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Stumbris, Gay vie for Clintonville seat

Robert Gay and Julie Stumbris will face off against each other Tuesday, April 7, for the Clintonville City Council seat being vacated by current Alderman Bill Zeinert.

To help inform voters where the two candidates stand on the issues concerning Clintonville, the Clintonville Tribune-Gazette asked both candidates a series of questions. The questions and their responses are listed below.

What are the three most important issues facing the city of Clintonville?

Gay: 1. We apparently have nearly a $1-million pension shortfall that will have to be addressed. 2. The city budget will continue to affect us for the next year. 3. Hiring a new city administrator is important to the everyday operation of the city.

Stumbris: 1. Budget. 2. Turmoil within city government. 3. Outdoor swimming pool.

If elected, what would you do to find solutions to those issues?

Gay: 1. We have an obligation to make yearly payments to the pension fund, so we must find the money somewhere. 2. We must keep looking at the city budget through the year, to see if any additional cuts can be made. 3. I think we have experience on the council and can hire a very competent person to take over as city administrator.

Stumbris: 1. As leaders of our community’s government we should be extra prudent in our decisions concerning the taxpayers’ money. With thorough and proper planning a budget gets set and it is adhered to. We as the council should attend all budget hearings and set a budget on necessity, not on pork. 2. Government should be open, truthful and transparent. Open the closed doors. 3. I believe that a citywide referendum should be held so that the citizens that use the pool and those that will ultimately pay the bill have a say in the decision.

What are your ideas to fix Clintonville’s budget problem?

Gay: Keep working with department heads to see where cuts may be made. We still have to keep all departments in the city operating as efficiently as possible.

Stumbris: The solution is to reside within the confines of the budget as set after thorough evaluation of all the facts and figures. Just as families live within budget constraints the same should hold true in city government.

What do you think the city should do with the outdoor swimming pool?

Gay: I have heard many citizens speak at the citizens forums about the pool and the rec center. I would say that most citizens would like to keep both open. Let’s get figures together on both the pool and Rec Center as far as maintaining them at the current pace, and let’s let the citizens decide.

Stumbris: I still think it should have been put on a referendum and should be put on a referendum. Let the citizens of Clintonville decide what they want to do with the outdoor swimming pool and its’ associated costs.

What do you think the city should do with the Rec. Center building?

Gay: I have heard many citizens speak at the citizens forums about the pool and the rec center. I would say that most citizens would like to keep both open. Let’s get figures together on both the pool and Rec Center as far as maintaining them at the current pace, and let’s let the citizens decide.

Stumbris: The city, along with the Park & Rec. Department and the Food Pantry should continue to work jointly with private citizens. There are donated funds available to make the necessary upgrades that are desired. Future fundraising efforts could be initiated for the installation of a more economical heating system and any other desired improvements.

What is it going to take to create harmony between both the council and the citizens of Clintonville?

Gay: The citizens of Clintonville and the city council must respect each other’s ideas, and work together on common causes for the good of the community and not for individual causes.

Stumbris: It will take the council keeping an open mind, listening to all its’ citizens and also acting on facts and not feelings. Why should voters elect you?

Gay: I’ve spent six years on city council and two years as mayor.

Stumbris: My door is open, I will listen to all opinions and I can bring fresh, constructive input. I will try to make decisions that are in the best interest of the entire citizenship of Clintonville.

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