Close to 30 Maplewood residents attended a candidates forum moderated by the League of Women Voters on Tuesday in the Salvation Army gym.
Candidates Owen Skoler, Kyle Oberle and Sandi Phillips (ballot order) took questions from the audience, who submitted questions on cards. A LWV volunteer moderated.
On the role Planning and Zoning could play in encouraging business development, Phillips, who is on the commission, said they are now reviewing zoning codes, changing business definitions, which eventually could be less restrictive; Skoler said if a business meets the code it should simply be allowed — not on a case by case basis; Oberle said it goes back to updating the city’s comprehensive plan.
All three said if residents don’t vote for them, vote for trash, meaning that they support Maplewood’s Proposition T, a tax to cover the increased cost of trash and recycling pickup in Maplewood. See the ballot description at vote411.org, the LWV voters information website.
They all supported ‘tiny houses’ being built in Maplewood. Skoler said he didn’t know why they wouldn’t be allowed. Oberle said yes but with standards, so it’s not a ‘shack.’ Phillips said she lives in what might be called a tiny house — it’s 900 square feet; she also said it’s a matter of how a house fits into the neighborhood.
Skoler said Maplewood’s greatest challenge is keeping housing affordable. Phillips said residents have told her that keeping streets maintained is the most important issue. Oberle said keeping Maplewood affordable for older residents is most important.
Owen Skoler opening statement
Kyle Oberle opening statement
Sandi Phillips opening statement
Thoughts on Airbnb in Maplewood
Thoughts on school safety
Thoughts on Proposition P funds use in Maplewood
Balancing keeping housing affordable with school district need for funds
Thoughts on Great Rivers Greenway in Maplewood
Thoughts on Maplewood’s ‘nuisance ordinance’
How to encourage business development to the east
Sandi Phillips closing statement
Kyle Oberle closing statement
Owen Skoler closing statement
So does this mean Ms Phillips believes the most important issue is streets or is that just her assessment of what residents said? If streets are not her most important issue, what is?
Joe S, thank you for your question. The actual question posed during the forum was “what is the most critical issue facing Maplewood in the next year?” I interpreted the question to mean what is critical to our citizens, and therefore answered based on my conversations with Ward 1 voters.
To answer your question, however, I would say that my most important issue is maintaining and improving our quality of life with safe, walkable streets, affordable homes and great schools.
You can read more about me on my Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Sandi4Maplewood/
Thanks for the clarification
Great to see the interest! Can see some candidates need more small city government experience. (Was there.) Glad to see the effort to get some! Many are not aware of the great lengths the city went to to get where it is today. Hopefully, this is not taken for granted and attempts to “shake things up” become misguided. Get to know the past and background first before damage is done. (we’ve had enough of that in the past). All is not what it appears on the surface at this point and time. (Not ever perfect but WAY better.)
You go, Maplewood!!