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At-large candidates at odds on city's future BRAINERD GOVERNMENT Staff Writer Candidates for the Brainerd City Council at-large seat up for election offered divergent philosophies on how they would help direct the city into the future.
Appearing at Thursday's candidate forum hosted by the Brainerd Lakes Area Chambers of Commerce at Brainerd High School, candidate and former Mayor Bonnie Cumberland said it would be her priority to work on team-building among council members, city staffers and residents. Candidate Jeff Czeczok, however, said he has not been happy with the way the council has been operating the last 10 years and he would not be afraid to "rock the boat."
A third candidate, David Colvin, did not participate in Thursday's candidate forum.
¥ On what each candidate believed was the most important infrastructure needs in Brainerd, Czeczok said storm, sewer, street and sidewalk replacement must be done in a way that residents can afford. Cumberland said city officials need to develop a plan of what is needed and then determine how that plan will be fulfilled.
¥ On describing their approach to fiscal responsibility, Cumberland said the city needs to look at collaboration and partnerships with other entities to help offset what Brainerd taxpayers are currently funding. Czeczok said the city council needs to take a harder look at budgets, making cuts only when services are improved in the city.
¥ Both candidates agreed that the city should help with funding in the beautification of downtown Brainerd. However, when asked what will bring people downtown, Cumberland offered a two-part answer - make downtown attractive as well as attract businesses that cater to niche shoppers. Czeczok said no one yet has the answer to what will bring people downtown and Brainerd should study other communities to see how their downtowns were revitalized.
¥ Czeczok and Cumberland agreed that the city needs to keep improving its technology in the city, pointing to the recent implementation of a geographic information system in Brainerd. Both candidates also agreed that greater focus on crime is important for the police department.
MATT ERICKSON can be reached at matt.erickson@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5857.
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