The Pacer would like to clarify that the article “UTM Hosts Martin Mayoral Debate,” in the Oct. 11 edition, was a paraphrased version of the event, with both questions and answers shortened.

The Pacer regrets the lack of a note explaining this to readers, and has added the full text of the debate, including opening and closing remarks by Mayor Larry Taylor and candidate Randy Brundige, on the newspaper’s Website. Upon visiting the site, click on the debate story link and follow directions to reach the full text.

The Pacer is fully aware of the political ramifications of perception when unedited quotes are not included in such a story, particularly if paraphrasing or cutting information causes readers to believe that candidates did not fully answer the questions when, in fact, they did.

Having said this, readers must be aware that The Pacer is a student newspaper with limited space and articles frequently are written by those who are just now "learning the ropes" as part of acquiring the skills they will need in the future. When mistakes are made, they are discussed and they then become part of the overall learning experience.

In no way did any Pacer paid staff member or volunteer staff writer make any attempt to deliberately bias our readers on this extremely important issue.

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Opening remarks

LT: It’s a pleasure to be here to talk about Martin and its future and my candidacy for mayor. First, I’d like to thank the audience and our panelists, and Richard Chesteen for being our narrator and the Student Government Association for sponsoring this event.

For the first time in the history of Martin, we will be electing a full-time mayor on Nov. 5. For this reason it is very important to elect the most qualified and experienced individual to lead our city. I believe I have those credentials. I’ve been working in governmental accounting, budgeting and financial management for 35 years, and I am a graduate from UT Martin with a business administration degree.

I believe my recordspeaks for itself. I have supported projects which have increased the quality of life in Martin.

I am proud to have been a part of the establishment that helped lay the groundwork for the Tennessee Soybean Festival, now in its ninth year.

I’ve worked hard with many others to bring about the building of our recreational facility, which has been open since 1998, attracting 47 tournaments during this time, the biggest being the Cal Ripken Southeast Regional Tournament, bringing teams from seven states. Estimated revenues for this tournament, in one week, totaled $105,000.

I’ve supported the ongoing programs and activities at our Senior Citizens Center. We have one of the nicest facilities in this area.

I supported the addition and renovation of our library. It’s a beautiful addition to our downtown area.

All of our policemen and firemen are now state certified. I’ve supported purchasing firefighting and police equipment and a continuing training program for all policemen and firemen. Approximately $1 million in grant monies has been received to purchase equipment and pay salaries for our police department during my administration. Our policemen and firemen are now trained to provide assistance to those in need until an ambulance or emergency medical personnel arrive.

Under my administration the MEDC Board was formed for the purpose of having someone working full time to aggressively market Martin and seek grants and funding for economic development. This board has obtained nearly $2 million in grant money during this time.

We’ve implemented a policy to upgrade our city’s deteriorating water and sewer lines.

We have an annual street program that has been implemented.

We have an annual sidewalk program that has been implemented.

I’ve supported the upgrading of our city’s water and wastewater treatment plants. When I took office our sewer lines were so bad that raw sewage was spilling out on the ground. Our wastewater treatment plant was so undersized that when it rained, the sewer backed up and overflowed through the manholes. And it was so bad that our state threatened to fine the city $1,000 a day if we didn’t correct this problem. I’m proud to say that I helped implement a program to correct this problem.

We’ve established an emergency warning system and a disaster plan for our city.

We’ve developed a strong working relationship here with the university.

Our city has an A-2 bond rating, which is based on the well-managed financial operations of our city funds. We have ample resources in all of our funds and we have approximately $3 million in cash and investments to meet any kind of emergency the city might have. We have a debt service fund with over $250,000 in surplus. Our last audit showed that we had $20 million more assets than liabilities.

I have encouraged our citizens to become involved in our governmental process. Presently, we have over 100 citizens serving on various city boards, acting in an advisory capacity to our city board. We have hundreds of other volunteers who have given of their time throughout the years on community-wide projects. I have to believe that these people are telling me that they care about the quality of life here in Martin and the advancements we have made together.

RB: I also would like to thank the SGA for hosting this event and all the panelists coming, and the audience. Thank you for coming tonight, too. I’m glad you’re interested in the mayor’s election.

I’ve served on the board for four years now and I’ve been involved in many projects, too. I’ve supported the firemen, I’ve supported the fire truck and I’ve also supported the park project.

I’d just like to tell you a little about myself right now. I’ve lived here all my life. I’m married. My wife, Sandy, and I have been married for 25 years. We have two children who attend school. One of them is a freshman in high school, Carmen. She’s 14, and I have Natalie, who is in the seventh grade. She’s 12. So the park and all the recreational activities that’s in the city of Martin is important to me. I stand by that.

I’d just like to thank my family for standing by me in this campaign. We saw a need for change, the reason we ran. We saw a stagnated city that is not developing any industry and new business coming here. That is the reason we decided to run. Thank you.

Questions

1. With the UTM community being a major contributor to the Martin and Weakley County economies, what changes do you see in the future that would cater more to the UTM community?

RB: Right now, UTM has a good working relationship with the city. For example, the Soybean Festival, the Hirosaki Program and the Brian Brown Greenway. You know, this is a good starting point. But I would like to see the relationship grow and there are untapped resources out here on this university – for instance, the students. And I would like to implement a committee set up of SGA representatives and city officials to meet monthly to air our concerns and needs so we could build a better relationship between the university and the city of Martin.

LT: Since becoming mayor, I’ve established a strong working relationship with the university. I’ve appointed several faculty members to the various city boards. We’re using UT student interns in the police and public works departments and the MEDC board. I’ll work more closely with the UTM Regional Advancement Council, which is an economic development area of the university, in trying to locate retail chain stores and restaurants with the hopes of providing more jobs for our students here in Martin. And I’ll continue working with the university in joint community events, promoting both the city and the university.

2. During the recent county executive’s race, much discussion was made about the need for attracting new industry to our area to compete with neighboring cities/counties. Truthfully, there is little one candidate can do to accomplish that on his/her own. If elected, what practical measures would you put in place, or encourage aldermen to put in place, to “sweeten the pot” and encourage good industry to set up in Martin?

LT: Since becoming mayor, I have been preparing Martin in order that we might be able to attract industry by upgrading the city’s deteriorating water and sewer lines, and our city’s water and waste water treatment plants, renovating the city’s historic library, construction of the regional sports complex, and new water tanks, and all of our policemen and firemen are certified, with modern equipment in both facilities – just to name a few things that we’ve implemented.

So I believe the pot has already been sweetened. But let me tell you this, attracting industry is highly competitive. And Randy has stated that he does not support the funding of the MEDC board, but in economically challenging times such as we’re facing now, I believe it’s well worth the funding to have someone working full time to aggressively market Martin. The city is already ready for expansion of existing industries and recruitment of new industries and businesses.

RB: I would like to work more closely with the MEDC with recruiting industry in a more aggressive way. By doing this, some of the untapped resources of the university may be finding alumni that are CEOs, CFOs of major companies around the United States and contacting them to find out if they know of any industry willing to relocate or wanting to relocate and to pull them to our city. Remember Martin, Tennessee, the University of Tennessee where you first attended. Bring them back to us. You know, we need opportunities available here for our kids. Now, most of them grow up, go to college and leave town to find a job. We need opportunities in Martin to keep our kids here and close to home.

3. What are the three most pressing problems facing city government over the next year and the next decade?

RB: One of the most pressing problems is the possible reduction or loss of state-shared funds. This would be critical to our city budget and city economy. State-shared funds come from the state Legislature. As you know, last year through the tax situation, they talked about taking away some of our state-shared funds they sent us and did, but if they took all of them away, we’d be in a dire budget crisis. Another one is the city debt, the general obligation bonds and the enterprise bonds. Right now they stand at around $18 million, with a $1.1 million annual payment each year over the next 13 to 20 years. And last, economic development. Aggressive recruiting in industry is a must. Bringing new tax dollars is a must to Martin.

LT: I think the three most pressing problems that we’re facing right now is the state sales tax, the economy, and the Storm Water Drainage Program. I’d like to work more closely with the Tennessee Municipal League in trying to convince our Legislature to address other ways of raising revenue rather than continuing to increase the state sales tax. And, if the economy doesn’t turn around, we must be more innovative in managing our budget in order to maintain the same level of service without placing a tax burden on our citizens. The Storm Water Drainage Program is a federally mandated program, which will be a big problem facing our cities and counties over the next decade.

4. One of the most controversial moves for the city of Martin was the merging of the fire and police departments three years ago to form the Department of Public Safety. In retrospect, do you feel this was the right move? And if elected mayor, will you make any changes in this department?

LT: Yes, this was the right move, and no, I will not make any changes. All of our policemen now and firemen now are state certified. Martin has one of the lowest crime rates of any town our size around us. The response time for fires has improved greatly. Several of our firemen have been trained as emergency medical technicians. We have new firefighting equipment. We have a training officer and an ongoing training program for both police and the firemen. We have obtained over $1 million in grants for police equipment and salaries. In many instances, our policemen and firemen are first on the scene of an emergency and are able to assist victims until the ambulance and medical personnel arrive. The consolidation is more economical and more efficient for a town our size. Randy voted against the formation of this department, but I believe that dismantling it and going back to the way it once was will create an enormous amount of disunity in our community.

RB: I didn’t think the move was controversial, but the way it was handled was controversial. The board voted to replace the outgoing chief and the fire chief was told that he would be placed on board to hire his replacement. None of this ever happened. Instead, it was all revamped and the issue to combine the departments was introduced. The mayor broke the tie on the vote. However, the departments have functioned well and I would not make any changes at this time.

5. What are your views on the state acquiring a lottery?

RB: Well, this is not a mayoral decision. This is a state government issue and will be decided by the voters on Nov. 5. Personally, I will not vote for it.

LT: I would be against the lottery. The lottery, I think, is a regressive tax that targets low- income people, just like the sales tax does now. Legislators should address the real issue, which is tax reform. Money spent on lotteries will be diverted from consumer goods and services, I believe. As I understand the lottery issue, monies will not be used to increase teacher salaries, which are among the lowest in the nation.

6. If you are elected mayor, will you support the continued development of the Martin Recreational Complex?

LT: Yes, I’m proud to say that I worked hard along with many others to bring about the building of this recreational facility. The citizens voted to borrow the money to build it, and it was a long drawn out process, but today, four years after its opening, I believe you will agree that this is one of Martin’s most valuable assets. Since 1998, when our park opened, 315 teams have participated in 47 tournaments. This past summer we had the Cal Ripken Southeast Tournament. Teams from seven states with their families were here. Estimated revenues for this one week tournament totaled over $105,000. I am proud of this facility and I will continue to support it in the future. There are other parks in the city that are in need of attention such as Harmon Field. I would support equipping this park with playground equipment, picnic areas, walking trail or a youth football field.

RB: Let me make myself perfectly clear on this issue. I’ve heard several different comments regarding this. I will support the city of Martin’s continued development of the complex.

7. At the end of your term, what will the citizens of Martin be able to point to in regard to how their lives have improved since you took (or remained in) office?

RB: More jobs, less debt and a more unified community.

LT: I would like to see a better quality of life, a better place to live in and raise your children, a well-maintained and safe town with recreational facilities and community events and activities both for the young and senior citizens. A vibrant, alive and welcoming town, so that our children can remain here and raise their families if they choose.

8. The Martin city board has budgeted $18,000 for next year's 10th annual Tennessee Soybean Festival. If elected mayor, will you be in favor of continuing to provide this amount of funding to the festival? If not, why not?

LT: I’m proud to have been a part of the establishment of this event. This past festival brought about 6,000 people to town on Friday night and 3,500 on Saturday night. It excites me to see all the fun and fellowship, and the vendors and all the people who work so hard to make it happen. The festival is one of the things I’m most proud of. Martin is receiving exposure throughout Tennessee and beyond, the festival has a great economical impact on our community. I believe this event is well worth the funding. I have supported it from the beginning and I will continue to support it.

RB: This is another issue that my stance has been misconstrued. I will continue to support funding and the $18,000 that has been designated for next year’s budget. The Soybean is a great community event. It is family orientated, a time for friends to get together and it uniquely celebrates our largest crop in West Tennessee.

9. What is your position on a proposed/approved prison facility being built in the county, near the city?

RB: This was an issue decided on by the county executive and county commission. To my knowledge, the facility is going to happen. When, I do not know. However, it’s going to provide some much-needed jobs in our area. That is a positive. It might be a negative from the aspect of image projection on our community. We will have to work together as a community to keep from this happening by reinforced marketing of a safe, clean community and university campus.

LT: I know there are pros and cons regarding this issue, but I would need a lot more information before I could support a prison being built near Martin. The aldermen voted unanimously not to support the location of a prison in Weakley County. I believe this is an issue that needs to be studied and voted on by the people as they did in Carroll County and other counties.

10. Do you see students as an economic boost to the economy or an economic drain, and why?

LT: Certainly the students have a great economic impact on our community. We have nearly 6,000 students attending UT Martin this fall, and they pay for some of the housing and buy gas, food and clothing from our businesses here in Martin. I can’t imagine what it would be like if these students were not here. Another important factor of the students being here in Martin is that they are able to be counted as part of our population helping us to receive more state and federal revenues. We are fortunate to have the university here because it employs over 700 people impacting our economy with their payroll. I recognize that UTM is one of the primary industries with the students and faculty being its products.

RB: The only economic downside to this is when the students do leave town. I’ve heard many merchants say, “when the students are gone, my sales suffer,” so the students are definitely an economic boost to the city of Martin.

11. What is your plan for economic development and growth for the city of Martin, and, in particular regard, to orderly growth, planning, development and strip zoning?

RB: First, I believe we’d need an aggressive recruiting program of business and industry in Martin to get new tax dollars here and help fund the needed projects we have going on. We need to utilize unused land within the corporate city limits of Martin. There’s several acres that has not been utilized that could be utilized for businesses, new homes, or whatever. And we must follow a land-use plan by the planning commission. This will set the zoning standards for our community and the new growth that would develop.

LT: Our planning commission is already addressing this issue. They are working on a land use plan that includes orderly growth, planning and development. This plan will help to maintain the character of our city identifying areas that are suitable for residential, commercial, and industrial growth – identifying our infrastructure, preservation of open space, zoning, including agricultural zoning and agricultural protective zones. I don’t know at this time that our planning commission has discussed strip zoning and front parking.

12. Many people feel that bringing liquor by the drink to Martin would help the city compete economically with neighboring Union City. Do you support this issue? Why or why not?

LT: We must keep in mind that chain restaurants that sell liquor by the drink determine their locations based on the population of a city and traffic counts. Even if liquor by the drink passes in Martin, Union City may have the advantage with the construction of I-69 through their city. But if liquor by the drink passes on Nov. 5 and I am your mayor, I will abide by the wishes of the people and try to recruit restaurants to Martin that would not otherwise come. But if you are asking me how I’ll vote – my religious beliefs and the alcohol abuse that has occurred in my family prohibit me from voting yes. I’ve been asked if the passage of liquor by the drink would divide our city. I believe people will accept the right of other people voting their convictions. However, I believe that other issues, such as doing away with the Public Safety Department, and the MEDC Board, cutting funding for the Soybean Festival and the recreational facility, would be a much greater threat of bringing disunity in our community.

RB: Again, this is not a mayoral decision. This is a decision by the people. When you go to the polls, you vote your heart and your mind and that is it. Personally, for religious convictions, I cannot support this issue and vote for it.

13. When former Martin Economic Development Director T.J. Fish resigned, several board members did not want to replace him nor did they want to continue funding for the MEDC board. If elected mayor, would you support the city’s continued funding of the MEDC director and board or not? If not, why not?

RB: Economic development is very viable to our community’s growth. It is fundamental to the livelihood of a rural community. With the recent layoffs at Hubbell and Goodyear, we need new employment opportunities for these people, and that is the role of the MEDC. I think the MEDC needs to be more aggressive in recruiting industry and I believe Martin can better be served than it has been in the past. I do think funding from the city is necessary for Martin’s economic growth.

LT: Yes, I will continue to support it. This board was formed under my administration for the purpose of having someone to work full time to aggressively market Martin, to advance economic and community issues and projects, and seek grant funding for economic and community development. This board has moved forward and provided a return on the community’s investment to the tune of $2 million in grant monies in the last 4 or 5 years. We’ve seen expansion in several businesses during the past several years – Gordon Foods, Leland Powell, MTD, Valley Crating and Packaging. New retail chains have located here as well, such as Rural King, Movie Gallery, and also other businesses such as First Citizens National Bank, The Home Place and Java Coffee, just to name a few that’s located here in Martin.

14. What makes you better qualified for this position than your opponent and what makes your opponent better qualified for this position than you?

LT: I believe that my qualifications far exceed my challenger’s. I have a degree in business administration from UTM, I have 35 years in governmental accounting, budgeting and financial management. Over these 35 years, I¹ve established a network of friends and acquaintances working in city, county, and state government enabling me to have a good rapport with many government officials knowledgeable in government affairs. I now supervise 18 employees. I have good organizational skills and I have 10 years of experience serving as your part-time mayor and six years as alderman. I am already familiar with the operations of the city.

RB: My opponent never has run his own business, I have run my own business for the last 27 years, and during that time we had some rough economic times. But with hard work and with determination, we have pulled through and we keep going. And I will bring this to the city of Martin – hard work and dedication. Thank you.

Closing remarks:

RB: Martin is very dear to my heart. I want to see Martin be the best it can be. This will take a vision and new perspective that I will bring with me to the office of mayor. I want to improve the management of our city government by having a better work environment, which will boost the morale of employees. I also want to have weekly meetings with the department heads to ensure that goals are met and everyone has knowledge of what each department is trying to accomplish. And I will be accessible to all citizens. I’ll work hard alongside the Industrial Board, MEDC and the university to bring new business and industry to Martin. I will make Martin my No. 1 priority. But foremost, I want to unite the people, business, industry and university together in an effort to cross boundaries, to work together toward one goal – make Martin a better place to live. For four years I’ve served as alderman in the city of Martin. Each vote I’ve taken on an issue I have believed in my heart to be in the best interest of all citizens. I will continue to serve you to the best of my ability in the office of mayor. I want Martin to be the best it can be now and in the future. I want to see Martin flourish. Ensure a bright future with your vote for me and we can make a difference.

LT: I realize we have some citizens who speak negatively about our city. They speak the loudest and sound like they’re in the majority. But I have to believe that they’re in the minority because when I see our town full of people during the Soybean Festival, and our parks full of children and parents during the summer, and citizens volunteering to serve on various committees and community projects, I believe that these people are telling me that they care about the quality of life here in Martin. All of these things I’ve mentioned tonight have been an investment in our community. But none of this could have been accomplished without the support of the citizens, who want to see Martin move forward. And together we’ve made a difference and together we can address our future needs and the direction of our city. And I’m honored to have served with those who have worked so hard to see our city prosper. These accomplishments could not have been achieved without the cooperation of our city employees, citizens volunteering their time, and other citizens just offering their encouragement. You know, there are those who say we need a change, back to the way we once were. I have to disagree with that. Your mayor is a representative of the city he serves. This office belongs to you, the citizens of Martin. The actions taken and the decisions made are a direct reflection of your city. And I have worked hard to represent you with the utmost honesty, fairness and good character. Being your part-time mayor has been a pleasure and I’ve always tried to keep your interests at heart. And if you elect me as your full-time mayor, I will continue to serve you to the best of my ability, and I look forward to being on the job full time and personally assisting you with your needs. You have allowed me to represent you and I’ve accepted that responsibility and will continue to represent the city of Martin with your best interests in mind. I would like to take this opportunity to ask for your vote and continued support for the office of mayor on Nov. 5. And I will also be willing to answer any questions that anyone has to ask after this meeting.