Candidates express their stances on city issues during forum
The Yuma City Council candidates were front and center Thursday for the first time just weeks away from election day addressing big topics that are pressing the City of Yuma.
When the candidates were asked who supported the existence of the Pacific Avenue Athletic Complex only three candidates raised their hands, including incumbents Edward Thomas and Mike Shelton and candidate Jason Bradley.
” I’ll raise my hand. I support it, ” said council member Thomas.
Other candidates said it’s about what to do about it now that it is here to stay.
” The goal is not to make a profit on it. That’s not what the government does. But of course the ideal goal is to come to as close of a balance as we can, ” said Chris Morris, a candidate.
Mass shootings were also addressed. One incumbent explained he wants to make sure one never happens in Yuma.
“The day of the Santa Fe, Texas shooting when I walked out of my classroom and heard of the shootings over there and I imagined my students being shot and as a substitute teacher, knowing that a substitute teacher was shot,” expressed councilmember Shelton.
Shelton has taken steps to meet with officials at Kids at Hope, a program that aims to ensure the success of all children.
The city’s newly adopted budget that included a property tax increase was also on the table with candidates addressing whether they would have voted for the budget.
“From what I have looked at it looks skewed and misunderstood,” explained Ema Lea Shoop , a former councilmember and current candidate.
However, Jason Bradley said he would have voted for the budget.
“Our public safety, they’re not being paid sufficiently, and they’re not staying in our community and helping maintain the optimal approach to our society so yes I would have supported that,” explained Jason Bradley, a candidate.
Election day in Yuma is august 27th .
Be sure to tune in to KYMA beginning Monday to hear directly from the individual candidates about why they want to represent Yuma.
