“I mortgaged everything but my kids to open my own business,” McBride said. “I did everything I had to do to pay off the business in three years.”

Venters, who said the sign at the church he co-founded conforms with the city code, said he sees the value of signs to businesses. But, he qualified his remarks.

“As a tourist, one might think this place is filthy with signs,” Venters said. “Surely there is a happy medium, but personally, I could do without so many signs.”

Hammons, who said he brings with him “no baggage” and “no fights to fight,” said he would work for the will of the people on the sign issue and others.

“I’m a fresh slate,” Hammons said. “Write your opinions on my slate, and I will work for you.”

Taylor said he understands the value of signs to businesses but acknowledged there is a problem with signs that are not maintained or promote nothing new. Oliver passed on the question.

One questioner pressed the candidates about whether Stratton’s successor would continue her work with the Mayor’s Task Force on the Homeless.

Taylor and several colleagues said homelessness is a problem that can be attributed to state and federal policy decisions with which cities are forced to deal. Only three candidates, Venters, Hammons and Oliver, vowed to continue Stratton’s efforts without reservation. McBride said any future efforts should be done in such a way that doesn’t encourage the homeless to relocate in Muskogee. Taylor said the problem needs to be addressed but believes the state and federal government is better equipped to deal with the issue.

The only question that directly addressed the City of Muskogee Foundation focused on the City Council’s decision to wait until after next week’s election before deciding on how best to select the foundation’s directing board. All five said that was the right decision.