Printable VersionEditor’s Note: This is the first of a two-part series detailing the six residents running for City Council Aug. 24. Each part focuses on three candidates, which were selected alphabetically. The candidates were each asked five questions prior to the election. Answers were not edited for content but limited to fewer than 100 words.
Sonny Borrelli, LaJuana Gillette, incumbent Dave McAtlin, incumbent Margaret Nyberg, Shawna Thornton and write-in Dairo Mark Veit are looking to secure three seats on the City Council and the race could be decided Aug. 24. The general election is set for Nov. 2 but, like 2008, all three council members and mayor could be selected next week. Councilman Brian Wedemeyer previously announced that he would not run for reelection when his term expires in November. Incumbent Mayor Mark Nexsen is running unopposed.
1. The wastewater treatment plan is nearly complete but the city has incurred a great amount of debt completing the project. What do you see as the answer to this issue?
Borrelli: The state government put the requirement on the city for the sewer, the state (Arizona) and federal government should be giving up more grant monies as well as California since they also benefit from the clean water project.
Gillette: I think the overall condition of the economy of Lake Havasu City is the answer. The more the city itself thrives, the more money is available to pay down the debt on the sewer. Right now, $3 million out of the general fund is going to pay down the loan.
McAtlin: The overall sewer debt is considerably lower than first anticipated however it is a large debt, we have to keep to our current plan to pay down this debt and continue to seek out any and every possibility of grants or programs that could provide some financial relief as well as working with our state and national leaders for assistance.
2. What do you want to get out of your time on the City Council? If elected, what could a Lake Havasu City resident expect to see in four years because you were on the council?
Borrelli: Accessibility (as in, a bridge not a stop sign), of the citizenry’ and the council. Also to conduct a thorough and thoughtful analysis prior to making a decision.
Gillette: I will get the satisfaction of a job well done. A LHC citizen can expect me to keep expenses down and keep the city within its budget. I will be available to talk to any citizen who wants to talk to me. I want the city to be better off because I was on the Council.
McAtlin: Its not about what I want it’s about what the community wants for my time on City Council. Our residents can expect hard work and honesty as well an efficient city government.
3. What areas of the economy would you like to focus on in the future and how would you do it? (For example: If you think solar or tourism or construction are going to be a big part of the economic future here, what would you do to make it flourish?)
Borrelli: Government should not get in the way of private enterprise to invest and improve the economy and community.
Gillette: Tourism is one of the most important things to promote for our city. We have to make sure our city remains attractive to our visitors, because with tourism comes jobs. Jobs are very important and we need to make our city attractive to businesses that are looking for a place to relocate.
McAtlin: Diversity in our community’s economy is vital to strengthen our economic future and I will continue to work with and support our PED, CVB, Chamber of Commerce and local associations and boards to strengthen and diversify our economy.
4. What do you see as the city’s biggest challenges over the next four years? How do you want to address those?
Borrelli: Jobs and tourism. Again, government should not get in the way of private enterprise to invest and improve the economy and community.
Gillette: One of our biggest challenges is the repayment of the sewer loan. We need to make sure that the monthly price of the sewer isn’t such that it’s prohibitive to our citizens. Water is another challenge. We have to monitor our use because none of us want to have a moratorium.
McAtlin: Improving our economy and protecting our quality of life, it will require all council members working hand in hand with our citizens and fighting vigorously to protect and preserve city income from possible state budget cuts.
5. What would you tell a Lake Havasu City resident, who is about to walk into the booth to vote, why they should vote for you?
Borrelli: I have no special, personal or personal economic interests. “I am here to serve them and the needs of the community.”
Gillette: I will make a good City Council member because I will study about the items on the agenda and think very carefully about them before I make a decision. I have a very good business background and will listen to all sides and make decisions that are good for LHC and it’s people. I will never forget whom I represent.
McAtlin: I’m asking for your vote to allow me to continue serving the citizens of this great city, I’m a humble and honest individual driven by results not by recognition.
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