Uniontown city, U-235 candidates answer questions at forum

UNIONTOWN -- Several questions were posed to various candidates running for spots on the Uniontown City Council and the USD 235 Board of Education during a public forum on Friday.

After making opening statements, candidates were allowed to give brief responses to the questions asked of them by audience members. City council candidates present on Friday were Randy Rathbun, Janice Ramsey and Suzie Franklin.

Ramsey said she is a big supporter of Uniontown and is a proud resident.

"This town has so much to offer," she said. "I want to make some changes for the better so we can move on and upward. All of us together can make a difference."

Rathbun, a seven-year Uniontown resident who has been active on the city council in recent years, said he has two young daughters in the USD 235 school district. Rathbun said he wants to continue to serve in that capacity.

"I chose Uniontown because I want to make a difference, and I think I can make a difference. I'm here to help and I'm here to stay, I'm not leaving."

Franklin said she has lived in Uniontown for about a year and has seen both positive and negative aspects of the town.

"But I can't do worse than anyone else," Franklin said.

The following are questions posed to all candidates, followed by their responses:

* Why move to Uniontown?

"We have a really good school," Franklin said. "The atmosphere is a really good place to raise kids."

Rathbun said, "The school is the heart of this community. We build this community around our school."

Ramsey said, "Come visit our town. It is a peaceful feeling, to be able to walk the streets at night. I'm proud of our town all the time."

* What improvements would you make to the town?

Rathbun said he would create an annex and get more people into the town, and also increase law enforcement during the evening hours. He would also work to decrease current utility costs.

Ramsey said she would work to continue to keep the city clean.

"Anything we can do to make the town better," she said.

Franklin said, "New businesses would be a wonderful thing. Grants need to be put into order before we assess a new plan. We need to stay on track with grant and our five-year plan -- we can persevere."

* What is a good idea for a community or fun activity?

Ramsey said the "Old Settler's Picnic is good."

Rathbun said, "The city generates money -- we're a very strong community."

USD 235 Board of Education candidate Lynne Oharah graduated from Uniontown High School in 1965, where he said he received a "high quality education." He retired from Southwestern Bell Corporation after a 30 year career, and moved back to Uniontown five years ago.

Current board member Jeff Tinsley said there were "465 reasons why I want to serve, because it's an honor to serve and be a part of something that helps students."

Shawn Wilkinson said, "I feel that it's a privilege to run for the school board. I'll try to be level-headed. I have my own mind and make the best decisions."

Mark Crystal said he wants to see "all kids get the best education in the state of Kansas."

Cynthia Schwalm, who graduated in Uniontown 20 years ago, said, "Physically, the school has changed from what it was. I feel a civic responsibility (to serve) if your kids are in school."

Current board vice president John Ericson said he is seeking another term. He has lived in Uniontown his entire life, and said he wanted to raise his family here because, "you feel safe (here). I will listen to questions, concerns, and problems."

The following are questions posed to school board candidates and their responses:

* Do you support baseball and softball programs in Uniontown?

Tinsley said he would not support the athletic programs at the expense of taxpayers. Wilkinson said he would support the programs if the city of Bronson maintains the baseball field, and the district maintains quality services. Crystal said he would also support the programs, as long as they do not compromise students' education and "cut back on academics."

Schwalm said she could not answer the questions because she was "unsure," but that she has children involved in sports. More research into the cost of the programs needs to be done, she said. Ericson the districts is already "pulling kids so many directions this time of year." He doesn't want the district to lose money and possible students because too many programs are in place. "I'm sitting on the fence right now," Ericson said.

Oharah said, "Let's do what the community wants and will benefit us. Education comes first."

* What changes would you make to the board?

Wilkinson said, "We, as parents, want to see (the district) maintain standards and improve if possible."

Crystal said he would make no changes, but continue to keep high quality coaches and teachers on staff at USD 235.

Schwalm said that more unity and communication is needed between board members, teachers and administrators.

Ericson said students "grow and learn in different manners." He also said he would work to change some academic requirements for students.

Oharah said he would most likely make some subtle changes and improve communication within the community through an open-door policy.

* What is your number one priority on the board?

Crystal said the district budget is the top concern, while Schwalm said to "hear patron concerns" is her top priority.

Ericson said the board acts as a control entity to the chief administrator, which is the superintendent. Board members have a responsibility to taxpayers to act as a unit, which helps cohesion between all staff members.

Tinsley said that board members should be approachable by the citizens of the district. Wilkinson said teachers provide students with the necessities for a proper education.

* What issues in USD 235 need corrected, and what measures would you take to correct them?

Schwalm said some strict federal government standards are outside the board's control. Ericson said the district currently maintains a high level of at-risk students (39 percent of students in danger of failing academically.)

Tinsley said he encourages positive relations between students, staff and administrators, and that problems should go through the proper channels. Wilkinson agreed, saying that major issues should go through the proper chain in order to make good decisions. "There's too much squabbling, we need to keep personal issues aside," Wilkinson said.

All candidates were allowed brief closing statements before the forum officially adjourned.