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2^nd Part of Series on Candidates’ Views

By Carol Arnett

The six candidates running for mayor agree on many issues. At the debate sponsored by the League of Women Voters, they all agreed that:  the budget and city finances were a top priority, they agreed that attracting new residents was important, and the all agreed that the city’s police department was one of the best, and needs to be funded in order to stay that way.

One issue where there is some disagreement is the salary they would each receive as mayor. The city council has recently tabled motions to lower the salary. The mayor currently receives over $130,000, plus a $10,000 expense account and city car.

“The mayor’s salary is consistent with other cities,” said Councilman Tom Schneider. “In Florissant, the mayor has the combined responsibilities of a mayor, city manager, and assistant city manager.”

Mark Behlmann, however, disagrees. “I am on record as saying I am wilingl to cut the salary by 30%,” he said.

Susan Geerling also wants to cut the mayor’s salary. “In tough economic times, the mayor’s office should not be immune to pay cuts,” she said. The salary is set by the council, and must be cut by the election. She urged the council to cut the salary.

“It’s up to the city council,” Michael Spreng said. He said if residents wanted the mayor’s salary lowered, they should call their council person to make it happen.

“The mayor’s salary is set by ordinance,” Andrew Podleski said. He said that the salary has been compared to the mayor of St. Charles. The mayor there makes $90,000, but the city manager makes $120,000, Podleski said.

“Once the salary is set, it stays the same for the term,” Bob Garrett said. He agreed that since the mayor of Florissant does the work of a city manager, “it should be consistent with city managers of cities of similar size.”

A a recent council meeting, a bill sponsored by three councilmembers to lower the salary to $105.000 per year was tabled, a move that likely prevents any change before the new mayor takes office.

Another issue that has recently been a hot topic at council meetings is the idea of having a review of the city’s charter. The council introduced a bill for this last year; Mayor Robert Lowery opposed it.

“I’m on record as saying ‘yes’ to this,” Behlmann said. “I’m in favor of a review committee. I think people need to get involved.”

“I wholeheartedly supported a review commission,” Podleski said. He explained that a commission recommendation would still have to go through the council, and if the council agreed, a general election would need to be held for any changes to be made to the charter.

Geerling said she was undecided on the issue. “I would like to see what people think,” she said, and if there was widespread support for a review.

“The city has a comprehensive plan that is revised every few years,” Spreng said. “The charter should be looked at also.”

“I’m open to the possibility,” Garrett said. “I have some concern about what form it would take.”

“In 1987, we made some changes, so it has been reviewed since it was created,” Schneider said. “I’m in favor of reviewing for specific changes, but not carte blanche,” he said.

The candidates all agreed on the need to stem the loss of residents and encourage new residents to move into the city. They all have ideas for doing this.

“We need to be more aggressive and approach big companies,” Podleski said. “We need to advertise Florissant as a place where a young person can get a good start.”

“We need to better promote our programs and activities,” Geerling said.

“I think we need to make sure we keep the residents we have,” Spreng said. “we need to make sure seniors stay in homes.” Spreng also suggested going to businesses to promote the city.

Garrett said the city needed to promote its low taxes. “We also need to address the negative publicity we get as North County,” he said.

“It starts and ends with the police department and Neighborhood Watch,” Schneider said.

“We need a change in perception,” Behlmann said. “People move away to feel safe and because of poor property maintenance in their neighborhoods,” he said.

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