Police, Taxes: Candidates Answer Florissant Residents Questions

Are you satisfied with the level of support we have in our police department?

Mark Behlmann, Ward 3: Currently, I am told our Police Department is operating on its own and not being micromanaged. Be that said, there is a lot more that needs to be done with supporting our police department. There are many improvements and resources that our department needs. I have always been supportive of our police department. And the department needs to be listened to as of their needs. Leadership is always the key .

Joe Eagan, Ward 3: We have a highly respected police department. We need to continue to recruit, hire and retain the best employees possible.

Elizabeth O’Fallon, Ward 3: I believe the size of our police force is adequate, but I would like to see more of a partnership exist between residents and the members of our police.  Just recently, I was discussing some issues of safety with local residents, residents who are the “eyes and ears” of what is really going on in their neighborhood.  I would love to see a program, perhaps consisting of a bike patrol or something similar, where officers could easily interact with residents (at least one weekend a month) to foster a sense of community in speaking with residents directly about problems in their neighborhoods.  I believe building a community partnership between residents and the police is the best way to decrease crime.

Steve Purgahn, Ward 6: Yes, I think our police department does a great job of serving the City. Is there room for improvement? Absolutely. Every professional can improve and increase their level of knowledge, so I think it is important for the City Administration and the council to provide its full support to the police department. The City needs to make sure that it hires the best officers, compensates them fairly and provides them with the newest technology, continuing education and ability to grow through promotion.

Pat Stinnett, Ward 6: As a captain of my neighborhood watch program, I am truly impressed with the professionalism and dedication of our police Force. They are prompt to answer calls and attentive to their duties. 

The city of Florissant is faced with a $2 million shortfall from our pooled sales tax revenue. What should be done to make that up?

Mark Behlmann, Ward 3: The City of Florissant is not an isolated case when it comes to a shortfall. As with ALL municipalities and states, who are currently experiencing financial hardships, drastic decisions must be carried out. Without a doubt, these are painful decisions that are unpopular. I believe in starting with cutting the fat in all departments. Also, administration must provide education to all departments in order to develop more efficient, time-saving methods to trim costs. Once we become as efficiently proven as possible to start with, then there is only two alternatives other than generating new income, which shall be explored. Cutting further expenses - meaning jobs, or raising taxes of the city residents. I am not in favor of raising taxes.

Joe Eagan, Ward 3: I feel it is important to maintain our streets, sidewalks and our parks and recreation facilities with all the resources that our city can afford. As a municipal employee, I have had experience in budget preparation and will review the resources available to our city and support prudent expenditures to maintain the quality of life that we enjoy as Florissant residents. All of our options need to be explored. All citizens need to be heard.

All cities throughout the nation have experienced tough times due to the recession. This recession is one of the worst economic periods that this country has ever endured. This recession has had a devastating effect on many of our lives. Many have lost their jobs and their homes.  The pain is evident as I walk through the ward and talk to citizens who have had to put their lives on hold, with the hope of the recovery looming. Prior to this recession, Florissant experienced both growth and renewal. This growth was exemplified by the many businesses that opened their doors in Florissant. This renewal was most evident in the Lindbergh beautification project, Cross Keys redevelopment and the face lift that was given to many of our small shopping plaza’s, such as Mullanphy Plaza.

As we fight our way out of this recession, I believe that we should consider all options available for economic development. I will support and encourage our city economic development initiatives to attract new businesses and to keep existing businesses. In the short run I am prepared to tread water and do more with less until the recovery arrives, with the exception of the police department. 

Elizabeth O’Fallon, Ward 3: I believe we need to cut expenses before we look at increasing taxes. The audit performed on the City of Florissant last year by our State Auditor’s office revealed several areas of improvement that are needed. We can do better with cutting wasteful spending in our budget and do not need to pass more expenses on to the good citizens of our city. 

Steve Purgahn, Ward 6: As with any entity, living within its means is critical to the well being of the organization. A review of both revenue sources and expense reduction needs to be performed in order to make decisions based on all known factors. I don’t think it would be prudent to just cut expenses in order to make up short falls nor is it right to increase taxes for the sake of saving services. It will take each department to review its needs and then ascertain whether its wants are appropriate at this time. Department leaders will need to make critical decisions regarding or pertaining to how they can continue to provide the best level of service with fewer dollars and the administration and Council will need to determine how general funds can be allocated in a way that allows each department to provide the best level of service to the residents.

Pat Stinnett, Ward 6: My first response is that the $2 millionfigure cited in the question is incorrect. The information that I have from attending public meetings puts the figure closer to a $500,000 anticipated shortfall. Promoting business growth and development is the best way to address long-term improvement to the local economy. We should also work with our legislative delegation on reforms to the sales tax pool system. The city should also look into grants and whether or not any long-term obligations would benefit from current low interest rates.  We can also examine every line-item of the budget looking for savings.