Ducheneaux, Wofford discuss issues facing Snyder

Image
Body

Snyder Mayor Tony Wofford and challenger Stephanie Ducheneaux will meet in the May 4 mayoral election.
The two candidates answered a series of questions prepared by the Snyder Daily News staff. 
Here are their submitted responses:
Q. — Why did you choose to run for mayor of Snyder?
Ducheneaux —I chose to run for mayor of the City of Snyder because I want to give back to my community.  Although I am not a lifetime resident of Snyder, I have lived here for nearly 22 years and plan to stay here until I retire and possibly beyond.  I served on the city council for 12 years where I gained valuable experience of how city government works.  I think my council experience and my leadership role at Western Texas College make me a perfect fit for this mayoral position.
Wofford — I’m still passionate about growing and helping Snyder reach its visions and potential for future generations. We heard the voices of our citizens through a survey that brought us a Comprehensive Plan. That plan is a visionary tool for us to unify around, as we develop our city to become a more enjoyable place to call home. Yes there are many challenges but together as one people, one voice we can and will overcome those challenges to achieve our vision. I have many years of leadership experience, I love people and I love winning.
**
Q. — What role does the mayor play in Snyder?
Ducheneaux — Specifically, the role the mayor plays is to preside over the council meetings.  It is essential for the mayor to be well-versed on all agenda items to lead the discussions that result in informed council decisions.  The mayor should regularly monitor the pulse of the city to identify resident and community needs.  The mayor should be a recognized face in the community and involved in community activities.
Wofford — The mayor occupies the highest elective office in the municipal government. Political head of the city, the mayor is expected to provide the leadership necessary to keep it moving in the proper direction. A mayor has great legislative responsibilities with the council. And I could give you more scripted definitions of the position but it’s impossible to list all that in 100 words. So here are my words. A mayor is a role model, spends countless hours visiting, mentoring, encouraging, solving problems, giving an ear to listen to people, while maintaining a great attitude of humility.
**
Q. — The condition of many of Snyder’s streets has been an ongoing issue. As mayor, what will you make sure happens next year to improve the condition of some of Snyder’s worst streets?
Ducheneaux — Age is part of the issue with our streets, but much of the deterioration is being escalated by excess water run-off due to water line leaks, poor drainage and unsupervised watering of lawns.  Before replacing the streets, we need to fix the accelerants.  Every department in the city should have a maintenance and replacement schedule.  The 37th street repair project cost the city around $500,000.  If we alternate seal coating with road replacement and keep a robust $600,000 or more in the street maintenance budget, we might be able to make progress.
Wofford — The council had a thorough evaluation survey done of all 95 miles of streets. A rehabilitation and maintenance plan was developed. We’ve discussed different options for financing the 30 million dollar price tag. Our struggle is finding an option that is not a tax burden upon our citizens but can generate the funds needed to rehabilitate and maintenance for years to come. Abilene developed a plan that its citizens adopted that has some merit. So as Mayor I will continue to lead the discussion and find a plan that works for us.  
**
Q. — As mayor, what, if anything, can you do to help city departments fill their staff openings?
Ducheneaux — As mayor, I would suggest the city get creative when advertising and interviewing for new positions.  The city can’t compete with oil-field pay, but there are perks the city has to offer that entry-level oil-field jobs don’t.  We need to emphasize those perks.  If the city doesn’t require all employees to go through an exit interview with human resources when they leave, they should.  These interviews can and should provide valuable insight into potential departmental problems that the city can remedy.
Wofford — That’s the City Manager’s job to have those openings filled. But I’m willing to help in any way I can. 
**
Q. — Do we need a new or a renovated city hall and why?
Ducheneaux —  No, I do not feel we need a new or renovated city hall at this time. We need to focus our resources on the issues the citizens have identified as threats to our community.
Wofford — Yes, a new building would be great but until that time renovate. Newer buildings are built to the newer specs of energy efficiency, building safety, security, environmental and modern technology concerns. It would be a very welcomed addition for the staff and city.
**
Q. — Scurry County has lost about 3,000 jobs over the past three years. Does the City of Snyder have the tools it needs to create jobs and if so, is it using those tools effectively? If not, what do you suggest?
Ducheneaux — Yes, I believe the City of Snyder has the tools it needs to create jobs. We should promote Snyder as a central hub for Lubbock, Abilene, Midland, Odessa, and San Angelo.  Our location should be an asset and not a disadvantage.  If we want businesses to believe in the potential of Snyder, we must first believe in that potential ourselves.
Wofford — The city doesn’t create jobs, businesses do. So our attitude to be business friendly is paramount. We must keep taxes as low as possible, keep upgrading our infrastructure, keep providing good clean water. Keep changing ordinances and regulations that are outdated and hinder growth. Keep encouraging and supporting our Chamber, DCOS, and other entities. So when 6,000 jobs return, they will have available housing, retail shopping, entertainment venues and more. Reduce the burdens on businesses. If we fail to prepare we are preparing to fail. Not on my watch. 
**
Q. — At what point should the city stop committing the resources of all its citizens to a single resident? I’m referring to Avenue W and the city taking on the expense of litigation in a matter that the city council repeatedly determined was a private, civil situation.
Ducheneaux — If my memory serves me correctly, the Talbott Trace subdivision was presented as a two-phase project.  The proposed roadway of Avenue W is only needed if phase II comes to fruition. Without phase II that section of land would be considered an alley like it is on the opposite end of the plat.  In my opinion, there is no need for litigation.
Wofford — I can’t speak on that. But I do believe if the many prayer warriors and pray circles around our county will begin to do warfare around this issue; an equitable solution will be reached.
**
Q. — Should the City of Snyder continue participating in the secretive Scurry County Local Government Corporation?
Ducheneaux — There is limited information available describing the real purpose of the Scurry County Local Government Corporation.  If this corporation can in some way benefit the city, I think involvement is warranted.  However, the nature of the involvement should be transparent to the citizens of Snyder.
Wofford — Yes, I have No problem with the LGC. I’m confident their existence, meetings and conduct are within legal boundaries. I don’t believe any of the people I know in that group would align themselves with illegal behavior. I haven’t kept up with all of their activity but I question the difference of their meetings and the council’s called Closed Sessions meetings?  I am saddened that it has caused such uproar in our community but again this is a great place for our prayer warriors to intercede.
**
Q. — What is the number one priority you will accomplish as mayor during the next 12 months?
Ducheneaux — If elected mayor, I would like to see us bring back water conservation efforts, create street maintenance and replacement plans and expand upon the efforts of the current mayor to get taxing entities to work together for the benefit of our citizens.
Wofford — Streets. Find the funding, and develop a well thought out plan for rebuilding and maintaining our streets. Well kept streets are an indication of the pride of a city and the evidence of our hard earned tax dollars at work.