Council candidates meet in forum

By CHRIS VETTER

Journal Staff Writer

NEW ULM -- The two candidates for City Council Ward 1 squared off Monday night, fielding questions on numerous topics ranging from hiring city managers and police chiefs to managing city parks.

Dennis Cummings and Ruth Ann Webster also tried their best to distinguish their qualifications and approach to city government during the hour-long debate in the New Ulm Public Library.

Webster stressed a long track record of commitment to the community, mentioning her work in several organizations, like the Chamber of Commerce board and the League of Women Voters. Webster said her work has prepared her for issues that regularly come before the council.

"I'm interested in city affairs, and I'm involved in the community," she said. "I am capable. I'm committed to New Ulm and I'm a proven leader."

Cummings responded, saying that a council candidate does not have to be a "know-it-all" about all functions of city government. What is important, Cummings said, is the ability to serve and help the people in his ward.

"I'm just a regular person, and I want to help you the best I can," Cummings said. "I didn't have all the answers, but I shouldn't have all the answers."

The candidates were asked about housing opportunities in town. Cummings said he fears that new homes are too high, and people cannot afford them.

"We must portray to people that it is affordable," Cummings said.

Webster said the city is doing a good job dealing with housing issues and working with private developers.

"I believe the city is on the right track, rather than launching a major city-owned development."

Both candidates said they want to work on solutions to retaining more youth in New Ulm. Cummings suggested more involvement of adult role models entering classrooms and becoming mentors. Webster said the best way to keep recent high school graduates is to have a market of good-paying jobs and available housing.

Both candidates support the sales tax referendum. Cummings, who had initially opposed the measure, explained that he was misinformed about the amount of money he would pay in taxes, if the referendum passes. He told the crowd that he recants past comments he made in opposition to the sales tax.

"I see how people are enthused when talking about the new facilities," Cummings said.

Without the sales tax, park and recreation improvements are on the back burner, the candidates agreed.

"If we don't get the tax passed, we will have to resort to property taxes," Cummings said. "And I don't want that to happen."

Webster spoke even more ominously about the future of the planned expansion if the referendum fails.

"There won't be any expansion in the foreseeable future," Webster said flatly. "If the sales tax fails, there will be no expansion."

Webster, a lawyer, is a native New Ulm resident. She moved after graduating high school, but returned to New Ulm in 1981 when she completed law school. She displayed some of her political knowledge by explaining tax-increment financing and how it works.

"I think I've got a handle on the issues," she said.

Cummings works at Cash Wise foods. He said people can see him anytime while he is working throughout the evening.

"I'm the same person you see every day," Cummings said. "If I don't have the answer, I'll find it out and give it to you."

The candidates offered different views on hiring a new police chief. Cummings said the process should be altered.

"People are feeling left out by the current appointment system," Cummings said. "Yes, I do think it should be open."

Webster noted that the power of hiring a police chief belongs to the mayor, and the council has nothing to do with it.

Webster said her role on the council would be as a moderating force. Cummings said his role would include speaking up for the general community.

"The council has done things in the past that aren't appropriate for the community," Cummings said. "They need to listen to the community."

Both candidates expressed concern about Dakota, Minnesota & Eastern Railroad expansion in town, but they agreed that the city has no role in the project because it is being handled on the federal level.