A standing-room only crowd over 300 individuals packed into the Frankfort Middle School cafetorium Tuesday night to witness the mayoral primary election forum between incumbent Chris McBarnes and challenger Lewis Wheeler. McBarnes is seeking his third term as mayor, while Wheeler represents District 3 on the Frankfort City Council.
“I really thought it went well,” said McBarnes. “I thought my opponent and I stayed respectable. We answered a lot of questions over an hour-and-a-half. I don’t know how many questions we got tonight, but it was quite a few.”
Wheeler was equally happy.
“I think it was a great opportunity,” said Wheeler. “I’m glad so many people showed up. I really, really wish this would have happened before early voting started so that people who were undecided would already know. I’ve already had a bunch of people say I voted for you, but I came to support you.”
The majority of questions revolved around the city’s finances. Is it in debt? Are we spending beyond our means? Are we wasteful spending? Other questions dealt with how would each candidate would move Frankfort forward, what is Frankfort’s future and how should that be attained?
“I was happy with a lot of the questions revolved around the financial standing of the city,” said McBarnes. “I hope I was able to drive home the point that we’re in better financial footing now than we were eight years ago both in city general and our savings account (Rainy Day Fund).”
McBarnes said city general has increased by 25 percent and the Rainy Day Fund has went from $1.6 million to $3.1 million.
Wheeler hammered away at the debt figure which he said was nearing $100 million. McBarnes countered by saying the city’s only debt involves the renovation of Old Stoney. He said the state figures in other items such as the school and utility bonds which account for around $70 million.
“We also discussed a future vision of how we continue to grow this city by creating jobs and bringing families here to ultimately drive the cost of living down for everyone that calls Frankfort home,” said McBarnes.
Wheeler said this has been one of the greatest dreams in his life.
“I don’t want to see Frankfort fail,” he said. “I’m just so thrilled for the supporters I have. I’m glad for the opportunity to run in America where people can choose. We’re going to work hard all the way up to Election Day.”
Election Day is Tuesday, May 7. Besides the mayoral contest, there are several contested races on the city council. In District 1, incumbent Clarence Warthan faces Gena Carson, in District 3, newcomers Cory Boyles and Michael Brite battle it out and in District 5, incumbent David Hussey faces Brandt Fuller. There are four candidates running for the two at-large positions including incumbent Eric Woods along with newcomers Megan Sheets, Isac Chavez and J.J. Tate.
Polls are open 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on May 7.
Join WILO AM & FM Tuesday night for complete election coverage beginning at 6:30 p.m.