By Mindy Ragan Wood
Staff Writer
Piedmont municipal and school board candidates are nearing the finish line, but they are not showing any signs of slowing down on the campaign trail.
Three candidates for mayor, two for Piedmont Board of Education and two for the Canadian Valley Technology Board of Education will face off Tuesday in the April 2 elections.
Voters can hear mayoral candidates Bobby Williamson, John Bickerstaff and Kurt Mayabb tonight at 6 p.m. at the Piedmont Intermediate School, 977 Washington Avenue as the threesome give their views on critical issues.
Those concerned about the Piedmont Board of Education may voice their views during a town hall meeting at 7 p.m. at Piedmont First Baptist Church, 15 Jackson Avenue.
Candidate Cory Benton, who is running against incumbent Steven Cox, called for the town hall meeting to give people an opportunity to speak about their concerns and expectations.
Voters will also decide who they want as their next Canadian Valley Technology Board of Education board member for Office No. 1. George Fina and incumbent Dean Riddell are the two candidates. Fina is a former Piedmont mayor and board member for the technology center.
Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday.
MAYOR
Piedmont’s next mayor faces tough decisions to solve the city’s eroding infrastructure and lack of sales tax revenue to fund it.
Williamson has pledged to increase the city’s annual budget for roads from $300,000 a year to $400,000 without raising taxes.
Mayabb has said he plans to use a hands-on approach and fill in potholes if he has no other choice.
Former Mayor Bickerstaff has called for a revival of a capital improvement plan to focus any extra funds on the most critical needs. Williamson has said the same.
Both Bickerstaff and Williamson supported the move to contract with Pafford EMS and bring ambulances services in-house at the fire station. Both have said they are pro-growth but Bickerstaff said he supports smaller lot sizes that are served by water and sewer.
Mayabb said he supports growth in Piedmont but that it has to be done in a sustainable manner. Mayabb was not specific about his plans.
Williamson’s plans to attract business growth in Piedmont is to develop an economic development authority.
Both Bickerstaff and Williamson agree that the city needs to be more business friendly.
SCHOOL BOARD
Issues in the Piedmont Board of Education have arisen around population as well, but both candidates are seeking office on their own separate issues.
Cox believes the critical issues facing the district are growth, school safety and teacher retention. Benton did not disagree but pointed to the erosion of accountability and trust between district officials and citizens and pledged to heal the breach. Benton plans to bring a business approach to the board’s business and focus on increasing communication with the public.
