Editor’s Note: Today, The Daily Leader continues a question-and-answer series highlighting candidates participating in Brookhaven’s upcoming municipal elections. Today’s responses are from alderman at large candidates. Carl Aycock and Karen Sullivan are competing in the Republican primary while André Spiller is running as a Democrat. Three of the four candidates participated in the questionnaire. Independent candidate Ed Thompson did not submit responses. Responses appear as submitted by the candidates.

1. When voters go to the polls on June 4 to elect municipal officials, they will also have the opportunity to legalize the sale of alcohol within the Brookhaven city limits. If voters do legalize liquor sales, the Board of Aldermen must make a choice: The board can either restrict alcohol to by-the-glass sales in restaurants or allow package stores. If elected, which option will you support? What are the benefits of the option you favor?

Carl Aycock: If the voters legalize the sale of alcohol, then I would support an ordinance to restrict the sale of liquor to “by-the-glass” in restaurants. Also the restriction should include a large percentage of food sales compared to liquor sales, which would prevent the atmosphere from being “bar-like.” The benefits of these restrictions would keep a restaurant from emphasizing liquor sales, but would allow Brookhaven to potentially increase sales tax revenues and increase jobs.

André Spiller: Of the two choices, I will support the option to restrict alcohol to by the glass sales in restaurants. This will be something new for our city to experience; therefore I feel we must start off slow and with limits. This option will also benefit us with increased sales tax and revenues which we are losing to neighboring cities. It will also improve economic progress and growth with franchise businesses and casual dining restaurants locating here in our city.

Karen Sullivan: First, the referendum has not passed yet, so let’s allow the voters to speak. I am accessible and approachable, and one of my loves in this job is listening to input from Brookhaven’s people. While my signature is not on the petition, if the referendum should pass, I hope I am on the board that deliberates such an important change for the city. This is an impactful issue, and while I will listen to all viewpoints, my track record and set of core values is one of proceeding with caution and towards the common good.

2. What do you see as the most significant infrastructure needs in the city? Given the still struggling economy and tight finances the city has faced, how would you go about prioritizing these needs?

Aycock: Existing sewer lines would be the number one area. Even though unseen (until something bad happens), the existing lines must be repaired and/or replaced in all wards. An aggressive, long-term approach should be implemented. Without this vital department functioning properly, our streets will begin to deteriorate rapidly. Next, a consistent and fair paving program needs to be continued. Quality paving can help with reducing road bed deterioration and increasing property values. Thirdly, the city should begin “making good” on the promises made to the recently annexed areas concerning water and sewer services.

Spiller: The most significant needs that I see for our city are the resurfacing of streets in newly annexed areas, the creation of sidewalks, and drainage and sewage systems in well deserved areas. Enhancing our parks and other facilities that are owned and operated by the city to be maintained and ran efficient. Last but not least the rejuvenation of downtown and the utilization of our open spaces for the enjoyment of everyone.

That is the key within itself, to prioritize the city’s most significant needs by utilizing the funds and the grants that have been allocated for the specific jobs that they were meant to be used for.

Sullivan: We are addressing water, sewer, and streets needs. We have completed painting one elevated tank and have two more left. We are currently undergoing improvements at the water treatment plant and are moving toward more accurate water meters and billing system. Parts of the water system have been targeted for replacement or upgrade. Parts of the city’s original sewer system are still in place and in need of repair or replacement. Funding would come from grants and bonds or loans that would be repaid with user fees. Each year the board identifies and budgets for streets to overlay as part of ongoing maintenance.

3. What opportunities do you see in city government to cut costs and ease the taxpayers’ burdens?

Aycock: One of the areas, as is the case with most businesses, is to make sure your employees are working efficiently and replace those who are not. The garbage pickup contract that is already in place will give the city an option to reduce pickup to once per week. I think this should be seriously considered because the recycling efforts have reduced the volume of garbage in each household. Any savings in that area could be passed back to the citizens. It is very difficult to cut costs significantly and keep existing services. However, many small cuts are possible and you could allow services to remain in place

Spiller: Two key opportunity that I see is looking at the transportation, gas and usage of all city owned vehicles. Also help keep water, sewer and garbage rates within our citizen’s budget.

Sullivan: My time on the board has been during the greatest recession since the Great Depression. Costs have been trimmed through careful budgeting; payroll has been managed through attrition or dismissal; projects have been handled through committees instead of hired consultants; money has been saved on garbage with recycling added free; existing bonds have been re-negotiated and consolidated into lower rates; funds have been sought through grants. All of this has happened with no tax increases. Our fiscally sound city is open for day-to-day operations without borrowing one penny. I am extremely proud of this path of fiscal responsibility and plan to continue it.

4. In your opinion, what could improve Brookhaven the most? How would you as an alderman make this possible?

Aycock: The most obvious area would be to attract a new industry/business that would provide several jobs. A cooperative effort among the city, county and chamber of commerce/IDF will be vital in the recruitment effort. I would be willing and able to travel for the purpose of helping to recruit companies to Brookhaven/Lincoln County. Another area to consider is the providing of funds to better utilize our recreational facilities. Roughly 60 percent of our city revenues come from sales taxes, so it is critical to do everything that is reasonable to attract people to spend dollars in Brookhaven/Lincoln County.

Spiller: I feel that these two options will improve Brookhaven, first of all is for all citizens to have a voice and to be heard, this is their city and this is their home. Second of all is to boost the morale of city employees by negotiating better benefits and competitive wages. They are a vital part of what makes this city Brookhaven.

As Alderman At Large I will make a difference by establishing an open line of communication with city employees and their Alderman as well as by creating ward meetings for citizens’ to voice their concerns.

Sullivan: Many things fall under the broad term of quality of life, such as law enforcement, streets, water, sewer, fiscal management, beautification, reasonable and forward-thinking zoning laws, stricter standards for landlords, high standards for development, good schools, neighborhood stabilization, etc. Quality of life issues are extremely important in the decision of where to live, develop a career, and rear a family. They are critical for the present and future standard of living of Brookhaven citizens. City leaders must foster a dependable, consistent environment that residential, business, and industrial investors can rely on and which attracts jobs. Quality of life issues ARE economic issues.

5. What are your reasons for seeking this office and why should voters elect you to the board?

Aycock: I am seeking this office so that I may have the chance to use my God-given gifts, time and business experiences to help Brookhaven move forward. I want Brookhaven to be a community where our high school graduates can find a good job and a place to which our college graduates desire to return. Voters should elect candidates who are the most qualified for a particular office. I believe with some fresh ideas and leadership our city can flourish in Southwest Mississippi. I ask that you give me an opportunity to serve you, the citizens of Brookhaven.

Spiller: I am seeking this office to give back to the community that I have called home for the last four decades and to improve the quality of life for everyone here in the “home seeker’s paradise.”

Sullivan: My qualifications include my passion to move the city forward, my 20 years business experience, my 20 years teaching experience, and my 4 years as your alderman at large where my vote has been a solid vote for the right thing. I know the qualities that make this community home; they’re the same ones I experienced when my family moved here 43 years ago. I will focus on improving those qualities – from keeping our strong family-friendly atmosphere, to revitalizing our neighborhoods, to maintaining our strong fiscal track, to creating a climate that promotes jobs. I will work tirelessly for the people of Brookhaven, our city’s greatest asset.