Janet Charlton and Michael Ferguson, two candidates who want to serve on the Vader City Council in position 5, agree that policing and infrastructure will be key topics for the city to tackle moving forward.
With a seat on the city council up for grabs, both candidates received the same three questions from The Chronicle and were asked to limit their responses to 150 words per question. Responses have been lightly edited to correct grammatical errors.
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Janet Charlton:
Going forward, what do you see as the biggest challenge facing Vader?
The biggest challenge is acquiring our own police department or a different option than what we currently have. Currently, we are contracting with the sheriff's office for $92,000 for 20 hours a week. If we sign on for another year, Sheriff Rob Snaza will be raising it to $116,000 for 12 hours a week.
What is the biggest area for growth?
Our biggest area to grow I believe is our infrastructure and attracting more businesses. Currently, developers are buying up property and looking at putting at least 45 homes and an apartment building. They want us to reduce lot sizes so they can put even more homes in an area. I think there are other ways for the city to gain dollars besides ruining our rural small town.
Why do you think you're the right candidate to serve on the city council?
Charlton did not submit a response to this question.
Michael Ferguson:
Going forward, what do you see as the biggest challenge facing Vader?
Police services. Currently, we have a contract that is going to expire at the beginning of the year with the Lewis County Sheriff's Office. The unofficial offer that we received, verbally, left much to be desired. I hope that we can find a logical and affordable solution sooner than later.
What is the biggest area for growth?
Infrastructure, housing and volunteer outreach. Our small town is run almost entirely by volunteers. The mayor and all council members train and perform on a strictly voluntary basis.
Why do you think you're the right candidate to serve on the city council?
I feel that I have plenty to offer the citizens of Vader. I am impeccable with my word, considerate and dependable. I will always try my best to see all sides of any situation and refrain from making any assumptions.
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Note: Neither Mike Parsons nor Bob Goff, two candidates also running for a seat on the Vader City Council, responded to multiple emails requesting responses to these questions.
