One of the topics that everybody throughout the city of Carroll is interested in hearing city candidates discuss is the library. When asked if this was a dead issue or whether they wanted to see it brought back, there was no hesitation on the part of the seven candidates to provide their opinions on the subject. Misty Boes, who is running against Tom Tait for the second-ward seat, said though she doesn’t have a specific plan for the library, it has been an issue that has split the community and she would work toward a healing solution. And Barb Toohey, candidate for the fourth ward, said it has definitely been a divisive project for the past 10 years. She believes it needs to be put aside for a time. It needs to calm down and then be revisited. Her opponent, incumbent Carolyn Siemann, does not see it in the same light.
Tait’s comments were aligned with Siemann’s position that the people are not being allowed to decide.
At-large candidate, Brandon Vonnahme sees a lot of contention in a sad situation. He said both sides are intelligent and they can come together for a solution. His opponent, Mike Curtis said he agreed with Vonnahme and that we need to invest our money wisely, making sure we aren’t finding a shortfall five years from now. Dr. Eric Jensen, who is a current council member and the sole candidate in the Mayoral race still believes the citizens deserve to have their say.
We will bring you more on the candidate’s viewpoints on a variety of topics, such as what issues are not seeing enough attention and how they would work to make Carroll more competitive on the regional and state level. Audio and video of the last night’s (Wednesday) Chamber of Commerce candidate forum can be found on the Carroll Broadcasting website at www.1380kcim.com.
