October 10, 2007 Mayoral Debate between Sally Hutton and Rick
Thalls
As paraphrased in real time (so pardon the typos and errors) by Chris Hardie for
Live-Richmond.com
[18:56] Present on site now, the hall is filling up.
[18:58] Fair number of people here, and both candidates have arrived.
[19:01] Pal Item Opinion Editor Dale McConnaughay is welcoming the crowd and explaining the format.
[19:02] Lots of questions from the community
[19:02] submitted to the Pal-Item.
[19:02] We'll start with those questions, and then take a break, then some Q's from the P-I board
[19:02] then there will be an opportunity for those in the audience to ask questions
[19:02] Q's should be directed to both candidates, in fairness.
[19:03] Great turnout for a cool evening. Thanks to Bethesda Ministries and the candidates
[19:04] With that, we'll turn it over to the candidates
[19:04] Sally Hutton starts out
[19:04] Thanks to the Pal-Item and the audience
[19:04] Mayor for 4 years, on council, involved in the neighborhoods
[19:04] She decided to run 4 years ago b/c she thought she could make a difference
[19:05] Been through budget woes, tricky economy, had to learn to do without, while being fair to employees
[19:05] (discussion is closed in the chat room for now, will be open during breaks)
[19:05] Just been through process working with departments to help them understand what they can and can't do with limited budgets.
[19:05] Best thing in last 4 years: people have stepped forward and become involved
[19:06] People come up with ideas, run with it, get things accomplished.
[19:06] Rick Thalls is now speaking
[19:06] Thanks for showing an interest in the City, he believes in Team Richmond, wants to back that up with visual explanations
[19:06] get everyone involved in the team concept, we need to come together as a community
[19:07] We should be a lot further along than we are after 4 years
[19:07] He's challenging Richmond to join the team to get the things you want: quality of life, real involvement
[19:07] Not just meetings, we need more personal contact
[19:08] Richmond should get the jobs when new businesses come to the community
[19:08] Thank you
[19:08] Dale is now clarifying time limits on questions
[19:08] First question, from Dale
[19:08] Question from Kathy Ray
[19:09] Does either candidate have plan to privatize any current Richmond gov't service or property
[19:09] ?
[19:09] Rick answers first: doesn't like the word privatizing
[19:09] everything is on the table if he gets into office
[19:09] But there are individual citizens involved in the decisions that will be made
[19:10] We don't have the luxury to grab out of the air things that might work - we have to look at all aspect of gov't
[19:10] Cuts will have to happen.
[19:10] Everything's on the table
[19:10] Mayor Hutton:
[19:10] Over the last 4 years, eliminated 11 positions
[19:10] Eliminated several take-home cars, trying to figure out how to do the job better
[19:10] Wouldn't even consider privatization
[19:10] Need to keep current momentum going
[19:10] Dale with new question
[19:11] William Jeffries asks, why are city police patrolling I-70 when they should be catching speeders?
[19:11] And, on Chester Blvd, should there be a traffic signal at crestdale?
[19:11] Mayor Hutton: officers are on highway at request of state
[19:11] Only happens during specific times, ours was the only team across the state that has arrests and drug intake
[19:12] so officer training for this was free
[19:12] We have a huge drug problem, they come through Richmond, anything we can do to help control situation
[19:12] 27 is a State Highway, and we've asked about a light, but they say there's not enough traffic
[19:12] Rick Thalls:
[19:12] Biggest mistake to have officers on I-70
[19:12] Started out with 4, pulled some due to hiring freeze
[19:13] Our neighborhoods need that resource, the drugs in Richmond should be what's taken care of by that manpower
[19:13] Amazing that we don't circle the wagons around Richmond and take care of the City
[19:13] (The statements made in this liveblog are paraphrases of the statements made. Please refer to an official transcript or video clip for the speakers` actual words.)
[19:13] Dale:
[19:13] Another police question from Bob King
[19:14] Why do a lot of Richmond police officers live so far outside of city limits, who pays for gas to/from work
[19:14] Do you favor c hanging policy?
[19:14] Rick Thalls:
[19:14] Favors looking at this policy, surprised it hasn't been eliminated (reimbursements)
[19:15] Policy doesn't make sense given gas prices, other options need to be on the table
[19:15] Why aren't we looking at that?
[19:15] Mayor Hutton:
[19:15] In original plan, a lot of people were opposed to it, but now officers are a deterrent for crime in neighborhoods when they take these cars home.
[19:16] It is a contract issue
[19:16] We're in negotiations now.
[19:16] Dale:
[19:16] Mary Garman asks, what would you do as Mayor to continue and expand friendly mutual support b etween Earlham and the City
[19:16] Mayor Hutton:
[19:16] We have a great relationship with Earlham, Bonner scholars give us thousands of hours per year
[19:16] Lots of great resources, they bring the knowledge of their communities on how things work
[19:16] Rick Thalls:
[19:17] It's all about communications, he feels comfortable approaching Earlham, he went to EArlham,
[19:17] they need to be part of the community, communication line needs to be left open, diversity is important
[19:17] Earlham is a huge part of our town, our family
[19:17] You can only go wrong when you cut down communication efforts.
[19:18] Dale with new question
[19:18] David Layman asks what do you plan to do to address drug and alcohol addiction?
[19:18] Rick Thalls:
[19:18] Wasn't listening, please repeat?
[19:18] Dale repeats the question
[19:18] Rick:
[19:18] This is my back yard. I have the passion and emotions and incentive to make sure at end of 4 years, we'll know we went after these issues
[19:18] Prevention is huge
[19:19] Drug hub here
[19:19] He'll have every effort to go after situations in neighborhood
[19:19] working with youth
[19:19] They'll take care of the issue as much as possible
[19:19] Mayor Hutton:
[19:19] lack of education is huge
[19:19] we need to go after these people and educate them
[19:20] help and support them so they can turn their lives around
[19:20] we judge people, but people make mistakes, need to help them be better citizens
[19:20] we all have to work on this
[19:20] working together as a community is how we'll get it done
[19:20] Dale with new question
[19:20] Tell us about the volunteer experiences you've had that are important to understanding local gov, and as mayor?
[19:20] Mayor Hutton:
[19:20] being on council and as mayor, she still volunteers, Study Buddy
[19:21] touching lives of young people is important, she does all the park programs, helps at church
[19:21] It's a great way to support people
[19:21] Rick Thalls:
[19:21] Volunteering is huge aspect of successful communities
[19:21] he says you don't notice it when it's happening, but at the end of the week you realize how much you do
[19:22] especially in law enforcement. His background is with youth
[19:22] Volunteers are essential
[19:22] Dale w/new question
[19:22] What plans do you have for old gas company at 5th ? and Main St
[19:23] Excuse of being on historic register?
[19:23] Rick Thalls:
[19:23] Hasn't studied it, eyesore, need to get people together to discuss what to do
[19:23] If not enough people can get together, you'll still have an eyesore
[19:23] We need to get to the point where we're not afraid of our image.
[19:23] You just can't let it go on and say I don't know how to solve it
[19:23] Mayor Hutton:
[19:24] The eyesore has contamination
[19:24] We've been dealing with IDEM to correct it, for 15 years
[19:24] They got vectren to contribute 150,000 to contribute toward cleanup
[19:24] Historic building, don't think we can preserve the whole thing
[19:24] but hopefully part of it like we did with Starr-Gennett
[19:24] New question
[19:25] What would you do if anything about claims of abuse of power against your police department
[19:25] Mayor Hutton:
[19:25] We already have controls in place for investigation, citizen's review board
[19:25] If still not addressed, we do a private investigationi
[19:25] Rick Thalls:
[19:25] Yes, already processes in place
[19:25] Doesn't need to be reinvented
[19:25] As long as you have the right inspectors with truthful integrity
[19:25] It should be solved
[19:26] Again, already procedures in place, won't be able to amaze the audience with something new at this moment
[19:26] Comes down to individuals involved
[19:26] Who do you put in place to investigate is key
[19:26] Dale with new question;
[19:26] What kind of cuts would you make in annual city budget consistent with diminishing population, reducing costs
[19:26] Rick Thalls:
[19:27] He's been looking at City Budget, where we've been and where we're going
[19:27] There might be a challenge to have every dept cut 10%
[19:27] and still not cut services or manpower, and still have quality
[19:27] has to be looked at to start surviving the right way
[19:28] Sometimes there are too many chiefs and not enough indians
[19:28] Mayor Hutton:
[19:28] Daily they've looked at the budget for last 3 years
[19:28] keep track of monies coming in, not much tax dollars, had to be very frugal
[19:28] they've whittle, whittle, whittled
[19:28] long procedure to go through to try to be fair
[19:28] They're not doing any capital equipment purchases, and that's really going to hurt
[19:28] Have to maintain vehicles, have to keep up repairs
[19:29] Costs have gone up but they've held down the line.
[19:29] New Question
[19:29] I'm an animal lover, why do we have a kill shelter funded by the City, shouldn't money to go to no-kill shelter
[19:29] Mayor Hutton:
[19:29] There was a contract with HELP shelter, but they chose not to renew
[19:29] HELP raises money needed for their program on their own, they have programs important to our community
[19:30] Working on a no-chain ordinance for dogs, no more than 6 hours, have to take care of animals
[19:31] Rick Thalls:
[19:31] We have a lot of animal problems in Richmond
[19:31] We need to look at the animal control situation, get it fixed
[19:31] Part of what's important as a community
[19:31] New question:
[19:32] What if any specific criteria would you use for establishing point of diminishing returns for giving incentives to new vs. existing businesses
[19:32] Rick Thalls:
[19:32] Any incentive we can use that will compete and bring people here so they won't go somewhere else
[19:32] we should use it
[19:32] we should investigate every loss when we are bidding on a business
[19:33] Mayor Hutton
[19:33] When Really Cool Foods was announced, it was close to us
[19:33] It's a joint effort with surrounding efforts
[19:33] surrounding *communities*
[19:33] They were very impressed with Richmond, asked about our airport, we made the good connections
[19:34] They couldn't believe our responses, we're a friendly place, we offer incentives when we can, state kicks in
[19:34] but companies that come want to be here for their own reason
[19:34] New Question
[19:34] Dale says we're just over the halfway point for questions
[19:34] Kris Wolski asks: what's your history of living in Richmond, where have you lived, are you in city limits
[19:34] Mayor Hutton:
[19:34] gave a list of all the places she's lived, lives in Richmond now
[19:34] Rick Thalls:
[19:35] Been in Richmond since age 7
[19:35] Started a camp south of here, had to make a decision about where to live
[19:35] So they lived there so they could run the camp
[19:35] Now that his heart is in doing something new for Richmond, they moved back
[19:35] He's currently renting
[19:35] in process of buying, will hope to take care of the concerns about him paying property taxes
[19:36] They're going to wait to find the right home.
[19:36] New question
[19:36] Would you be in favor of user fee tax, including all non-profits, instead of property taxes
[19:36] Rick Thalls:
[19:36] I'm for everyone paying their fair share of taxes, he's also for no taxes
[19:36] You guys can figure that one out
[19:37] We're in a dilema about how to pay taxes
[19:37] everyone needs to come to the table and do their fair share.
[19:37] How do you figure out how to be fair.
[19:37] He talks to lots of people who are sick and tired of paying taxes
[19:37] But no one has come up with a solution
[19:37] he can't solve that today
[19:37] Mayor Hutton:
[19:37] City officials have met with local legislators to discuss
[19:38] option of assessment on non-profits, churches included,
[19:38] to help police and fire
[19:38] 13.5 million of city budget goes to police/fire
[19:38] so we do have to increase revenue somehow
[19:38] When we dealt with stormwater, chose to do it as a user fee instead of property taxes
[19:38] New Queswtion
[19:38] question
[19:39] Where do you stand on local income tax
[19:39] Mayor Hutton:
[19:39] Probably best, legislature has to make a decision, work with governor to fix the mess they created
[19:39] Rick Thalls:
[19:39] Partially answered in prior question
[19:39] he's been all over the place trying to find options
[19:39] you try to pick one solution and ride with it, and then find a group that doesn't like it
[19:40] (The statements made in this liveblog are paraphrases of the statements made. Please refer to an official transcript or video clip for the speakers` actual words.)
[19:40] Richmond doesn't want to hear about new taxes, we have to go back to the drawing board
[19:40] Don't be forced to take a solution that won't solve the problems
[19:40] New Question
[19:40] Bruce Campbell: thoughts and plans for the Richmond airport, actively promoting/improving it?
[19:40] Rick Thalls: If we start economic growth, revitalizing etc.
[19:41] and wake up and say it's time to get serious, then it's time to look at the airport so it becomes part of the picture
[19:41] about Richmond's growth
[19:41] We need magnets to pull things here
[19:41] It's a part of preparing sites to bring in industry, manufacturing jobs, etc.
[19:41] Mayor Hutton:
[19:42] Looking at airport has been a big part of the comp. plan.
[19:42] Looking at charter service, other transportation issues
[19:42] We need growth down at our airport
[19:42] Looking for other ideas to come forward, it takes dollars, need private partnership
[19:42] New Question
[19:43] Views on getting a smoke-free work environment for city
[19:43] Mayor Hutton:
[19:43] Have a person devoted to looking at that issue
[19:43] Will be brought to council before end of year.
[19:43] Thalls:
[19:43] Would support anything that addresses health issues
[19:43] He's been telling youth dangers of drugs/drinking/smoking
[19:43] Hoping they get that message
[19:44] We have to go to common sense
[19:44] It's smart to be healthy, and Richmond needs to be smart
[19:44] we have to take care of our citizens, and sometimes its stubborn not to be health
[19:44] New Question
[19:44] frorm Ron Chapelle
[19:44] Should the City have a Human Right's Commission, and what
[19:44] would you do to increase minority appointments in city
[19:44] Rick Thalls:
[19:45] Huge issue right now, very interested in the second part of the Q about minority appointments
[19:45] Doesn't know about the first part (Human Rights commission)
[19:45] Need to have huge push to make people of all colors to feel welcome to apply for jobs
[19:45] We have an image problem.
[19:45] Not laying blame, there's been lots of efforts, but we still have a problem.
[19:45] We're just not getting it done
[19:45] Mayor Hutton:
[19:46] We do need a HRC
[19:46] it serves its purpose veryr well
[19:46] We're not a perfect society, the ones who are discriminated against are usually of less means
[19:46] Local commission has put effort out for educating people
[19:46] Lots of sessions, lots of education
[19:46] Have to educate people on both sides
[19:46] What was second part of question?
[19:46] We made a great push to use minority contractors
[19:46] City building has been rennovated to stop city building sinking
[19:47] This is Mayor Hutton speaking
[19:47] Sinking work is now complete, was a minority contractor
[19:47] New Question:
[19:47] (discussion is closed in the chat room for now, will be open during breaks)
[19:47] What steps will you take as mayor to determine effect of budget cut on work of Human Rights Commission
[19:47] Mayor Hutton:
[19:47] Work will continue, they will continue to work hard, they'll expand, they'll do what needs to be done
[19:47] Rick Thalls:
[19:47] We'll look at it and see what Richmond needs
[19:47] We'll make sure everyone is c onsidered equal and treated fairly
[19:48] We will definiteley figure it out
[19:48] What it looks like, he doesn't know, he has to get in there and start looking at it
[19:48] As the coach of his team, then he'll make a decision
[19:48] New Question
[19:48] From Kimberly Monroe
[19:48] She wants to know thoughts on cleaning up abandoned homes
[19:48] Should fine be increased for not moving/shoveling snow
[19:48] Rick Thalls asked Dale to repeat the question
[19:49] Opinion on cleaning up homes, and fees for shoveling
[19:49] Rick Thalls:
[19:49] abandoned homes is a challenge for Richmond
[19:49] seems simple, but he has an abandoned home next to him on Ridge ST
[19:49] There have been meetings, efforts, etc. but there are still problems, animals running in and out of homes
[19:50] The next day Rick met the animal control officer and the officer said he/she couldn't do anything
[19:50] So they're still going on and on and nothing's being done.
[19:50] Snow removal
[19:50] another issue, need to help people who can't do it
[19:50] figure out what needs to be done
[19:50] Mayor Hutton:
[19:50] abandoned homes are abandoned for a reason
[19:50] they're not sellable, people can't afford to fix them up
[19:50] because of state laws, nothing can happen quickly.
[19:50] sometimes there's lots of research involved
[19:51] New law 6 months ago,
[19:51] if you get all your ducks in a row, can go ahead and tear a building down
[19:51] one in process this afternoon, hopefully will come down over the weekend
[19:51] Final question for Dale
[19:51] from Dale
[19:51] emphasis on Depot area, but where are the efforts to encourage
[19:51] appropriate housing rehabilitation in historic neighborhoods
[19:52] Mayor Hutton:
[19:52] hard problem, lots of wonderful homes
[19:52] She's talked to lots of folks, need to make a list of the ones we can save, and then deal with the rest
[19:52] High cost for rennovation work, let alone buying and maintatining
[19:52] Used to have revolving loan fund, doesn't exist any more, no funding
[19:52] Rick Thalls:
[19:53] Historic Homes, homes in general, we have a lot to offer in Richmond
[19:53] More for sale signs than campaign signs
[19:53] People have to have the incentive to want to live in Richmond
[19:53] to buy a home and be proud, fix it up
[19:53] So we need to encourage pride so people will put pride and effort in their homes
[19:53] He's going to fix up his new home
[19:54] End of submitted questions
[19:54] We'll take a 5 minute break
[19:54] and then regroup and follow up with editorial board questions and audience questions
[19:54] chat room will now be in open discussion mode
[20:03] event is resuming
[20:03] chat mode being disabled, stay tuned
[20:03] candidates have a minute to answer
[20:03] Dale is asking audience for questions
[20:03] Questioner:
[20:03] Lives on S 16th
[20:04] alley behind the house is really bad, trash truck drive has gotten many flat tires driving through
[20:04] Lots of potholes, terrible to drive up and down
[20:04] Wondering what can be done:
[20:04] Mayor Hutton:
[20:04] Too late to patch it this year, if we don't know about it, can't fix it
[20:04] now that we know about itt, we'll see what we can do
[20:04] Rick Thalls:
[20:04] huge issue, some of our alleys need a lot of attention along with the gorge
[20:05] Patrolled well in the beginning, but grafitti is hurting our image
[20:05] People notice this when they come to visit to bring a business here
[20:05] Alleys, gorge, etc. need to be improved, this has been the state for a while
[20:05] Dale:
[20:05] Questions for both candidates?
[20:05] Questioner:
[20:05] Would like to know if possibility of real transport between here and Indianapolis has been considered to open up area?
[20:05] Mayor Hutton:
[20:06] Two groups working on high speed rail
[20:06] very expensive, left to look for Economic Development funds
[20:06] We have no greyhoud bus service, big problem
[20:06] Lots of issues in getting Greyhound to come back
[20:06] Hampers a lot of people's travel
[20:06] especially Earlham students
[20:06] Rick Thalls:
[20:06] Would go along with anything to enhance better travel
[20:07] He would be a part of that, using any influence he could.
[20:07] Doesn't seem like it was a question for him
[20:07] New Questioner:
[20:07] What is your role as mayor to answer loss of manufacturing jobs in the community?
[20:07] Please think bigger than just locally.
[20:07] Rick Thalls:
[20:07] Very important question
[20:08] Haven't had any movement toward even the right mindset to compete to get manufacturing jobs
[20:08] There aren't as many as there used to be, but we still need to compete
[20:08] We have to have a good image, we have to be the place to go. We have good things to offer.
[20:08] He's proud of 1,000 jobs, but Richmond should have gotten that
[20:08] If we were prepared we would have
[20:08] Mayor Hutton
[20:09] EDC works with region, lots of efforts, Karl Sharp on EIDC
[20:09] She'll be first to say that we haven't gotten a fair shake over on the eastern side of the estate
[20:09] but things are beginning to break dowon
[20:09] expanding current industrial park, only about 6 parcels left
[20:09] we know what needs to happen, have to work together
[20:09] but manufacturing isn't what it used to be
[20:10] need education so people can take those jobs
[20:10] Next question:
[20:10] She believes in her heart that
[20:10] Richmond can't get good jobs because we don't make our kids go to school
[20:10] and then they leave when they're done with school, can't expect people to move back
[20:11] Isn't there something we can do to get kids to go to school and stay in school?
[20:11] The kids should be in school.
[20:11] Help them understand they need an education. Not just black kids, all of them.
[20:11] Mayor Hutton:
[20:11] At Edu summit, we talked about that a lot
[20:11] until community truly gets involved in edu, we can't expect kids to go to school, have to encourage them
[20:12] Used to have neighborhood responsibility for kids on the street, not any more
[20:12] Kids need help
[20:12] Until we all value education and make sure we're all committed to schools being best, can't expect much out of kids
[20:12] Rick Thalls:
[20:12] You hit on one of the more important issues
[20:12] He was told not to talk about youth so much to show he knows about other things
[20:12] Even if we graduate 100% we can't offer incentives for kids to stay here
[20:13] he's a grandparent now, wants his grandkids to stay here to raise kids
[20:13] You can measure success of community to see how well kids are doing
[20:13] Until we realize that, we won't make progress. Needs to be tied to consequences.
[20:13] Next question:
[20:14] In campaign, we've talked about improving schools. Division of government between schools and city
[20:14] So what can the city government do to influence school policy?
[20:14] Rick Thalls:
[20:14] If enough people get together to exert influence, things will change
[20:14] Quit calling youth "kids"
[20:15] He recently proposed uniforms at Richmond high School
[20:15] Helps do away with pressures to emulate thugs and gangsters
[20:15] It's about cleaning up the image
[20:15] Sending the right messages
[20:15] Adults have to be the leaders
[20:15] If teachers are afraid of the kids, it's time to find something else to do
[20:15] Put the pressure on elected officials
[20:15] mayor Hutton:
[20:15] City works closely with school systems, looking at infrastructure
[20:16] Bridges, sidewalks, etc.
[20:16] But we go further: Sally and department heads are in schools all the time, talking to them about the future
[20:16] Quit blaming, need a new mindset.
[20:16] New questiotn
[20:16] From Steve Martin
[20:16] What is your wildest dream?
[20:17] for Richmond Indiana
[20:17] Mayor:
[20:17] Everyone who wants to own a home mcan own a home, have their kids play in the back yard
[20:17] Rick Thalls:
[20:17] Families being raised in a way that families ought to be raised.
[20:17] A place to stay, build childhood memories, Richmond is the place to be with family image.
[20:17] It all comes down to families, doesn't know what is more important than a family attitude for Richmond
[20:18] (The statements made in this liveblog are paraphrases of the statements made. Please refer to an official transcript or video clip for the speakers` actual words.)
[20:18] New Question
[20:18] Q for Sally:
[20:18] Do you have the stats to show what's been accomplished on the Interstate?
[20:19] Q for Rick: are you aware of the stats that over 200,000 in fiscal assets has been brought back to police department by the highway patrol person
[20:19] Rick:
[20:19] I respect officer Owens for having pride in what he does
[20:20] he would never come in and personally attack an officer who enjoys what they do
[20:20] But he's talking about Richmond and what's going on in the neighborhoods
[20:20] there are plenty of drugs for officer Owens to go get in Richmond
[20:20] People want to see crack houses gone.
[20:20] They want to see neighborhoods that are safe that you can walk in at night.
[20:20] Mayor Hutton:
[20:21] We've made arrests in Richmond based on info found out on I-70
[20:21] It helps slow the traffic down that can be costly and take lots of manpower
[20:21] New Question from Mark Stosberg:
[20:21] The new master plan includes support for non-motorized transportation, such as bicycles, how will you implement it
[20:21] Mayor Hutton:
[20:22] Transportation group has already worked on trail map
[20:22] plan talks about connecting neighborhoods through bike trails
[20:22] Rickk Thalls:
[20:22] Anything that improves Richmond is good
[20:22] But
[20:22] If we're going to improve Richmond and provide all this space, we need to take care of it
[20:22] or it will be a grafitti mess
[20:22] We haven't patrolled these areas well enough to keep problems out
[20:22] Bicycles are running rampant on the street, no lighting at nigiht
[20:23] We're fortunate we haven't had more accidents
[20:23] If we can provide a place and then take care of it, good idea, but he's concerned about our history of
[20:23] not taking care of things we enhance
[20:23] the skatepark is an embarrassment
[20:23] Mayor Hutton: they just painted it
[20:23] New Question
[20:23] What will you do to keep the crime rate down in Richmond?
[20:23] Rick:
[20:24] Bring that officer of fI-70
[20:24] (laughter from the audience)
[20:24] reconstruct and look at how to best serve Richmond with the manpower we have available
[20:24] Situations where officers have been taken off the street when they shouldn't be.
[20:25] Wants to talk to officers on the force about hiring, getting more done
[20:25] Mayor Hutton:
[20:25] Will leave officer owens out on 70
[20:25] (clapping from audience)
[20:25] We've had several instances over this summer where neighbors banded together to address community crime issues
[20:25] Crime is a problem, drug houses are there, we move them and they go to other neighborhoods
[20:25] we need to stay on top of it
[20:25] Last question
[20:26] Wants to know whether either candidate knows what to do about people using cell phones while driving
[20:26] Nothing's being done, it's the reason for many accidents
[20:26] Mayor Hutton:
[20:26] Need regulation for mopeds
[20:26] Not sure if City can enforce anything or if it has to be state mandated
[20:26] Need hefty fine for litter thrown out the window
[20:26] Rick:
[20:27] Situation that needs to be explored
[20:27] See what powers there might be to attack the problem
[20:27] We'll look at any way to curb any problems with anything
[20:27] Doesn't have an answer on the cell phone issue now
[20:27] It comes back to a word I used earlier, "common sense"
[20:28] We don't have a lot of control for the problems we want to solve
[20:28] Closing remarks
[20:28] Rick will go first
[20:28] Rick:
[20:28] Thanks everyone who has taken time to come form opinion.
[20:28] Looks forward to opportunities to sit down and discuss issues
[20:28] So you can help decide where to go with your vote. That's what this is about.
[20:28] He decided to test the waters
[20:28] I want so bad to be your mayor to see if I can back up my words
[20:28] Do my words mean anything? That's where you can put me to the test.
[20:29] Words need to have meaning and be followed through with a plan
[20:29] I spent a small segment of my life with officer Robinson, asked him at U of Dayton if he could have is picture taken with him
[20:29] He knew Richmond, In b/c of Lamar Lundy
[20:29] Richmond needs to do something special for Lamar Lundy
[20:30] Those kind of things is [sic] what needs to happen in Richmond
[20:30] Correction Oscar Robertson
[20:30] Clapping
[20:30] Mayor Hutton:
[20:30] enjoyed being mayor last 3.5 years
[20:30] would like to continue on, there's still work to be done
[20:30] exciting to see people come together
[20:30] lots have happened because of people coming together to make things happened
[20:31] Story
[20:31] at restaurant for a family day
[20:31] Couple sat down next to them
[20:31] opened up maps, said they'd stopped in Richmond, were going to get a hotel room, everything's full
[20:31] they were driving around for 2 hours, and really like the place
[20:31] then server came up and said Mayor and acknowledged that she was
[20:31] We have problems, we're not perfectd, but we can do great things
[20:32] want to lead the way
[20:32] Clapping
[20:32] Dale thanks everyone for coming
[20:32] quick plug:
[20:32] Editorial board is group of community and staff that meets every week to discuss issues and so forth
[20:32] Before end of year, have a couple of openings
[20:32] They ask anyone who can make an hour or so a week available
[20:33] Want a diverse a group as possible, all genders, race, political persuasion.
[20:33] They enjoy getting together, usually what takes shape on viewpoints page.
[20:33] Thanks to Bethesda Ministries and the candidates
[20:33] Thanks for coming
[20:33] End
[20:33] Discussion will now open