By Greg Grisolano
ggrisolano@joplinglobe.com
Globe readers weighed in Thursday night on the Candidate Connection forum, commenting on statements made by some of the candidates who are vying for Joplin City Council seats.
Below are statements made by some of the candidates during the forum, followed by comments made by readers via Facebook.
Candidate Trisha Raney: Smoking ban is a health code issue. Missouri Foundation for Health did survey, and only 24 percent of Joplin adults smoke. My own experience in talking to people is an overwhelming majority support (the ban).
* Reader Alicia Menary Marshall commented: “I would like to go out to eat with my family and enjoy dinner without smoke in the air. I have a son with asthma, and it should be his right to eat in a safe environment.”
Candidate Kelly Maddy: I want to be the people’s advocate. We’ve gone through years and years of having no fresh voice on the council. I think it’s time, and I’d be proud to serve.
Melodee Colbert-Kean, a council member who is not up for re-election this year, commented: “Man, and I thought I was pretty fresh.”
Incumbent Mike Woolston: The council’s action to place the museum tax on the April ballot was handled appropriately. I think the plan is a good one for the museum. Current building is old. Veterans’ role could be enhanced. (Memorial Hall) has outlived its use as a convention center. We subsidize both right now, but could save revenue by consolidating.
* Reader Nathan Mills commented: “Absolutely. But then another convention center is needed. The Holiday Inn Convention Center is great for car shows and the like, but it isn’t capable of handling things such as concerts, circuses and the odd athletic event. These events are still great for Joplin and are generally well attended. We need to continue to bring these types of things to town, and we can’t do that without an appropriate venue.”
