Staff Report
Michael Broughton and Bob Reinagel are vying for the Green Park Ward 1 aldermanic seat being vacated by longtime Alderman Judy DeWitt, who decided not to seek re-election April 5.
The Ward 1 race is the only contested Green Park Board of Aldermen race next week. Unopposed in their re-election bids are Ward 2 Alderman Chuck Deters and Ward 3 Alderman Mark Hayden. The aldermanic seats carry two-year terms.
Asked to identify the most important issue in the Ward 1 race, the candidates gave these written responses to a Call questionnaire:
“There is no single most important issue,” Broughton said.
“Maintaining the quality and character of Green Park’s residential neighborhoods,” Reinagel said.
Broughton, 61, 9936 Jan Drive, is making his first bid for elective office. He and his wife, Marilyn, have three grown children.
Broughton said he is seeking election because of his “desire to serve the citizens of Green Park.”
Reinagel, 64, 10957 Suanis Court, is employed by Pitney Bowes Inc. He and his wife, Nancy, have three grown children.
Reinagel, who is making his first bid for elective office, said he is seeking election because “our city is a great place to live and raise a family — want to keep it that way.”
The candidates gave the following responses to a Call questionnaire:
Since voters approved a half-cent, capital-improvements sales tax, are you pleased with how the revenue has been spent? Have the residents’ needs been served?
Broughton said, “Yes, so far.”
Reinagel said, “Road plan seems to be on track. Naturally I would like to see it move faster. However, the plan must stay on track with funding.”
Green Park voters next week will consider Proposition 1, a proposal to assess up to $50 annually to fund a sewer lateral repair program. Do you support Proposition 1 that the Board of Aldermen has placed on the April 5 ballot?
Broughton said, “It is not financially viable for a city the size of Green Park.”
Reinagel said, “Yes, Ward 1 is aging and lateral sewer replacement will occur more frequently if passed. This will ease the homeowner burden when it occurs.”
Should the Board of Aldermen pursue an administrative business license for city businesses or some other type of license?
Broughton said, “Yes.”
Reinagel said, “Probably not as a revenue producer. However, I would like to see some type of license or permit to allow the city to manage present and future balance of business with residences.
What is your “vision” for the city of Green Park?
Broughton said, “Develop a favorable “identity” for the city in the metro community.
Reinagel said, “The same vision that was part of the vision when Green Park was created — to maintain and improve the quality and character of Green Park’s residential neighborhoods and encourage quality commercial development to strengthen the community’s tax base.”