SYRACUSE - Two seats are up for election for the Syracuse Town Council this fall. Only one is contested.

Larry Siegel, Republican, is the only candidate for the Syracuse district one seat.

Republican Peter Barrett is running against incumbent Paul Stoelting, Democrat, for the District Two seat. A questionnaire was sent out to all the candidates. The only response received was from Stoelting. His answers follow:

Paul Stoelting, 52, North Lake Street, Syracuse:

1. What qualifications and/or experience do you have that make you the "best" person to serve on the town council?

I believe my 4-1/2 years of experience on the town council is a strong qualification for re-election to the town council. As the incumbent in office, I have a working knowledge of the governmental process and ongoing issues before the town.

Another factor to consider is that my wife and I have businesses in the community. Employment within Syracuse gives us a lot of input from the citizens as well as the first-hand knowledge gained from working in Syracuse five or six days a week. Owning our own businesses also allows us to be part of many community organizations that keep us involved in the town and which we could not do if employed outside the area.

Lastly, I feel my education and experiences as an attorney for 22 years is valuable. I believe it gives me a greater ability to work with the public and to understand some of the legal issues presented to the council.

2. What is the biggest issue facing Syracuse today and what's the best way the town council can address that issue?

Industrial stability and economic growth are probably the most pressing issues in Syracuse. The town council has allotted money each year for economic development and we are further investigating the establishment of a growing fund for that use each year.

The town may need money for the purchase of land and for infrastructure expansion, which is a reason to set aside and accumulate funds for economic development. In addition to setting aside those budgeted funds, the council could set aside EDIT money for capital expenditures. The council could also look at tax abatement programs to encourage new businesses to come into the Syracuse area or existing companies to stay in the area with new construction. Another alternative would be the pursuit and creation of certain tax districts for industrial growth development.

3. What is the Syracuse Town Council doing right currently? What can the town council do to improve, and, if you are elected, how can you help the council improve?

During my term of office, the Town of Syracuse has built the Community Center, commissioned the Ball State Village Plan, implemented a tree removal and replacement program (Syracuse has been awarded for its work as a Tree City USA), adopted a building ordinance and hired a building inspector, completed phase 1 of the Ind. 13 project, annexed Wawasee High School and a Ind. 13 area, purchased land for the town water expansion, continued the sidewalk building program and designated streets and alleys for public lake access. I think these accomplishments are something to be proud of and which shows a positive direction taken by the town council.

The council's time is consumed by the monthly activities of the town. I think it is very important that we, the town council, be planners with an agenda looking forward to the growth, progress and development of Syracuse. With this goal in mind, however, we must always look at all the options so that we do not create an unreasonable, financial burden upon the citizens of Syracuse.

4. Does the Syracuse Town Council communicate well with the public it serves? Why or why not? If elected, how can you help improve its communication with its patrons, if needed?

I believe the council communicates well with the public for the most part. I am accessible to the public and I am sure the rest of the council is, too. There have been times when the topics created some heated debates, e.g. railroad crossing noise; senior center building and community building concerns. In the future, we may need to have special meetings or additional public meetings to accommodate the number of citizens, to become better informed and to address their concerns before a vote is expected. [[In-content Ad]]