When it comes to slicing a field of six candidates down to just three elected city aldermen in November, voters have their hands full. In less than a month, people will flock to the polls in hopes of making informed decisions about the next leaders of the city. On Monday night, many folks got a chance to find out what projects in future years matter most to those seeking office. 

In a political forum organized by the Southern Standard and WCPI 91.3 FM and held at the administrative building, the alderman candidates were all asked one simple, yet tough, question. All had to come up with their two top priorities if elected Nov. 9 and give details on how to pay for it.

Keri Morton, Everett Brock, Steve Harvey, Deitra Dunlap and Larry York all laid out their plans (Jeremy Richardson, a candidate for alderman as well, did not attend). 

There was some overlapping among the group, but each had one pet project they’d like to pursue if given the opportunity to lead in McMinnville.

“(Improving) Streets and storm water drainage – those are the two things that I think our city needs desperately,” said Morton, who noted in her opening and closing that dealing with storm water issues at her business was what led to her getting involved in local politics. “If I come in, I’m under the understanding we have COVID money, so it should be available to take care of that right out of the gate.”

For Brock and Harvey, the two incumbents looking to keep their seats, the police station was one of their passions, while they differed on their second agenda.

“The police department is probably our next big issue and big expense that we have coming up and (it) needs to be addressed. I do, however, support renovation of a current building – we have some choices over new construction,” said Harvey. “I think it’s been done successfully in the past. It’s affordable in our budget and very doable.”

Brock added, “The police station is something we’d probably will have to finance part of it, but maybe we could pay a large part down.” He also noted debt services for the city will be clear by 2024 aside from the Milner Recreation Center and Park Theater, which should give the board some avenues toward green lighting new projects soon.

As for their second choices of projects, Brock turned to paving and Harvey wants to tackle the homeless situation.

“We’ve been paving since 2010, I think, and we do somewhere around $700,000 to $1,000,000 a year and we’re going to have to up that. We do have some federal money and we are paying cash for things we would normally have to finance,” said Brock.

Harvey, finishing up his action plan for two projects, said, “We have an increasing homeless problem in this town. We donated property to put up temporary housing, but it’s not going to be anywhere near solving the problem. It’s a difficult situation, but we have to do something to help this out. The solution won’t be the same for every person, but I think we do need to address it because I don’t think it’s getting better.”

Dunlap, one of four challengers looking to become a first-time alderman, also noted that combatting homelessness locally needs to be a priority.

“I never thought I’d hear the words ‘homeless community population’ in my hometown. But once you hear it and know it, it’s really tough,” said Dunlap. “Our city needs infrastructure, our city needs a police station, our city needs sidewalks, streets and everything is a worthy cause, but these are human beings and we need to address the growing homeless population.”

Dunlap went on to mention that her second project would be adding services locally, listing “mental health,” and “drug and alcohol treatment” as two examples. As for paying for it, Dunlap – a political newcomer – knows that there are some things she’ll have to learn quickly. 

“How would we pay for it? That’s where I’d be learning – where and how to pay for it,” concluded Dunlap.

When York was given the chance to close out the topic, he circled back to where Morton started. 

“One thing I did was go around local business owners and residents and asked their concerns and what issues we had in the city. Streets and water drainage were two things that kept popping up,” said York. “Potholes, repaving, straightening the lines and water drainage were big ones brought up. Flooding – that’s an issue that’s been going on for a lot of years and it seems to not being handled properly.”

York also wants to take an in-depth look at the animal shelter after taking a tour of his own. “It’s a one-man show. That’s something that needs to be looked at,” said York, who noted that there are likely finances available to tackle his two priorities. 

Overall, it was a cordial and friendly conversation from the five candidates in attendance. They already showed their ability to work together and share the spotlight, albeit in the easy and courteous task of sharing the same microphone Monday night. 

Only three will get the chance to continue to work together in November. Early voting will start Oct. 19 and the final results will be tallied after voting on Nov. 8. To see the full forum from Monday night, go to the Standard’s Facebook page (the alderman candidates start their discussion at the 1:45:45 mark). 

Keri Curtis Morton

Problems within the city storm water got me involved. I’ve been attending meetings for five years working for a solution to this problem. Government should be proactive working efficiently for all residents. We’re all on the same team. I think I have the leadership skills to bring pride back to McMinnville.

I want a thriving McMinnville again. Where children and grand children grow up, want to stay local, own their own business and be leaders one day. Getting our infrastructure right is going to bring more jobs to our community. I’m a hard worker, as seen in my professional and in my volunteer life. I believe it is time for a change. You have the opportunity to help our McMinnville be the best ever.

Everett Brock

The last four years have been truly remarkable – the most positive and progressive in the city’s history. As of 2024, our debt will be eliminated except for the Milner Center and Park Theater…  We’ve not had a tax increase in 12 years. And we’ve obtained record earnings for 2022-23. As chairman of the finance committee, I’m truly proud of that. It’s been a team effort between the staff, the departments and the boards. Conservative financial management is a key.

I’ve served on every committee at one time or another. I’ve been vice mayor twice and acting mayor one time. I have knowledge, experience and dedication to do the job.

Steve Harvey

The city of McMinnville is absolutely moving in the right direction. Are we perfect? No. But we have a beautiful and vibrant downtown, an above average parks and rec system, storm waters, streets and sidewalks are improving and we have extremely strong and well-staffed fire and police departments. All this has been done and maintained with no property or sales tax increases since I’ve been in office and the city has financially finished in the black the last two fiscal years.

All these candidates have good ideas, but I submit to you that not only have good ideas, but I have experience to go with it. I don’t let my differences with other board members get in the way of working together to make good decisions. I’ve proven that I can work with those I disagree with and I’ll continue to do so.

Deitra Dunlap

I want to put my energy and resources to work so that McMinnville continues to be a place that we call home. Where we can work, play, worship and enjoy retirement together while respectfully embracing our differences. My only motivation for being here is to serve this city and I hope that I get to do that.

Regardless of which you candidate you choose, make a consensus choice based on merit. Because after the votes are counted and winners are celebrated, on Nov. 9 we’re all back to being neighbors. Let’s support those who are elected, work together for worthy causes and, most importantly, let us all lead by example.

Larry York

I love McMinnville and we all live here because of the quality of life we have here and we need to protect that. My primary focus is to continue to make McMinnville a great place to live while creating a work environment for generations to come.

I’m not a politician. I’m a Christian first, I’m a family man and I’m a businessman. I never dreamed, ever, that I’d be a politician. I love McMinnville. I see that I can help preserve what we have here. I think I can help give back to this community what it has given me.