Approximately 80 people attended a Junction City Commission candidate forum where they were asked questions. The forum at the Geary County 4-H / Senior Center was organized by Christy Upham for an Informed Citizens of Geary County group.
We are running the candidate comments the next few days. Thursday the candidate is Richard Pinaire.
Richard Pinaire said his number one priority will be to seek a change in the form of city government from a city manager form to an elected mayor form with five commission districts divided based on population, as opposed to at-large elections. A change in the form of government would require a vote of the people by referendum sponsored by a majority vote of the commission or a petition from the people.
Pinaire said that items that need to be addressed include:
Replacement of curbs and sidewalks from Grant Avenue to 10th Street.
Curbs on city streets are full of debris and grass at various locations in Junction City.
Provide city services to the residents who have had their property annexed by the City who have never been provided city water or sewer services over the past 17 years, specifically including, but not limited to those residences along Old 40 and Spring Valley Road that were annexed almost 17 years ago.
If authorized by law, remove the obstacles from the streets which are an impediment to the flow of traffic which have never been there for the entire history of the community.
Become more responsive and transparent to the citizens at city commission meetings.
Maintain city parking facilities; i.e.. the parking lot located at the corner of 9th and Washington Streets which has been neglected this summer.
Consider implementing a Youth Employment Program in the summer to paint various city facilities including bathrooms in the parks and possibly mowing services in the parks and other public right-of-way.
Provide a more receptive attitude towards investors who want to renovate houses and buildings who seek to purchase property in Junction City, including those who want to do so who come from within the community, as well as those who do not live in Junction City who want to do so within the community.
Hold a public referendum for a vote of the people regarding changing the form of government to elect a full-time mayor to serve as the CEO of Junction City and create five separate commission districts within the city based upon population of approximately 5,000 citizens each.
Hold a public referendum for a vote of the people to determine whether or not the citizens want to borrow additional money to fund the extension of city streets, water and sewer lines to the slaughterhouse and .or to engage additional borrowing to finance any matching funds needed to construct an interchange.
Maintain the Montgomery Plaza fountain, including replacing the missing letters which are missing on the north and south side of the fountain regarding the name of Junction City.
Paint all of the faded curbs and handicap parking spaces throughout the City.
Cut down the dead trees on City property on Grant Avenue to include the three dead trees adjacent to Bramlage Park on Grant Avenue.