Transcript Staff Writer

Seven of eight council candidates found a lot to agree on at the League of Women Voters candidate forum Monday evening in council chambers at City Hall.

Present to answer questions from the audience were Ward 2 candidates Tom Kovach, Chebon Marshall and Michael McKee; Ward 4 candidates Carol Price Dillingham and Greg Jungman; and Ward 6 candidates Jim Griffith and Lou Mansfield. Ward 4 candidate Chris Jingozian was absent.

Candidates fielded questions on water supply and quality, tax increment financing districts, growth supporting itself and maintaining the integrity of the Norman 2025 Land Use and Transportation Plan.

All of the candidates said they favored sending tax increment financing districts such as the $54.7 million University North Park TIF District No. 2 to a vote of the people in the future. Most said they would have voted against the measure, as it was.

The exception was Griffith, a local dentist, who said he thought it is important for citizens to vote on TIF Districts, but that he probably would have supported the UNP TIF District, calling it a "novel way to fund development."

"But the opportunity for the voters to have a say in the next project will speak volumes," he said.

Candidates detailed their priorities in their introductions.

Kovach, a small businessman, said Norman voters want to talk about issues, not hyperbole. He stressed his work with the Citizens for Financial Responsibility on the upcoming public safety sales tax vote.

"First and foremost is public safety," he said. "We're understaffed and underfunded."

He said stormwater issues are particularly important to Ward 2, located in south central Norman.

McKee, an attorney, said now that he and his wife are "empty nesters," he would like to do some community service for Ward 2.

"Service for me is part of life," he said.

McKee said he wants to ensure greater fiscal responsibility for Norman.

Marshall, who was Congressman Brad Carson's chief of staff, said in that capacity he saw how much government means to people.

"It's a critical time for us and I think we need some change," Marshall said. "I would bring all sides to the table. ... The challenges are just too great."

Incumbent Ward 4 candidate Dillingham, an attorney, said she had worked toward the goal of more green space in Norman and to protect Sutton Urban Wilderness Park.

"I've worked for stronger, safer neighborhoods," she said. "I work hard on all neighborhood issues."

Jungman, who works as a senior advisor for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, said his most important priority is listening to the people's issues and communicating.

"I think you should have a personal relationship with your councilmember," he said.

Mansfield, a small businesswoman, said she got into the race because she was upset about "irresponsible developers," in the northeast Ward 6.

"We have a 2025 plan," she said. "We need to use it."

She said she supports citizens continuing to vote on utility rate increases.

"Let the people decide and trust the voters," she said.

Jim Griffith, a Norman dentist, said his interest in serving is to be a voice for Ward 6.

"Issues have always been the same," he said, although they've changed color. "I want the voters to have a voice."

Candidates were questioned on their knowledge of water issues.

Several candidates said they favored reuse of treated effluent on landscaping instead of discharging it to the Canadian River.

"It's also an issue on how we deal with our environment around the lake," Jungman said.

Dillingham said water is going to be Norman's No. 1 issue. She urged conservation and said she's a little squeamish about the thought of drinking effluent or gray water. She said protection of the watershed is critical and that it should be looked at as an ecosystem.

McKee said the problem with effluent water is he doesn't know whether it's safe.

"I certainly would use it to water lawns," he said.

And he said Lake Thunderbird needed to be protected from fertilizer and sediment.

"Science is what has to govern us here," Jungman said, noting that too much algae bloom from fertilizer going into the lake can be devastating.

Most of the candidates agreed that increased use of wetlands as a filtration system for the lake was a good idea.

"I would absolutely agree," Marshall said, describing Hackberry Flats in southwestern Oklahoma, which he called beautiful.

Kovach said if wetlands are managed properly, there is no down side.

"The diversity of wildlife would be awesome," said Griffith, who spent 18 years serving on the Parks Board. "Science would prevail."

Jungman said he believes the city needs to overhaul its policies on landscaping and fertilization.

"We are bombarded with fertilizer and poor planting schemes," he said.

Candidates were asked whether they supported expansion of the CART bus system.

"I think we need to talk about mass transportation as a global solution," Jungman said. "I think we have to have a larger holistic perspective."

"I think we are being irresponsible and greedy if we don't look at (adding bus service)," Dillingham said.

McKee said he was concerned about the cost of increasing the number of buses, drivers and service.

"And could it impede improving security for Norman," he said.

The candidates spoke enthusiastically about the possibility of a regional light rail system, especially to move people from Norman to downtown Oklahoma City where many Norman residents commute.

"I would be fully in favor of a light rail system ... I think it's a great way to get around," Griffith said. "There's no reason to think we can't revisit history. Whatever it takes ... I think we need to support that and soon."

Dillingham said the city needs to think outside of the box on light rail.

"I think we need to take a leadership stance on this," she said.

The election for Wards 2, 4 and 6 is March 4. Ward 8 councilmember Dan Quinn was unopposed for his seat.

The next forum will be the Norman Downtowners Association forum with Ward 4 candidates at 7:45 a.m. at Winan's Fine Chocolates and Coffees in downtown Norman.

Ruth Loeffler moderated the candidate forum.

Carol Cole-Frowe

366-3538

ccole@normantranscript.com