The Hard Decisions: Council Candidates Respond to Your Questions

If you are receiving funding from special interest groups, how might these campaign contributions influence your decision-making abilities?

Mark Behlmann, Ward 3: All of my campaign contributions have come from close personal friends who would like to see me achieve my goal. These friends who are most familiar with me, know firsthand what I bring as far as capabilities and benefits for the city leadership. My campaign theme is, “The Only Endorsement I Seek Is Your Vote.” I have registered my finance campaign disclosure statements online with the state in order to be transparent for ease of anyone to review. There have been some contributors who wished to provide a contribution that I have refused.

Joe Eagan, Ward 3: Not answered 

Elizabeth O’Fallon, Ward 3: My campaign is entirely grassroots. I have received campaign contributions only from private individuals, and none from any group or organization. I really like the fact that I’m not beholden to anyone but the people of Ward 3.

Steve Purgahn, Ward 6: I am not receiving funding from any special interest group. To date, I have self-funded 90 percent of my campaign and the remaining 10 percent has come from friends, family and businesses.

Pat Stinnett, Ward 6: My commitment to the citizens of Florissant is that they will be first priority in the decision-making process. Period.

What guides your decision-making?

Mark Behlmann, Ward 3: First and foremost, it is citizens’ participation and opinions. But the citizens need to participate and engage as to what is going on in the community. Citizens need to be responsible. Citizens need to take an active role to communicate with those who are elected in order for their message to be carried. I will communicate from my end through email blasts. As the old saying goes, “I can lead a horse to water, but I cannot make him drink it.” 

Joe Eagan, Ward 3: My decision-making process is very simple. My foremost responsibility will be to the people of Ward 3 and to all Florissant residents. My decisions will be based upon what I believe to be in their best interest. 

Elizabeth O’Fallon, Ward 3: I consider my decision-making rooted in common sense. I am known to friends and family members as someone who is passionate about my views on issues, and I am not afraid to tell you what I really think about a particular issue. I believe even the most complex of problems often have simple and logical solutions. I am also thankful to have wonderful role-models for parents, parents who I believe helped instill in me a proper sense of right and wrong, a moral compass that above all else, guides the decisions I make.

Steve Purgahn, Ward 6: Information! In making decisions for my business or at home, I seek out the facts necessary to make the decision. Who, what, where, when and how much are all parameters that require answering to make a good decision. In making decisions as a councilman, I believe those same criteria need to be answered. Who is it going to effect? Where is it going to occur? What/how long will it take? How much will it cost? Residents, along with the administration and employees of the city and representatives, from agencies like MoDOT or MSD and private companies will be the source of the answers. Once the facts are received, I would make a decision based on do I think this is beneficial to the city as a whole and in particular Ward 6.

Pat Stinnett, Ward 6: Everyone needs a good moral compass, and it has always been my desire to do right and help others. I also believe that each individual opportunity must be weighed on its own merits and that public input and listening to the residents of Ward 6 is essential.