The Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce conducted a candidates forum Saturday morning for Manhattan City Commission and Manhattan Ogden USD 383 school board candidates. The event was held at Sunset Zoo.
Six candidates are currently running for city commission seats. Mayor, Wynn Butler is the only incumbent. The other five individuals are: Linda Morse, Jerred McKee, John Ball, Kaleb James and Mike Dodson.
An array of questions were submitted from the audience. They covered topics including public transportation, the transient tax, sexual orientation/gender/race in the election, supporting local businesses and taxes.
School board candidates took the floor immediately following the city commission forum. Moderator for the event, Joe Knopp took the time to point out, school board members make up “the only local elected board whose salary is zero”.
Four out of the five candidates currently hold school board seats: David Colburn, Leah Fliter, Curt Herrman, and Darell Edie. Nicholas Dyer is also running in the election.
Many of the questions submitted referenced the budget concerns. Board members shared which areas they intend to cut and which they will not.
“Everything is on the table for me with budget cuts”, commented Edie. Several other candidates said the same thing. “Nothing is off the table. However, I wouldn’t cut anything that would impact legal responsibilities”.
Fliter’s comments were echoed by others including Curt Herrman. “I will not vote to cut anything that would impact the welfare or safety of students”, he said.
Dyer stated he felt information technology is vital to the district, as there are many outdated systems and it’s essential for modern day education. He also said he would not like to cut maintenance or transportation.
Although some indicated co-curricular and extra curricular activities are higher on the board of possible cuts, over things like personnel and building costs, Dave Colburn did take a stand for those additional educational opportunities. “Athletics are a motivator for some kids”. He added that there are some students who do not get to travel much, and the athletic trips are an added education experience.
Other topics discussed included block grants for the next two years and local option budget authority.
