Stephanie Ducheneaux and Tony Wofford will meet in a runoff election on June 17 to determine Snyder’s mayor.
Early voting is scheduled to begin Monday at College on the Square.
The Snyder Daily News asked each candidate a series of questions and their unedited answers appear below:
Q. — What personal attribute makes you the best candidate for mayor?
Ducheneaux — I would describe myself as methodical. As a mathematician, I am an analytical problem-solver by nature. I follow a systematic thought process in everything I do. So as mayor I would not only lead organized and efficient council meetings; I would encourage logical and investigative group decision making. Every course of action at a council meeting should follow a disciplined and orderly procedure.
Wofford — My number one personal attribute is my love for God this city and his people. We are much stronger united together as One voice, One people than we are pulling in opposite directions. Other attributes I’ve learned over the years are patience, kindness, gentleness, self control, how to listen, respect of others and how to encourage others to succeed. I’m comfortable in my own skin and confident that Snyder’s future is great. Iron sharpens Iron; but we must lay aside our fears and dream big to create an atmosphere for the impossible to become possible.
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Q. — Many communities hold outreach activities — like quarterly coffee events with city staff and elected officials. What are some ways you would reach out to the community to connect city hall with the public?
Ducheneaux — I would start by highlighting a city staff member and council member in the paper each month. I also feel the city should provide council members with email addresses or encourage council members to provide an email address that can be posted on the city website. Connecting with citizens requires accessibility. I don’t believe there is a one size fits all way for city staff and city council members to connect with the community. Keeping lines of communication open is a great start.
Wofford — I call this, “take the city to the people.” I would like to have small town hall meetings in varies neighborhoods throughout the city. Taking our plan to the people. A second thought is, schedule council tours around the city to witness real life in our neighborhoods. Invite neighborhood leaders and concerned citizens along. Start inviting different citizens to council meetings to honor for their longevity in their neighborhoods. Initiate a City Neighborhood Award for the small things our citizens are during in their neighborhoods, ex: to beautify, fight drugs or just to make life better for all.
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Q. — How would you encourage differing points of view during an open meeting without the situation becoming contentious?
Ducheneaux — Encouraging differing points of view during an open meeting is essential. It is equally essential for the mayor to interject and summarize these views to show those offering them that they have been heard. By doing so, the discussion moves from providing opinions to seeking solutions. Heartfelt discussions can be kept under control simply by staying cognizant of the tone of the discussions and leading these dialogs in a constructive direction.
Wofford — Create an environment of openness, respect and order by encouraging feedback from all. No question is dumb, no view is disrespected. All views are welcomed but a demand for order and respect is a must. Robert’s Rule of Orders is our guideline for an orderly meeting so an environment of respect for others must be known for an open flow of ideas.
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Q. — Is law enforcement doing enough to battle drugs in our community? If so, how, and if not, what can be done?
Ducheneaux — The strategic plan listed drugs as a threat to our community. If citizens feel there is a drug problem the police department needs to address it. If it is being addressed, then the police department needs to communicate their efforts to the citizens letting them know they are making advancements. I am certain we are not the only rural town with this issue, so reaching out to our neighboring police departments for guidance or assistance might not be a bad idea. Asking for help reveals strength, not weakness.
Wofford — I believe they are with the resources they have. However, it’s not just a law enforcement problem. Snyder has a drug problem that is affecting all citizens, so more citizen involvement is necessary. This demon must be destroyed. We the people helping our law enforcement by getting involved can make it very uncomfortable for drug activities in Scurry County. As mentioned above, celebrating the good things law enforcement is doing and helping as citizen can bring an end to this devil. Let’s have some open discussion.
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Q. — What is the mayor’s role?
Ducheneaux — According to the city charter, the mayor is recognized as the head of the city government for all ceremonial purposes, and the mayor shall preside over the meetings of the City Council. The mayor should also be an educator, liaison with the manager and a team leader. And, the mayor should set goals, identify problems and establish a tone for the council. Finally, the mayor should stabilize relationships, advocate policy and promote and defend the city.
Wofford — He is recognized as head of the city government for all ceremonial purposes, and recognized by the Governor for the purposes of military law. He presides over City Council meetings and participant in meeting discussions but can only vote to break a tie. He has veto power over propositions past by less than the majority of the council. His duties are very limited; however, through his positive leadership and passion for his city, he can ignite a fire and attitude that helps to bridge indifferences for unity and growth.
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Q. — What would be your No. 1 priority as mayor and how would you accomplish that?
Ducheneaux — My first priority would be to get to know my fellow council members. Understanding your fellow council members is important to the cohesiveness needed to act as one body. Although some council members represent single districts, and it is important that those district needs and concerns are heard, in the end, it is vital that the council does what is best for the city as a whole. At the same time, I would want to immediately address the top threats mentioned in the comprehensive plan: water, affordable housing, streets and dilapidated buildings.
Wofford — Number 1 priority is to continue to be an encourager of the good positive things going on in Snyder. I am convinced that all the hard work that is being done to make Snyder shine, verifies our status as a HUB for millions. As spoken by our President. “We are one people, with one destiny.” The time for small thinking is over. The time for trivial fights is behind us. We just need the courage to share the dreams that fill our hearts. As spoken by a great general in history, “We are more than able.”
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Q. — Should the city council, as a group, play a larger role in setting budget priorities?
Ducheneaux — In the years I served on the city council, the council had varying involvement in setting budget priorities. I feel the council should have access to the budget in its varying stages of development. This would allow the council to interpose their thoughts and opinions before the budget sessions. If the council-manager government is working effectively, the priorities of the council and city manager should be the same.
Wofford — The council has that opportunity to do so now. However, our city manager finance director and department heads have more knowledge and experience around of the day to day operations that drives the majority of our budget considerations.