There are four races this year in the heated contention for Austin City Council: at-large, 1st Ward, 2nd Ward and 3rd Ward.

All candidates responded to a survey administered by the Austin Daily Herald.

Janet Anderson (at-large)

No. 1 issue in city government:

I believe that the No. 1 issue in city government is making the most responsible use of taxpayer dollars, grants and other income sources, such as local option sales tax for flood mitigation.

Opinion on the massive $80 million dollar public works plan over next five years:

As soon as I saw this survey question, I took my copy of the 5-Year Capital Improvement Plan and talked about it with both Tom Dankert and Jim Hurm on city staff.

It is important to break it down year by year and look carefully at the variety of funding sources that add up to $80 million. It clearly shows a combination of grants, tax levy, bond issues, local sales tax, building fund, storm water fund, etc. based on current economic conditions, the amount of grants awarded, how much there is for flood mitigation from local option sales tax, tax levy, etc.

This detailed five-year plan shows a strong commitment to careful financial planning and the intent to provide good information for citizens.

Opinion on City of Austin and Mower County cooperation:

I believe there is a good foundation of communication between city and county officials and that known meetings are held on a regular basis. At this time, I do not know precisely how often they are held or at what times. I think it’s important for the public to have the opportunity to attend these meetings, so I would encourage a specific schedule that would include some evening meetings and other ways to make sure what is being discussed and decided has visibility.

Opinion on expected impact of new Mower County Jail and Justice Center in downtown Austin:

I believe that there will be a positive impact on downtown Austin, when the new jail and justice center is completed. The staff and people using services are likely to contribute to the economic vitality of downtown Austin.

Final remarks:

I bring a fresh perspective, new voice and progressive, positive approach to the city council.    I am committed to studying issues carefully to make informed decisions. I have strong communication skills and many years of experience with nonprofit organizations and making the best use of limited funds. I believe strongly in the value of effective collaboration and networking to move forward and get projects completed successfully.

I think it is vital to stay focused on long-range planning for environmentally-responsible land use.

Jeff Austin (at-large)

No. 1 issue in city government:

The No. 1 issue faced by city government is providing its services to the citizens of Austin in a fiscally responsible manner — providing adequate services without over-taxing the citizens.

Opinion on the massive $80 million public works plan over the next five years:

I think the Capital Improvement Plan shows how well-managed and forward-thinking the city is. Not only does it plan for the replacement and repair of equipment and infrastructure, it identifies ways to pay for the replacement and repair projects. Typically, the funding includes outside revenue sources, such as grants, along with tax dollars. In most cases, where grants are identified as a funding source, the project is not done if the grants are not received. The plan is a fluid plan, in that it is reviewed on an annual basis and items that cannot be funded or are not deemed necessary in the designated year, or may need to be done sooner, those changes are made during that review.

Opinion on City and Mower County cooperation:

I believe the city and the county cooperate very well on most issues that affect most entities. We need to keep in mind, that the objectives/priorities of one are not always mirrored by the other. But, even in those situations, the two try to work together and cooperate as much as possible.

Opinion on the expected impact of new Mower County Jail and Justice Center in downtown Austin:

I think it will have a dramatic impact. From just the presence of the new building, covering the majority of two city blocks to the impact on the businesses that were, either relocated from the area, or that chose to close, rather than relocate.

Final remarks:

Austin is a great community to live and work in. I enjoy serving the citizens of Austin on the Council and would appreciate our vote on Nov. 4, so that I can continue to serve. Thank you.

Brian McAlister (1st Ward, unopposed)

No. 1 issue in city government:

Keeping the city budget under control the next few years will be a challenge.

Opinion on the massive $80 million public works plan for the next five years:

The $80 million figure mentioned is part what must be done, such as taking care of streets, sewer, public safety equipment, library and the like. Many projects will not be done without grant money or other sources of revenue.

Opinion on City of Austin and Mower County cooperation:

The city and county could be and should be working better together. I am not sure why that does not happen. The jail and justice center has sometimes been a divisive issue, when it could have been a great chance to work together.

Opinion on expected impact of new Mower County Jail and Justice Center in downtown Austin:

I am very concerned about the cost of the project. I am concerned about the effect it will have on the future needs of the city, school district and county in addressing the ongoing needs for roads, bridges, library, public safety, education and any one of a hundred other things that the public will be asked to pay for. I have no doubt this problem is very much on the minds of the county commissioners also.

Final remarks:

Thank you for allowing me to respond to your questions.

Scott Pacholl (2nd Ward)

No. 1 issue in city government?:

There is no “No. 1” issue, but economic development is, of course, a top priority.

I sure would like to see the Cook Farm site full of buildings employing our people with a livable wage.

I would also like Austin to be a place where local businesses, old and new, can thrive.

Also the flood abatement program is a project that was started during my first term in office. I think it is a good project, and I plan on supporting it through its completion.

Opinion on the massive $80 million public works plan for the next five years:

$16 million per year for five years. It takes a lot of money to maintain a city the size of Austin. Roads, sidewalks and sewers are all things we as citizens expect from a city government. It takes equipment to maintain these things. This equipment gets used a lot and gets old and worn and must be replaced.

All this is in the city’s Capital Improvements Plan and is budgeted for every year.

A portion of the taxes are put aside every year and saved so that when these things are needed, we don’t have to borrow the money to buy or repair what is needed.

In the long run, we save money, because we are not paying interest on loans, but earning interest on the money set aside for these projects.

Opinion on city and Mower County cooperation:

As a city council member, I believe we should represent the city’s needs.

I also believe where there could be a mutual benefit, the City and County should cooperate.

Opinion on the expected impact of the Mower County Jail and Justice Center in downtown Austin:

I believe, when it is all built and in use, it will have a neutral impact on the downtown area.

Final remarks:

I would like the people of the Second Ward for allowing me the opportunity to serve them as their representative to the city council.

It has been an enlightening four years.

I hope they will allow me to serve them another four years.

Steve King (2nd Ward)

No. 1 issue in city government?:

Credibility.

With any level of government there needs to be trust.

I feel that a growing number of residents view some council members as unstable and lacking credibility.

The council needs to lead and make decisions that are not always popular. Committing to the decisions and moving on the next agenda should be expected.

Opinion on the massive $80 million public works plan for the next five years:

It’s my understanding that this plan is dependent on federal grants and other state subsidies coming through.

If these additional funds are no longer available, the plan will have to adjust accordingly.

It is good government to have short-term and long-term plans; especially with infrastructure.

However, in these difficult economic times local government needs to constantly prioritize and re-prioritize, so as not to overwhelm the taxpayer.

Opinion on city and Mower County cooperation:

As a current County employee, I can attest that on the line level and department head level, County and City employees have a strong working relationship.

It appears there may some personality conflicts at the county noard and city council level.

I believe cooperation is tangible and believe my personality and values would aid in bringing together mutual understanding and respect for both entities.

Opinion on the expected impact of the new Mower County Jail and Justice Center on downtown Austin:

Once the facility is built, I don’t expect any different impact on downtown than exists today.

The jail and justice center has always been located in downtown Austin.

I’m glad that the viable businesses that are being relocated and want to continue operating are securing new locations.

Main Street will change for the better with the addition of Steve’s and George’s pizza restaurants.

Final remarks:

I’m hopeful for a positive outcome on Nov. 4.

I am excited for the opportunity to serve Austin. I will be an active listener and will not make knee-jerk decisions. I will be available at all times to hear the issues that are important to the Second Ward residents.

Tony Bennett (3rd Ward)

Why are you seeking this office?:

I feel that the city council is in need of a conservative voice.

No. 1 issue in city government?:

The city and county bite off more than what the taxpayer is willing to chew.  I’m not against every project, but spending needs to be in line with our tax base.

What is your opinion on the massive $80 million public works plan for the next five years?

Anything we can do to spend less while providing basic services to the public is a plus. I believe that local government should provide basic infrastructure and safety for its citizens, not much else. When we go beyond this we end up with ongoing programs, all with ongoing expenses. These expenses serve to raise our taxes, which in turn stifles the economy.

What is your opinion on city and Mower County cooperation?

Cooperation between the city and county is vital.  I work with a large variety of people from many different backgrounds on a daily basis.

What is your opinion on the expected impact of the new Mower County jail and justice center in downtown Austin?

I have been against the new justice center from the beginning. We should have continued to rent. The county levy has all ready been increased by 22 percent; this is only the beginning. I don’t think people fully realize how bad the numbers are. We will be spending eight times what we currently spend. Is the taxpayer getting eight times the value?

A compromise would have been a new jail, not a full-blown justice center.

Unfortunately during this process the public hasn’t been represented.

Final remarks:

If you are like most people, your home is worth less then it was a year ago, your retirement account has shrunk, and your utility and property tax bills are on the increase.  If ever there was a time to be prudent with our tax monies, that time is now.

Marian Clennon (3rd Ward)

Why are you seeking this office?:

I want to be a new voice for the people of Ward 3. I want to get the citizens of my ward more informed. I want them to feel they can become more involved in decisions made by the city council. I want citizens to feel that when they come to me about an issue or opinion, that I make their voice heard.

No. 1 issue in city government?:

My No. 1 issue in city government is the communication with the people.

When I was addressing the proposed dog park issue in the Wildwood Park area, I found it very difficult to get information from current council members.

They kept telling me who to talk to, but didn’t have the information themselves.

One thing that has been common from the general public, attending the meetings, is that they feel that they never seem to know about an issue until it is too late to voice an opinion.

City council members need to better educate instead of relying on the city staff to have all of the answers.

The city staff needs to do more to get the stories out themselves, instead of waiting for the press to report the story.

What is your opinion on the massive $80 million public works plan for the next five years?

First, this number would mean nothing if it were paid for without raising taxes. Unfortunately, the city is raising taxes to pay for the projects.

In going through the Capital Improvement Plan for 2009-2013, there are some things that are being replaced sooner than they need to.

It also seems that a lot of older equipment is being replaced this next year.

There should have been better planning on equipment replacement.

What is your opinion on city and Mower County cooperation?

I think that it is strained.

An idea that I have is that the two groups of elected officials meet without their respective administrators.

I think that they sometimes rely on the administrators to do all of the research and speaking.

I would suggest their respective attorneys be available for legal advice if needed just as they are available at their regular meetings.

What is your opinion on the expected impact of the new Mower County Jail and Justice Center in downtown Austin?

In being involved with the city government for almost a year, I have not heard of a formal expected impact on downtown Austin.

I was originally for the justice center to move downtown, but never imagined that it would turn into potentially leveling three blocks of our downtown businesses.

This project has businesses relocating and a few choosing not to reopen in Austin.

Having county offices taking up more than two blocks in downtown Austin is too much building for a county our size.

Final remarks:

I have lived in Ward 3 for 10 years.

I have been to every city council meeting, plus every work session since December 2007.

I have been out door to door working on knocking on every door in Ward 3 since I filed for this office in July.

If the people of Ward 3 want someone with history in the ward, someone who has worked hard to learn how the city council operates and has been willing to go to their door to meet them, I am the person that they want on the city council.

I will listen and be a voice for the people of War III as I was for my neighborhood.

(Editor’s Note: Some candidates’ answers were edited for space considerations.)

Regular council members are paid $550 per month; the member at-large receives $650 per month. The Austin mayor is paid $750 per month. The council members and mayor do not receive per diem for the meetings they attend. Mileage reimbursement is offered, but seldom taken.

Voters will go to the polls Tuesday, Nov. 4. Voting hours are 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

To register to vote, contact the Mower County Auditor-Treasurer office at the government center in downtown Austin.