General Federation of Women's Clubs-Arizona

Glendale Women's Club -- Biannual Candidate Forum July 12, 2010

Norma Alvarez, Bob Bohart, David Goulet and Bud Zomok Ocotillo District; Anthony Kern, Yvonne Knaack, "Mickey" Lund Barrel District; Manny Martinez unopposed Cholla District.

Pat Kennedy, State President moderator

 Quick Summary by Bette Sharpe

Topics of concern were the possibility of a gaming casino at 91st and Northern, light rail through downtown Glendale, and the need for jobs.  After the forum David Moreno from the downtown area said, "all recognized the need for a change".  And he added that the focus was on the bigger issues, brining business to the area, and not so much about the residents.

Norma Alvarez (Ocotillo District)

Bob Bohart (Ocotillo District)

• The neighborhoods in the Ocotillo have been neglected
• Does not support the casino
• NRA member
• On jobs: high paying jobs are gone and more can be done at the federal level.  At the city level, jobs can be found though small businesses.
• Light rail--on Glendale Avenue or close by and then Westgate.  It would be messy at first, but once it was up, it would be great.

David Goulet (Ocotillo District)

• Is not in favor of the proposed casino.
• Supports Luke Air Force Base
• Plans to establish a Hall of Fame for business leaders
• On jobs: business want to come to Glendale because of what we have on the west side.  Partner with hospitals and educational institutions--Glendale Community College for example
• Light rail--it would be nice if it could go downtown, but right now it cannot.  It would take 10 years to build.  What would be the draw for people to come to downtown?

Anthony Kern (Barrel District)

• "Stop the spending" and Stop putting money into sports facilities
• Plans to meets the people he will represent
• Put money back into the developer's pockets and help turn ideas into income
• On jobs and jobs, "make it easy on the small business owner"
• Light rail: Not in favor of light rail through downtown.  It would be too hard on business in downtown.  Some businesses may close; and the cost of $500 million.

Yvonne Knaack (Barrel District)

• Has accomplished significant park upgrades at Saguaro Ranch Park
• Count down crossing lights (for the visually impaired) are now at two major city intersections.
• Water is one of the most critical issues Glendale faces in the future.
• On Jobs: Barrel District does not have a lot left to fillin.  Glendale Library offers programs for those looking for jobs.
• Light rail: no way for downtown Glendale.  A much better possibility is the I-10 route due to the incentives.

"Mickey" Lund (Barrel District)

• Has a vested interest in Glendale
• Amenities in Glendale (libraries and parks) enhance all of the city's citizens.
• Commercial property vacancies have bloomed, some have been empty since the last election.
• On jobs: small business bring in the majority of the city's revenue, focus on small businesses.
• Light rail: It would destroy the cozy hometown feeling downtown Glendale has.  Mickey is for light rail, but now is not the time.

Manny Martinez (Cholla District)

• Has served on the City Council during the "good times" and would like to "help get us though these difficult times"
• We need to keep the Coyotes in Glendale
• No on the casino.  Tax receipts would be down and the existing hotels would be at a disadvantage.
• On jobs: new jobs have come to Glendale--Conair, DeVry, and Humana.  Midwestern University has also expanded.
• Light rail: once was for it coming through downtown, but now thinks the logical route is the I-10 route.

Bud Zomok (Ocotillo District)

Watch the movie HERE >

http://www.smecc.org/media/debate-council-2010-512.wmv