Three seek two at-large seats on council

Editor’s note: This is the second in our series covering the November municipal elections, for which early voting begins Oct. 20. All coverage will be available at http://www.thecr.com through the Nov. 3 general election and can be found by clicking “Election” at the top of the website.

A three-term council member, a former council member and a political newcomer are running for Portland City Council’s at-large seats.
Judy Aker, a Democrat incumbent, is running for her fourth term on council while fellow Republican Dolphus Stephens is seeking to return to the group after serving from 2000 through 2007 and Republican Janet Powers is making her first run for office.
They are competing for two at-large seats currently held by Republican Kip Robinette and Aker. Robinette chose not to run for re-election.
Aker, 601 Floral Ave., serves as the office manager at Mark Aker Plumbing. She has an associate’s degree from Ohio State University.
Stephens, 1205 Miller Ave., is retired after spending more than two decades as a teacher for Jay School Corporation. He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Ball State University.
Powers, 315 W. 12th St., works as the lead commercial administrator of loan sales and services at First Merchants Bank. She is a 2005 graduate of Ivy Tech Community College.
The candidates were asked to respond to a questionnaire from The Commercial Review. Their answers follow.
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Flooding continued to be a major concern this summer with downtown Portland under water on three different occasions. As a council member, how would you approach finding a solution to this problem.
Aker: I would consult with an engineer to find a way to divert storm water from the downtown area. Cleaning out the Salamonie River will be a big help. A short-term solution is to make sure manholes are kept opened up and clean. A retention pond on the north end of town could be a help to alleviate the flooding. The city and county could work together to find a solution.
Powers: The flooding issue is not limited to the City of Portland. I believe there is a solution if both the city and the county work together and review all options. I know the process has been started, we just need to follow through with the recommendations to solve the issue.
Stephens: The first step, (which has begun), is to gather research utilizing all available resources and expertise to identify the contributing causes and possible solutions. Next, analyze costs, feasibility and funding options. It is important to prioritize how we implement a plan.
This complex issue will likely require extensive funding for a long-term solution. In the short term, a variety of measures that alleviate the flooding issues also should be used, such as the current dredging. It has been a major problem and will have to be broken down into a series of manageable steps.
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The Portland Water Park project is nearing completion with a grand opening planned for 2016. What are your thoughts about the project? Is it good for Portland?
Aker: I think that the new water park will be a great asset. I know personally my family traveled out of the city to swim. I think it will attract people from other towns.
Powers: The old swimming pool needed attention. I thought it was good to see the community (city and private donors) get involved and make an investment financially in this project. I hope it brings people from other communities to see what Portland has to offer.
Stephens: This is an excellent project and asset for Portland. It will provide a great recreational outlet for the whole community, especially youth, for decades to come. Funding sources have come from many segments of the community, with the city shouldering a great deal of that expense. What better outlet for young people and families in the summer than being in a safe, drug and alcohol free venue where they can relax and enjoy themselves? The pool project represents the city’s dedication to providing a better quality of life for us all.
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What do you see as the other key issues facing Portland and how would you address them?
Aker: Downtown revitalization. I drive through town every morning and see the empty storefronts. We need to find a way to fill those storefronts. How, I’m not sure.
Powers: The obvious issue to me is the presentation of downtown Portland. For the number of people that visit our city every year, we need to make Meridian Street and the city more presentable. I would ask for input from the merchants and then check with the street department to see what they think would be manageable.
Stephens: First is keeping our community safe; especially ridding our neighborhoods of drugs — meth houses are a real blight on our town. Implementing a community watch group is a good grass roots approach that reinforces our local police efforts. Attracting and maintaining downtown merchants is important, and it requires having an attractive downtown, actively recruiting new businesses and keeping good communication with those currently here. Infrastructure issues are important — maintaining our streets and making sure basic services (like trash, leaf and snow removal) are sufficient. Keeping and attracting new industries always should be the goal. Being vigilant and promoting Portland requires everyone’s help.
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What makes you the best candidate for the position?
Aker: I have 12 years of experience on city council. I am concerned about the future of the city.
Powers: Because I am community minded. I care and I would like to get the City of Portland in a position to be proactive — rather than reactive on the issues it faces.
Stephens: My prior experiences as a member of city council help me understand the demands of the job, and I look forward to serving the citizens of this town. Portland has been our home for more than 30 years. We have worked in this community and raised our family here. I want to ensure that Portland continues to be a good place for others to live, work and raise their families. I look forward to being the ears and voice for others in the community. I am committed, determined and look forward to the challenges and the opportunity to serve.