient and responsive local government.
The creation of Tax Increment Financing (TIF) districts in and around Portland has been the source of some controversy. Would you vote to approve new TIF districts in Portland if asked? Why?
Martin - There is not enough information on whether it is good or bad. Therefore I would not vote for it or against it until more information avails itself to me.
McClung - TIF districts can be a very effective and useful economic development tool when used correctly. So far I believe Portland has done so. They are controversial in that some tax districts lose the ability to tax the incremental increase in property values made possible by infrastructure improvements financed with TIF money. But I believe this is outweighed by the fact that without a TIF district, there probably wouldn't have been any increases at all.
If the proper situation and conditions arise, I would vote to approve a new TIF district in Portland. I would not if the situation and conditions are not right. A TIF district is an economic development tool. It is an invaluable tool in some situations, but not all.[[In-content Ad]]
A longtime incumbent member of the Portland City Council is facing a challenge from a Portland woman for the District 1 seat on the council.
Bill Gibson, 71, a Republican, is running against Democrat Teresa Watters to represent the north side of Portland.
Gibson and wife Tonya are residents of 216 W. McNeil St., while Watters and husband Bryan live at 815 W. North St.
Watters, a graduate of Jay County High School, also attended Ivy Tech and Amber's Beauty School. She has worked as a waitress, truck driver and owner of a hair salon.
Gibson, a high school graduate, retired after 31 years at General Motors in Marion, including 30 as a supervisor.
The candidates recently answered questions posed to them by The Commercial Review. Their responses follow:
See District 1 page 6
Continued from page 1
Why are you running for city council and what do you want voters to know about you?
Gibson - I am running for city council again because I believe what we have accomplished over the last eight years has been good for the city of Portland and the people of my district. We must continue to get the most out of the investments of our tax dollars. I will continue to listen, speak and vote with the people in mind.
Watters - To try and help the community grow. I'm not the type of person who walks away from a problem. I'm the type person who will stand my ground and I know the difference between right and wrong. If I want something, I don't take no for an answer. I would like to see Portland grow again for the community.
What would be your No. 1 priority in the next four years if you are elected to serve on the council?
Watters - Bring jobs to the community with better wages and that are secure. Also, help the small business owner grow. We as a community need to educate ourselves on how to bring and keep jobs in the community. We have lost small businesses and factories. We need to stop losing and start gaining.
Gibson - My No. 1 priority would be to keep the city of Portland on the path of expansion. I believe we should continue to eliminate CSO (combined sewer overflows) and that we should not treat our surface water.
The creation of Tax Increment Financing (TIF) districts in and around Portland has been the source of some controversy. Would you vote to approve new TIF districts in Portland if asked? Why or why not?
Gibson - I would vote against any new TIF districts until the current one has run its course and proven or disproven the concept of TIF. The money still comes from the tax base of the city, regardless.
Watters - No. I believe it could hurt the community with a debt if we're not careful. Also, we can not afford to be in the red. It's sad that all the small businesses in town that have supported our town for 30-40 years don't get this break. But instead, letting the big corporations have it. What?
Leonhard, Brewster vie for seat in District 3
An incumbent member of the Portland City Council is being challenged by a Portland police officer for the council's District 3 seat.
Jerry Leonhard, 62, a Democrat, is running against Republican Michael Brewster, 27.
Leonhard and wife Linda live at 321 E. North St. Leonhard was appointed to the council and is making his first bid for election.
Brewster and wife Michelle are residents of 312 E. High St. He is making his first bid for public office.
Leonhard, an employee of Franklin's Electrical Service, is a 1963 Portland High School graduate.
He also formerly worked at Champion Home Builders in Ridgeville.
Brewster, a 1998 Jay County High School graduate, also earned an associate degree from Vincennes University.
See District 3 page 6
Continued from page 1
He has been a full-time officer with Portland police since 2003. He serves as D.A.R.E. office and bicycle officer.
The candidates recently answered questions posed to them by The Commercial Review. Their responses follow:
Why are you running for city council and what do you want voters to know about you?
Leonhard - I am seeking to return to the council to represent the voters to be sure that they have a voice on the council and listen to what they have to say. Then relay their concerns to the proper people. I will be available to the voters to listen to them. I will be your representative to the city council.
Brewster - I've always had an intense desire to be a public servant. It would be a pleasure to serve the taxpayers of District 3. I want the voters to know I'm a good communicator and natural leader. When elected, my door will always be open and telephone calls answered.
What would be your No. 1 priority in the next four years if you are elected to serve on the council?
Brewster - Property taxes. We need a continuation of quality city services and at the same time, find ways to keep down the costs. As a council member I would achieve this by attending every council meeting and make intelligent decisions based on all information.
Leonhard - The No. 1 priority will be to hold the line on any unnecessary spending and to continue to help Portland to grow, so our children and grandchildren have a place to work and enjoy living in Portland.
The creation of Tax Increment Financing (TIF) districts in and around Portland has been the source of some controversy. Would you vote to approve new TIF districts in Portland if asked? Why or why not?
Leonhard - I will vote for the creation of a new TIF if asked. The tax money created by the TIF district will provide more money to improve the infrastructure of the district to provide a more attractive site for potential visitors and investors in Portland.
Brewster - There is no short answer to this question. As your councilman I would consider any request brought before the council. A TIF district is a tool used by communities to pay for infrastructure costs now instead of later, saving the taxpayers money. I believe the current TIF district has been well thought-out and will be sufficient for years to come.
Geesaman, Gillespie bid for spot on city council
A sales representative who has been active in local Democratic politics for several years is taking on a former advertising representative for the District 4 seat on Portland City Council.
Randy Geesaman, 54, is the Democratic nominee for the seat, while Donald P. Gillespie, 66, is the Republican choice in Tuesday's municipal election.
The seat is currently held by council president Judy Aker, who decided to run for an at-large council seat.
Gillespie, 134 E. Third St., is married to Deanna Gillespie. He is retired from The Commercial Review/Graphic Printing Co. He is a graduate of Portland High School.
Geesaman, 219 Floral Avenue, is married to Carol Geesaman. He is a salesman for Office Concepts. He graduated from Pennville High School and Indiana University, Bloomington.
See District 4 page 6
Continued from page 1
The candidates recently answered questions posed to them by The Commercial Review:
Why are you running for city council and what do you want voters to know about you?
Geesaman - I have spent the last four years reviewing and observing city government at work. As your District 4 city council person, I will bring common sense and independent thinking to council mettings. I like to be cautious and do my homework on issues before making decisions that affect all of us. I want voters to know that you may not always agree with my votes on certain issues, but I will always have a listening ear and seek input before casting votes.
Gillespie - Running for council to keep our community moving forward as it has in the past. Voters should know that I will listen and act accordingly - for the future of our community. I feel the people of our districts should inform council members of their concerns and how the council is doing. Speak up. I will listen.
What would be your No. 1 priority in the next four years if you are elected to serve on the council?
Gillespie - I don't believe you can take office with a No. 1 priority, as all city issues are important. If I were elected, I would closely monitor the Boundary Pike/Wayne Street project. Also, I would encourage more emphasis on downtown revitalization. The John Jay Center for Learning is a huge asset for the citizens of Portland and Jay County, and with its location in downtown Portland, we need to build on their success and attempt to revitalize other downtown areas.
Geesaman - The property tax issue is a major concern, but city government is at the mercy of the state legislature and the governor as to how that will play out and affect us locally over the next four years. Therefore, I believe with the John Jay Learning Center opening soon, we should concentrate on downtown redevelopment and attracting businesses to those many vacant buildings downtown. I know other cities that have been successful in revitalizing their downtown, and I will seek their advice. Also, I do want to say that my No. 1 priority for the 4th district is to closely monitor the progress of the Boundary Pike/Wayne Street project that will start in a few months.
The creation of Tax Increment Financing (TIF) districts in and around Portland has been the source of some controversy. Would you vote to approve new TIF districts in Portland if asked? Why or why not?
Geesaman - My own research on this issue tells me that we should be cautious in approving new TIF districts. Why? I know of two cities that have gotten in trouble by ovextending themselves in this area. I see some really good pluses for the TIF district, but I also believe they have some pitfalls.
Gillespie - I am opposed to further Tax Increment Financing districts, unless deadlines are set to remove the TIF after the infrastructure improvements are completed and paid. I would like to see the assessed valuation in the TIF districts added to the tax rate as soon as possible to help the citizens of Portland.
Martin, McClung facing off for District 7 slot
A retired Portland Forge employee will face off with an employee of The Portland Foundation in the race for the District 7 Portland City Council seat.
Democrat Mike Martin, 66, 1214 S. Shank St., is challenging Republican Kent McClung, 40, 960 S. Meridian St.
Martin, a graduate of Portland High School, retired from the Portland Forge after 42 years of employment. His wife's name is Susannah.
McClung has been married to his wife Annemarie for 15 years. The 1985 Jay County High School graduate, received a bachelor's degree in political science from Ball State University in 1994.
He has been the program officer for the foundation for the past year-and-a-half, and has done some maintenance and custodial work for The Ritz Theatre.
The candidates recently answered questions submitted by The Commercial Review. Here are their responses:
See District 7 page 6
Continued from page 1
Why are you running for city council and what do you want voters to know about you?
Martin - I am running to have a voice in what goes on in this community. A yes man I am not.
I am a graduate from Portland High School. Served an enlistment in the U.S. Navy. I am married to Susannah for 34 years. I have three grown children and seven grandchildren, and five stepchildren.
My hobbies include traveling, woodworking, oil painting.
McClung - I am running for city council because I hope to continue the progress Portland made in recent years in the areas of economic development, infrastructure improvement and community relations. I believe Portland is headed in the right direction and I would like to help keep it going that way in the future.
I want people to know that I have lived in Portland for most of my life and love living here. The sense of community we have in Portland is headed in the right direction and I would like to help keep it going that way in the future.
What would be your number one priority in the next four years if you are elected to serve on the council?
Martin - My number one priority would be to work with the mayor in trying to bring more better paying employment here. Also to try and beautify this community. We have numerous activities throughout the year at the beautiful Jay County Fairgrounds that bring in thousands of people, some of which could be potential businesses, so therefore we need to present Portland as a clean and beautiful place to locate a new business or factory.
McClung - If elected, my number one priority would be creating and maintaining an environment that keeps and attracts businesses and industries. We need them in ordered to keep a large tax base, which enables a lower overall tax rate. This is achieved by improving and maintaining the infrastructure, helping the workforce improve their skills through access to continuing education and having an honest, efficient and responsive local government.
The creation of Tax Increment Financing (TIF) districts in and around Portland has been the source of some controversy. Would you vote to approve new TIF districts in Portland if asked? Why?
Martin - There is not enough information on whether it is good or bad. Therefore I would not vote for it or against it until more information avails itself to me.
McClung - TIF districts can be a very effective and useful economic development tool when used correctly. So far I believe Portland has done so. They are controversial in that some tax districts lose the ability to tax the incremental increase in property values made possible by infrastructure improvements financed with TIF money. But I believe this is outweighed by the fact that without a TIF district, there probably wouldn't have been any increases at all.
If the proper situation and conditions arise, I would vote to approve a new TIF district in Portland. I would not if the situation and conditions are not right. A TIF district is an economic development tool. It is an invaluable tool in some situations, but not all.[[In-content Ad]]
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