Councilor races

May 10, 2008 03:58 pm

— Ward II: Frank Borovetz vs. Shawn Raper

Q: As one councilor on a council of nine, what special contributions would you have to offer?
BOROVETZ: I have experience in providing service to citizens and responding timely and accurately to their concerns. I have researched strategic plan applications for municipalities which should be useful. As the first city budget chairman, this prior knowledge will help Muskogee continue being good stewards of available finances. I am an independent thinker.
RAPER: I have a bachelor’s degree in finance from Northeastern State University, so I have a strong understanding of budget issues. I have more than 18 years of experience in small business as a restaurant operator and a Realtor.
I have helped many businesses relocate or expand in Muskogee so I understand their unique needs.
I am a strong advocate in selling Muskogee to new industries.

Q: What steps should Muskogee take the next couple of years to improve its economic base and vitality?
RAPER: We have to get serious about recruiting new industrial and tech jobs for our city. Most people would like to see Muskogee grow, but that won’t happen without new jobs. We have to identify what actions we can take to make us more competitive in attracting new industries. Then we have to make those changes.
We also need to provide additional support for Muskogee Development Corp. to help them sell Muskogee. We should also develop a way to track their effectiveness so we can be sure we are getting our money’s worth.
Improvements to the city that enhance quality of life issues are also be important to the growth of our local economy. We should continue to make Muskogee a more attractive and friendly place to live.
BOROVETZ: The city of Muskogee must demonstrate and re-establish confidence with the citizens for economic development to bring quality jobs to the area. An aggressive posture by the City Council working in unison with Muskogee Development must be shown if a dedicated tax for economic development is voted by the electorate.
A strategic plan for Muskogee will provide a future with a vision that will enhance unity among the citizens. This vision will utilize our strengths and weaknesses in reaching a conclusion. We will know what Muskogeeans want for the future with paths, goals and checkpoints along the way to guide us.

?Q: What role would you take in coming labor negotiations with city workers, and what is your philosophy on city contracts with unions and yearly bargaining with them?
BOROVETZ: I have previously served as a City Council representative during negotiation sessions. Prior to this I served as a lead person for two public schools in establishing a negotiation process for those school systems.
I have found that negotiations with a union starts with the following: a mutual understanding are done in good faith, that good data must be provided by both sides, that goals of both groups are within the fiscal restraints of the city as a whole. Fairness must be demonstrated by all that enter the negotiation process for the unions and the citizens of Muskogee to derive the best use of available funds. The process is a give and take procedure.
RAPER: I will work hard to make sure that we negotiate fairly with the city’s unions. My goal is to avoid another vote just to settle a labor contract. Our citizens can believe that I will be a good steward of their tax dollars and make sure the city lives within its budget. I also believe that we have to take care of our city workers. Our police, fire and non-uniform employees make our city run and deserve our support.

Ward IV: Jackie Luckey vs. Troy Stoutermire

Q: As one councilor on a council of nine, what special contributions would you have to offer?
LUCKEY: I would bring Jackie D. Luckey, a man of character, honesty, respectfulness, integrity, solution solving, take-on issues.
STOUTERMIRE: First and foremost, I consider myself as a leader with integrity, keeping in mind, the best interests of the community in which I live and serve.

Q: What steps should Muskogee take the next couple of years to improve its economic base and vitality?
STOUTERMIRE: First, as a community we need to recognize our potential as a viable thriving community. Our geographic location is ideal for any major industry.
In addition, we have a skilled labor force, and the educational resources available to provide the necessary training and skill sets required for most industries.
Second, we need to develop a strategic plan that will engage the community in a process that promotes growth and opportunity for all citizens.
LUCKEY: As I stated throughout my campaign, the basic life skills of this community need to be address in order to move any direction towards economic growth and sustainability.

Q: What role would you take in coming labor negotiations with city workers, and what is your philosophy on city contracts with unions and yearly bargaining with them?
LUCKEY: The role that is appointed to me. A laborer is worthy of their hire, the constant collaboration keeps both sides at their best, all parties involved work for the community
STOUTERMIRE: We are very fortunate to have a city manager that has the knowledge, skills, abilities to manage these kinds of processes effectively.
If I were to take on a role, it would be a role of mediator. A mediator has the ability to listen to both sides of any situation, and ask the important questions, address the issues, and move forward.
Part 2: Negotiation of various kinds of contracts are a common thread within city and state governmental entities.
The leadership of our community must be attentive to the needs of our city and willing to explore alternatives to benefit our citizens.

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