City commission candidate enjoys community contact

As the April 5 general election draws near, Fort Scott City Commission candidates are providing insight into their views about the panel. There are four candidates for three open seats.

Cindy Bartelsmeyer, Gary Bukowski, Tom Gorman and Jean Parker will face off in next month's contest. The top two vote-getters will each receive four-year terms and the third-place finisher will garner a two-year term. Bukowski is currently serving a four-year term and Parker is serving a two-year term.

The following are responses from current Commissioner Jean Parker to several questions asked by The Tribune. Each of the commission candidates will be asked the same questions.

Future editions of the Tribune will include profiles of the remaining candidates. Aspirants for the Fort Scott City Commission, as well as other area boards and commissions, will be on hand at a candidate forum set for 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 29, at Fort Scott Middle School, 1105 E. 12th St.

Why are you seeking office?

During her two years on the commission, Parker said she has gained a lot of knowledge about how the city operates. In her short time, she said she has noticed a change in the city's government as it becomes more open and more people are talking to each other.

"I've enjoyed the past couple of years" she said. "I'm enjoying the changes that I see."

Why do you feel you would be a good person for the job?

One of the biggest changes Parker noted was the increase in community contact. She said she enjoys getting phone calls from residents asking questions, offering comments and raising concerns. She said she hopes to continue to be someone citizens feel they can easily talk to about issues facing the city.

"I just try to do the best I can for them and at least listen to their opinions," she said.

What do you feel is the commission's role?

Parker said the commission's biggest role in the community is to listen to the people and listen to the information presented. She said the commission should hear all sides of an issue so members can make the best decisions for the city.

What are Fort Scott's strengths and weaknesses, and how should they be addressed?

According to Parker, Fort Scott's biggest strength is the community, more specifically the community's ability to work together.

"We have a community here that is so unbelievable on how they pull together," she said.

Parker referred to the three local residents who pulled a little girl out of the water last year as an example of people in the community putting aside their own interests for the interests of the community.

"When the chips are down, the people step up to the plate -- whether it is something that they want or someone is in need," she said.

To Parker, the city's greatest weakness is the job market. She said that ideally the city would like to have a big business move into town, but she would happy if one moved to the area. She said the city wouldn't receive as much tax revenue if a business moved in out of the city limits, but it would still provide a place for citizens to work.

The problem with bringing a large business, according to Parker, is limited resources.

"We have limited resources that we can offer these big companies, but we do the best we can," she said.

What are your thoughts on the golf course purchase?

Parker said the issue with the golf course was another demonstration of the community's effort. She said although she does not play golf, she sees the economic benefit that it could bring to Fort Scott once it re-opens.

Parker added that not everyone plays baseball, softball, or soccer, but those are activities that are available to the youth in the community, and golf should be no exception.

"It's an opportunity that we need to have out there for our young people to do, and our retirement community," she said. "We still have (baseball, softball, and soccer) because that's something that we offer to broaden the horizons of our children and grandchildren."

How long have you been in the Fort Scott area?

Parker said she has lived in the area her entire life. She was born and raised in Fort Scott, and has lived outside of Fort Scott for about six months when she moved just outside Redfield after getting married.

In what ways have you been involved in the community?

Parker said she was one of the people who sat on the sidelines and let other people make the decisions, but thendecided to get involved when a group of citizens were looking into getting the East Side Fire Station built. Parker and her husband donated the land where the station is located, however, the city was required to purchase the acreage to obtain grant money. Parker said they got what they paid for it and did not make a profit.