Mayoral Forum-Fifth Question

5. How, if at all, would you govern differently from the present City Commission?

Ed McKnight:

As I stated before, I'd like to facilitate change while being careful not to upset the positive things that are happening in the community. It is not my intention to claim that everything the current commission does is bad or that the people are bad. I think it's more like - I can do better. Granted most business before the commission is routine, pragmatic, and even mundane business; and the current commissioners sincerely try to do the best they can. The difference comes down to how I would lead, particularly during the rare times when hard divisive issues arise.

· As Mayor I would assume leadership by taking control and responsibility for conduct of commission meetings. I would need no 3 or 5 minute rule.
· Listen more attentively to what is being said and not just wait for opponents to finish
· Research answers to questions and attempt to respond with factual knowledge.
· Add e-mailed and on line posts to the current minimum required paper ad and board posting.
· Make more government documents available to citizens on line and e-mailed.

In other words, don't just do the minimum required and accept the status quo.

Larry Steele:

I would be willing to listen to the people of Great Falls , not only at city commission meetings, but also anywhere I am in Great Falls . I also would give back the power the voters of Great Falls by making sure they can vote on major spending issues.

Susan Kahn:

We have open government and the public needs to be engaged in their city. The Mayor is a position to serve the public as a commission member and votes should be cast to represent public opinions and their best interest. The Mayor position does influence how the meetings are run and I want to increase fairness, common sense and public participation as our government was designed.

As I said in position 1, my style is to consult experts with varying viewpoints, share information, and plan short and long term obtainable goals. Goals must be measurable and city leadership must be held accountable.