The town of Forest Heights' election will be held from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday on the second floor of the Municipal Building at 5508 Arapahoe Drive in Forest Heights.

Mayor

Incumbent: Larry Stoner

1. If elected, what amendments will you make to the town charter and why?

I would like to put to referendum four-year terms for elected officials; you cannot get anything done in two years. I would also ask the town's people to vote on raising the salaries of the elected officials, which have not changed since 1954. We want to attract more well-qualified people to represent the town.

2. If elected, what will you do to improve the town's name and reputation?

I would do some of the same things that I am doing now: lobbying senators, congressmen, governors and county officials letting them know that we can elect good and reliable leaders. Attend more Town hall meetings, concerning the state, county and municipal governments.

3. If Forest Heights receives federal stimulus money, how would you spend it?

The town is in need of urgent infrastructure repairs; our street signs and street lights need to be brought up to date. The Town Hall needs a complete renovation from top to bottom, and we need to hire more police officers.

4. Which do you think the town in more in need of, a certified treasurer or a permanent police chief, or both or neither, and why?

We need to hire both – the Town Clerk has enough work to do without having to act as treasurer, and we will hire someone just to handle the town's bank accounts. We also need a permanent chief that can write grants and network to bring in more money for the town.

5. Is it realistic and financially feasible for the town to go "green," and why? If you say yes, what green improvements would you make?

Going green is good for the environment, but you must have funds available to pay for such a project. It is very costly. The town does not have extra money for a green roof; we are having difficulties finding money to repair just the roof itself and renovate the town hall.

6. What will you do to improve communication between the mayor and Town Council?

Communication is a two-way street, and all need to be working together for a common cause. I would like for the entire Council to take a retreat along with a municipal consultant so that we all can learn what we need to do in order to get along and run the town properly.

7. If elected, what immediate changes will you make in the town?

I would not make immediate changes. I would make changes that are needed, effective and ones that will work.

8. What will you do to ensure accountability and transparency from the Town Council?

The Council has certain responsibilities, as does the Mayor. We all cannot be the Mayor; roles need to be defined. The entire Council needs to make a commitment to attend the Maryland Municipal League College of Excellence to learn what classes elected officials need in order to properly run their municipality and work effectively.

9. What is the biggest issue facing residents in the town, and what would you do to solve it?

What I see as the biggest issue facing the residents in the town is the leadership. The town wants leaders that represent them, not themselves. They want leaders that are professional and make them proud. You cannot get anything done if you are not working as one for the town.

10. What can be done to generate revenue for town and avoid budget deficits?

The best way to generate revenue is by annexation and new development. We have just annexed 16 new town houses that will bring in additional tax revenue. We are in the midst of forming a committee to brainstorm about future annexations. The budget is a living document and from time to time will need adjustments.

Candidate: Andrea McCutcheon (Councilwoman Ward 2)

1. If elected, what amendments will you make to the town charter and why?

There are no amendments I would make to the Town Charter at this time.

2. If elected, what will you do to improve the town's name and reputation?

Since I have been on the Town Council there has been little or no participation by our town residents. I have spoken to many residents that have various expertise in different areas that are willing to help and participate in the town. I believe if we work together with our residents, there are good ideas for the children, seniors and professional experience that can join us for the good of our town. Once residents see that we are all participating with the focus being on the town and not personal agendas, there will be an interest to participate from many more residents. This will cause us to move ahead with tangible projects that will restore our name and reputation.

3. If Forest Heights receives federal stimulus money, how would you spend it?

My first objective would be our infrastructure. There are many streets that don't have sidewalks, which cause a hazard for our residents that have to walk in the street. Many of our streets are in need of asphalt resurfacing also. On the requests for proposals, we can ask that the contractor hires 20 to 30 percent Forest Heights residents, which would create jobs for the unemployed in our town. There are also streams that run under Forest Heights that need to be captured and some that have been captured are in need of repair.

4. Which do you think the town in more in need of, a certified treasurer or a permanent police chief, or both or neither, and why?

Our town is in need of a treasurer first. There has to be an objective, qualified person in this position. The proper management of our finances is first priority. Currently we have an acting police chief that is doing a great job. I believe after the fiscal 2010 budget is prepared, we will be in a position to hire a permanent chief with budget considerations of adding a lieutenant position that will allow movement for the acting chief should someone else be selected. I am pleased with Chief Webb and the performance of the Forest Heights Police Department.

5. Is it realistic and financially feasible for the town to go "green," and why? If you say yes, what green improvements would you make?

Yes, the first improvement would be the town hall. The Council passed a resolution to go "green." The roof of the town hall is in desperate need of replacement. I have learned that replacing the roof with a "green" roof would be better environmentally and more energy-efficient. There are also grants that are available to help us making these improvements.

6. What will you do to improve communication between the mayor and Town Council?

I believe that the mayor and council have to be transparent in all their actions. There can't be any personal agendas. We have to understand we all must work together as a team representing our constituents. We must also follow the Charter, Ordinance, Annotated Code of Maryland, local and state laws that govern our actions. This will effect communication between us.

7. If elected, what immediate changes will you make in the town?

My first change would be to select a treasurer to present to the Council for approval.

8. What will you do to ensure accountability and transparency from the Town Council?

Accountable and transparency is needed with our finances and town business. I will ensure that there is complete transparency with our finances as the Town Charter prescribes with quarterly accountings, expenditures over $1000, bids and contracts. I will cause the town clerk to give a weekly status of town issues to the Council as the Charter requires.

9. What is the biggest issue facing residents in the town, and what would you do to solve it?

Our town needs involvement of our residents. I would solicit the help from our residents with expertise and ideas for the positive growth, health and welfare of our town. This would cause the involvement, positive engagement and the forward mobility our town needs.

10. What can be done to generate revenue for town and avoid budget deficits?

A treasurer would ensure proper management of our finances. We currently do fingerprinting and rental of the town hall that generate revenue. I also know our residents have plenty of good ideas such as weekly or monthly yard sales at the town hall. We could provide photocopy service that would offset the costs of our copier, Notary Public services, and we will seek grants and funding to offset programs and services.

Ward 1 Council Seat

Incumbent: Jacqueline Goodall (Running unopposed)

1. If elected, what amendments will you make to the town charter and why?

Currently there are no amendments that I would recommend for the town charter; however, there are town ordinances that do need to be updated.

2. If elected, what will you do to improve the town's name and reputation?

During the past two years, I have worked with the others on the council to bring environmental issues to the forefront. I believe that working with the citizens and the council together, we can make Forest Heights known as truly the most environmentally friendly town in Maryland.

3. If Forest Heights receives federal stimulus money, how would you spend it?

We already have plans to upgrade, rebuild and repair our streets, curbs and gutters. However, installation of sidewalks throughout our town is also needed. In addition, the town has neglected the stormwater system over the years and we must make reconstruction of this system a priority. While doing this rehabilitation of our streetscape and stormwater system, we need to be mindful that we try to reduce our runoff into the Oxon Cove and ensure that we utilize green infrastructure approaches.

4. Which do you think the town in more in need of, a certified treasurer or a permanent police chief, or both or neither, and why?

Currently, the need to have a qualified treasurer in place is the town's most urgent need. Acting Chief Webb and the entire Forest Heights Police Department have done an admirable job in the past two years, and I commend them for their dedication to the town and their work. When a permanent police chief is named, I would hope that we consider from within our current police first.

5. Is it realistic and financially feasible for the town to go "green," and why? If you say yes, what green improvements would you make?

Yes, some of the projects can be more costly than the traditional way of doing things, but in time we will find by installing a "green roof" versus a "traditional" one will save in that it will last longer, require less upkeep and reduce our energy usage of our municipal building. By utilizing energy-efficient practices within our town municipal building (which also are green improvements) can be implemented with minimal cost. Replacing the trees that we have lost improves the air quality, reduces airborne pollution and raises the property value of our homes. Currently, there are numerous grants and loans available to assist us in making these improvements and others to our town, therefore the burden of expense will not totally be on the citizens.

6. What will you do to improve communication between the mayor and Town Council?

For more than a couple of years, the contention between the Mayor and the Town Council has been a hurdle that we need to overcome. It was recommended that we start the last tenure with mediation; I would like to see that done. I feel that by talking openly with one another we can begin to get down to the town's business.

7. If elected, what immediate changes will you make in the town?

Changes to be made are the responsibility of the council as a whole body, and I have and will always work with the other council members for the good of the town. I am going to work to have the Mayor and Council to update the strategic plan and to develop a comprehensive plan within the next 12 months.

8. What will you do to ensure accountability and transparency from the Town Council?

I will continue to ask that there be quarterly reports given to the council members as well as the citizens. I will also continue to ask that the council members be given a monthly reporting as to the state of the town's financial affairs.

9. What is the biggest issue facing residents in the town, and what would you do to solve it?

The greatest issue facing our town and residents is the un-involvement of the citizens in the town. President Obama has asked that we all become involved in what happens in the U.S., and we make our greatest impact right here on the local level. The town needs our citizens to be involved .We will continue to have workshops, and I hope that whomever is the Mayor will reach out to citizens to become active in the committees, to work with the council on many areas of concern within the town.

10. What can be done to generate revenue for town and avoid budget deficits?

The involvement of citizens in the town in the Ways and Means Committee seeking grants and funding will help, as will looking into the possibility of annexation. However, employing a qualified treasurer and notifying the council of where we are financially, so that required action can be taken, before a problem arises will assist us in avoiding budget deficits.

Ward 2 Council Seat

Candidate: Clifton L. Atkinson

Did not respond to the Gazette's Q-and-A request

Incumbent: Anne Reifsneider

1. If elected, what amendments will you make to the town charter and why?

The Charter review is not a priority; other items more pressing.

2. If elected, what will you do to improve the Town's name and reputation?

Improve professionalism at town meetings, control interruptions between council and mayor.

3. If Forest Heights receives federal stimulus money, how would you spend it?

Improve streets, curbs, cap springs. As well as improve street lighting and upgrade the municipal building.

4. Which do you think the town in more in need of, a certified treasurer or a permanent police chief, or both or neither, and why?

The town needs a certified treasurer to assist with audit completion in a timely fashion, control spending; also to maintain the daily ledger on a daily basis, check all invoice for accuracy, close supervision of budget. The treasurer is especially important when applying for and receiving grant money due to required and strict documentation.

5. Is it realistic and financially feasible for the town to go "green," and why? If you say yes, what green improvements would you make?

Yes. A green roof to conserve energy during the summer and winter; rain barrels could provide us water for shrubs. And when we go green, other grants will be available.

6. What will you do to improve communication between the mayor and Town Council?

All council members should attend mediation classes for training and guidance to improve communication between mayor and council.

7. If elected, what immediate changes will you make in the town?

No immediate changes; perhaps in the future.

8. What will you do to ensure accountability and transparency from the Town Council?

The council can only ensure accountability if the mayor improves communication with the council and does not feel he runs the town. The council also needs to have finance information, which the mayor will not reveal. It is a violation of the charter not to include the council in all decision making.

9. What is the biggest issue facing residents in the town, and what would you do to solve it?

To remain financially stable without any tax increase on assessments of property or taxes of any other nature.

10. What can be done to generate revenue for town and avoid budget deficits?

Collecting revenue from ordinance violations; police being more diligent issuing tickets for violations, and collecting renters tax. Also, follow up on charges and payments and the outstanding payments.

Ward 3 Council Seat

Incumbent: William Clarke

1. If elected, what amendments will you make to the town charter and why?

None

2. If elected, what will you do to improve the town's name and reputation?

Tighter control of expenditures.

3. If Forest Heights receives federal stimulus money, how would you spend it?

First, the roof of Town Hall. Second, road repairs.

4. Which do you think the town in more in need of, a certified treasurer or a permanent police chief, or both or neither, and why?

Neither until next fiscal year, July 1.

5. Is it realistic and financially feasible for the town to go "green," and why? If you say yes, what green improvements would you make?

No.

6. What will you do to improve communication between the mayor and town council?

Need to sit down in a private meeting and discuss all problems.

7. If elected, what immediate changes will you make in the town?

Better oversight of all expenditures.

8. What will you do to ensure accountability and transparency from the Town Council?

Need better sharing of information between mayor and council.

9. What is the biggest issue facing residents in the town, and what would you do to solve it?

Confusion of which direction the town is going in. Explain to all town residents what the town is doing for all the residents.

10. What can be done to generate revenue for town and avoid budget deficits?

Enforce all ordinances and parking violations in town.

Candidate: Bill Robinson

1. If elected, what amendments will you make to the town charter and why?

In the near future, the town's people along with the Town Council should certainly re-evaluate and propose changes if necessary. This process should be transparent, and the community should be involved. Perhaps a committee could be formed to address outdated or questionable statutes. The only item that I would address would be the appointment or hiring process. It was made clear by Councilwoman Reifsneider of Ward II that at least three councilpersons were not aware and had never met the Code Enforcement Officer that Mayor Stoner had hired in November 2008. In order to satisfy the residents and the Councilpersons, perhaps the town should enforce a better statute. It is clear to me that the Mayor had circumvented or blatantly disregarded this statute. The Town Charter should be our guide. In January, I personally witnessed a rush to judgment in hiring a police chief. This behavior is unacceptable.

2. If elected, what will you do to improve the town's name and reputation?

The Town Council and Mayor must work first to regain the confidence, respect and trust of the town. If you haven't had the opportunity to sit in on a Town Council meeting you have opted not to view the process of your elected officials. I have witnessed disrespect, irresponsible decisions being made and no accountability. Forest Heights is currently a laughing stock and the butt of many jokes. This is unacceptable. As residents, you too have a responsibility. Don't elect people or friends into office to manage your money if you would not feel comfortable with them managing your own personal checkbook. Essentially, the town's monies are for the betterment of the town and its people. Use the town's monies to bring the town together. The residents need to take ownership of the town once again. Let it be a reflection of the positive people that we are.

3. If Forest Heights receives federal stimulus money, how would you spend it?

The town can and should receive our share of the stimulus monies if our Town Council including the Mayor had acted responsibly and have a well-thought-out plan. In December 2008, President Obama made it clear that those townships that had a responsible plan for infra structure and road repairs would be addressed first. The elected officials should practice being more proactive rather than reactive. They owe it to the town and its people. In the near future, the Town Council, Mayor and the Public Works Dept. should cooperate and collaborate and have a "Town Council Day" whereby all elected officials should go through each neighborhood and mingle and have dialogue with their constituents, hear their concerns and act promptly and respectfully. This would also be a good opportunity as a unit to assess the town and prioritize where the attention should be focused on.

4. Which do you think the town in more in need of, a certified treasurer or a permanent police chief, or both or neither, and why?

My immediate concern is the town's critical budget situation and the lack of a competent, qualified treasurer. The last audit of the town was conducted in 2007. This in itself is unprofessional and unacceptable. The auditor, a professional, advised that the town hire a Treasurer immediately. Preferably, a CPA – even on a part-time basis. Without an accurate, not a fragmented and unreliable accounting of the Town's Budget, we are done for. I have been violated by criminals five or six times in the past three years. I have one police report to show for, not the six that I should have in hand. On February 28, four to five vehicles had their tires slashed on Onondago Drive, at the residents' expense. I believe that with the proper leadership from the Mayor and Town Council we can harness the objectives that we, the residents are in pursuit of.

5. Is it realistic and financially feasible for the town to go "green," and why? If you say yes, what green improvements would you make?

We should all be moving toward protecting the environment and the world. We might start by making sure that all residents have proper recycle bins. Again, this should have been already implemented. Public Works can deliver them or store them for individual pickup. We need to do more for the residents, thus I believe the bins should be delivered. Because of the budget situation, discretionary spending should be the immediate concern. If the fiscal responsibility will be compromised, we need to table it temporarily and handle the priorities first.

6. What will you do to improve communication between the mayor and town council?

The Town Council and the Mayor have a fiduciary duty to the town and its residents. I don't think you can spin or misinterpret that. The elected officials must cooperate, collaborate and act responsibly. When they decide not to, as is the current dilemma, they need to resign. Their main concern should be safety, health and welfare of the town and its residents. By having dialogue with one another, responsible and confident decisions can be made. The town and its residents will suffer from the liability of such irresponsible and questionable behavior. Impeachment would not be out of the question according to the Robert's Rules of Order. As adults we agree that we will disagree but you can do this respectfully. Somehow the Mayor and the Town Council cannot grasp this.

7. If elected, what immediate changes will you make in the town?

I would not act irresponsibly, thus I cannot foresee any immediate change other than perhaps hiring a qualified and competent treasurer. That would be my starting point. Let's see where we are, then perhaps we can see where we will go. We may not have the money to begin our Journey to a Safer and Healthier Township. Let's step back and assess the health of the town.

Let's get input from the community. All personal agendas or issues should be left outside the door. We must act responsibly on behalf of the people who have elected us. Thus, we have a Fiduciary Duty.

8. What will you do to ensure accountability and transparency from the Town Council?

Perhaps implement a review process by forming committees of town residents. They should play devil's advocate while reviewing propositions or decisions about to be made to ensure there are no pitfalls or hidden liability issues. There are so many talented individuals in our town that we need to tap in listen to and get involved with. But as I mentioned, the Town Council and Mayor must regain their trust, confidence and respect. There is no place for improprieties or hidden agendas in this town. What's done in the dark will soon come to light…Amen? And then, you will be out, no exceptions. This behavior will be unacceptable. Whatever the Town Council or Mayor does should be public knowledge.

9. What is the biggest issue facing residents in the town, and what would you do to solve it?

I don't want to beat a dead horse, but the budget. Then the Stimulus Plan. We all must shift our mentality/attitude to reflect a more progressive, proactive and responsible township. We need to regain stability and become structurally sound from the ground up. I am referring to the Town Council and all of the town's employees.

Code enforcement – the citations and violations being issued. We need to dial it down a notch. Why are we punishing the residents in the middle of winter? I have witnessed assessments of over $400 to a single household. I know that Mayor Stoner has rescinded at least eight of them. But what happens to the sick or elders who can't defend themselves? Shame on you Town Council and Mayor!

I hold all of you accountable. There is way to implement these ordinances. We are not the town of North Korea or Cuba. This is not a dictatorship. All Town Employees and Officials should treat their constituents with respect at all times…Shame on you!

10. What can be done to generate revenue for town and avoid budget deficits?

Let's get the budget squared away first. I have so many ideas it could possibly be overwhelming. So let's prioritize and handle the issues one at a time.