published: Friday, October 23, 2009

Mascotte candidates answer questions

Mascotte candidates answer questions

MASCOTTE -- A set of questions was posed to the seven candidates who filed for office in Mascotte. Below are their answers, grouped by the three races.

SEAT 1

Barbara Krull

Family: Husband

Occupation: Sales

How long in Mascotte: 8 years

Miguel Ortiz

(Did not respond)

Rosario Valdez

Age: 45

Family: Divorced; four children, two grandchildren

Occupation: Nurse

Prior political experience: None

How long in Mascotte: 34 years

1. What is the number one issue facing Mascotte and how do you plan on addressing it?

B. KRULL: No answer.

Valdez: The number one issue appears to be economic growth.

2. What inspired you to seek this position?

B. KRULL: To inspire Mascotte to move forward

Valdez: My dad.

3. What is your view on economic development as it relates to Mascotte?

B. KRULL: Cutting costs without sacrificing services.

Valdez: We need to minimize expanding the city's growth with bigger businesses. We need not jeopardize the safety of our city for the sake of growth.

4. In what direction would you like to lead the city through your role on council?

B. KRULL: Onward and upward.

Valdez: I would like to be able to learn about the political process in order to formulate an educated opinion on issues. I would like to have residents of Mascotte united for the betterment of our children and elderly citizens.

SEAT 3

Jeffrey Krull

Age: 58

Family: Wife

Occupation: Retired

Prior political experience: 5 years on City Council

How long in Mascotte: 8 years

Felix Ramirez

(Did not respond)

1. What is the number one issue facing Mascotte and how do you plan on addressing it?

J. KRULL: There is more going out than coming in. We need to curtail spending without shorting our citizens out of services.

2. What inspired you to seek this position?

J. KRULL: Terrific civic spirit and a desire to move Mascotte forward again.

3. What is your view on economic development as it relates to Mascotte?

J. KRULL: Due to the economic downturn, the United States is in a severe recession. But there are ways to bring money to Mascotte.

4. In what direction would you like to lead the city through your role on council?

J. KRULL: To quote George S. Patton, "never retreat."

SEAT 5

Stephen Elmore

Age: 29

Family: Wife, Xochil, and 1-year-old, Jude.

Occupation: Production supervisor, SPS Publications in Eustis

Prior political experience: 4 years on City Council with this year being Mayor Pro-Tem.

How long in Mascotte: 5 years.

Louise Thompson

Age: 47

Family: Husband, and daughter, 17.

Occupation: Homemaker.

Prior political experience: There is no prior political experience, other than my own views on issues.

How long in Mascotte: Almost 10 years .

1. What is the number one issue facing Mascotte and how do you plan on addressing it?

Elmore: The downturned economy is my number one issue. We need to plan for ways to increase business in our city. With business will come jobs and increased revenue for the city which will equal lower taxes on citizens. The best way we can do this is with our planning. We are doing every thing we can to move forward with our sewer system when the funds are available. This is the number one thing needed to attract business. The number two issue is holding government accountable to the citizens. From the cities on up to the federal government we have to make sure they follow the will of the people and don't spend money like water.

Thompson: I'd like to help the city and the citizens of Mascotte, like finding other ways of receiving money to make the city run smoother rather than raising the fees on our bills.

2. What inspired you to seek this position?

Elmore: We needed common sense leadership and I feel like I was best suited to do that and represent the people and ask the hard questions.

Thompson: I'd like to know that the citizens of Mascotte are being heard and not ignored on issues that they need to have addressed. That is why I'm seeking the seat for council.

3. What is your view on economic development as it relates to Mascotte?

Elmore: We need to think outside the box and show that Mascotte has an untapped potential. If you would look at the books of the Dollar General you would be amazed the amount of business they do, but it's because we don't have a flooded market full of competitors. If you want your business to stand out and have an exclusive relationship with the customer, you should move to Mascotte.

Thompson: Our development of building more homes and not the stores is stressing us all. If we were to bring in the stores to the area we would be able to receive a better tax base from them rather than the people of the city.

4. In what direction would you like to lead the city through your role on council?

Elmore: To follow the will of the people, to plan for a brighter tomorrow while not ignoring or being ignorant about the present situation. Also showing that Mascotte is an important part of this county and our opinion matters and that we won't be ignored.

Thompson: My role on council is only one small part. To have anything done it takes more than one to do anything. I'll try my best not to disappoint any of the citizens of Mascotte, as has been done in the past.