James Fisher:

·  AGE:  48

·  RESIDENCE: 816 Court St.

·  OCCUPATION: Lead kitchen designer, The Home Depot in Fort Gratiot.

·  POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: Port Huron City Council since 2001; served as mayor pro-tem since 2007.

·  EDUCATION: Coldwater High School graduate; certificate in visual communications from Branch Area Career Center.

·  FAMILY: Wife, Michelle; two children.  

"Do you favor a ‘Ward System’ or ‘At Large System’ for our city, and why?”

"I strongly favor a ward system for Port Huron. For over 30 years our current at-large system has left voters in areas of our city feeling disenfranchised by city government and Council.  Changing to ward representation would be a bold stroke of leadership, but it appears that the majority on this commission are not interested in inclusiveness, boldness or leadership. The majority seem timid and wish to stay with the status quo.

From Holland to Coldwater to Kentwood, Port Huron is the only community I have ever lived where the total Council is elected “at large.” Midland and Dowagiac, cities that Charter Commission Vice Chairman Carl Tomion worked for, have ward systems. The economic and voting disparity between the north and south sides of Port Huron nearly ensures that the south side will be less represented. Just as California and Rhode Island elect representatives to our federal government, so should Port Huron have wards to insure fair and equal representation. 

Those who support a total at-large system will cite "unity" or state a belief that the at-large system "ensures" council members to represent the entire city. Both arguments are flawed. First, elected by ward or at-large, every council member would "represent the entire city." Every member would have a say in all resolutions or proposals put forth on the agenda. Second, it is obvious that sections of our community feel under-represented or that their voice is ignored. You can hear it in the impassioned appeals of Council candidate, Edison Palmer who is trying to be sure his neighborhood is heard and represented. If the at-large system was truly effective in representing the entire city, we would not have a "South Side Coalition." I have yet to hear of a "North Side Coalition" organization."  

"What is your opinion of Port Huron's city income tax? Submitted by Alice O'Neil, seconded by Chad Noetzel 10-2-09."

"While I dislike the city's income tax, I believe the larger issue holding back the city, is our property tax rate. It is vital that we find a way to lower the property tax rates to bring us in line with the surrounding cities and townships. As the Times Herald has reported, property taxes on a $150,000 home are nearly $1000 more than in Fort Gratiot Township. That translates to a higher house payment of about $80 per month. High tax rates are stifling jobs and growth in our city. To achieve this goal, it will take a consensus of effort between Council, city administration and citizens of Port Huron. This will be difficult to accomplish, but the rewards will be great.

I also believe this is the wrong time to look at eliminating the city income tax. With the Blue Water Area Bridge expansion project, we are looking at the creation of 7000 new jobs (MDOT estimate), most of which will be in the city. Figuring just 5000 jobs at $30,000 average salary will mean a $750,000 per year increase of income tax collection. The figure will more likely be over $1 million dollars per year during the life of the project. This will help to replace the loss of state revenue sharing funds, provide more police and fire protection and give us the opportunity to keep water and sewer rates from increasing."

"Do you feel it is necessary for a councilperson to read the sales agreement, prior to voting, when the city is buying or selling real estate?"    Submitted by Gerald Frendt seconded by Chad Noetzel 9-30-09.

Yes

"In light of recent events I would like to know how each candidate feels about the City of Port Huron enacting an ordinance banning the ownership of dangerous breeds of dogs, specifically those commonly known as 'Pit Bulls'."  Submitted by Bill Kessler, Port Huron, MI.  Seconded by Edison Palmer 9-22-09.

"I would be more than willing to consider a city ban on Pit Bulls and other dangerous breeds. Urban living is different than rural living. Just as we have decided to enact noise ordinances to protect our citizens, we should at least look at enacting an ordinance about violent dog breeds to protect our citizens. It was noted in a report from the Centers of Disease Control and Protection, "the data indicate that Rottweilers and pit bull-type dogs accounted for 67% of human DBRF in the United States between 1997 and 1998. It is extremely unlikely that they accounted for anywhere near 60% of dogs in the United States during that same period and, thus, there appears to be a breed-specific problem with fatalities." Based on the research I have done, I would support such a ban."  

"This forum has been set up for the candidates to ask the questions. Do you feel that the opportunity to ask questions should be offered to non-candidates as well?"

"I submitted this because I would like to have questions from the voters. Putting the voters in charge of the questions would be more like a public debate or town hall. This will also give us questions posed to specific candidates as well as the whole field. Questions must not be asked by "anonymous,"  the inquisitors must be willing to give their name."

"How do the candidates feel about having fundraisers outside of Port Huron city limits. Do they get most of their contributions from non residents or from residents? Also do they feel that township resident contributions can sway their opinions and how they vote?" Submitted by John Edison 9-11-09

"This is an easy question to ask, or to answer in a grandstanding way, but the issue is very complex. What if a fundraiser is held outside the city, but all attendees are Port Huron residents? What if a fundraiser is held in Port Huron but all the contributions come from outside the city? I have no objection to where a city council candidate holds a fundraiser or event. City politics are different than national politics where contributions from foreign countries can undermine our sovereignty. I doubt that our surrounding communities and residents are hostile to Port Huron or trying to undermine our city. We often do that to ourselves without any outside help."

"How do you like the work new city manager Bruce Brown is doing ? Please give examples of what you liked or disliked so far." Submitted by Mark Byrne 9-3-2009.

"I have enjoyed working with Bruce immensely. His calm demeanor, vast experience and communication skills are exactly what Port Huron needs. One small example of his ability to get things done would be the "Rockin' The Rivers" concert series. For years various groups and individuals have tried to get music played on our river. Bruce saw an opportunity, seized it and made it happen. A simple plan executed extremely well. "

"A few months ago the City Council removed funding for the EDA and hired their own Economic Development director. Do you support the direction this council has taken?" Submitted by John Edison Palmer 8-27-2009.

"Yes, I support this action. Port Huron's unemployment rate is 26% and the County's is 20%. Both are significantly higher than Michigan's 15% and the Nation's 9%. It is clear that what we have been doing has not worked and may have been moving us in the wrong direction. Losing our Industrial Park's certification in 2005 is just one small example of why we need a Port Huron focused economic development director. While I fully support regionalization and combining resources, we need to choose our partners carefully and be sure there is a benefit to the Port Huron citizen.  I reject the idea that Port Huron is now "going it alone." It could be said that the service we were receiving from the EDA was "going it alone." Getting our Industrial Park re-certified, we will be able to partner with the MEDC and other organizations to assist in the success of our Industrial Park. Not only is this move better for the Port Huron taxpayer, it is probably better for all the surrounding communities. "

During the pre-primary debate. A few of the challengers commented that too much time has been spent on "trivial matters." Specifically, over the past two years, what items up for council consideration have you considered "trivial?"  Submitted by Jim Fisher 8-26-2009.

Submitted question

The current city council drastically reduced the pay for the new city manager compared to the previous city manager, would you favor reducing the pay  level for department heads and eliminating severance pay when they quit?  Submitted by Chad Noetzel 8-12-2009.

"Due to their time of service to the city, many of our department heads are at the top of their pay scale. As department heads retire, the pay will obviously be less for the incoming person. I do not support cutting salaries of current department heads or of any city employee. As is true with all business and organizations, the salaries and job duties of replacement personnel needs to be evaluated and adjusted to be in line with modern needs and practices."

1.  What strategy should the city employ for economic development?

"I believe we are now on the right track for creating favorable conditions for economic development. We have chosen an economic development person to ensure our industrial park is utilized to its fullest capacity. We have outlined a commercial development plan to provide for development in our commercial and retail areas. In addition, this council has strived to keep water and sewer bills as low as possible to encourage people to live in Port Huron."

2. What should be done to pay the debt from the sewer separation project?

"Past water and sewer rate increases have generated the necessary stream of money to pay off this debt. The city has nearly $60 million in various bank accounts that should be used to reduce the financial burden on our citizens. To advocate any increase in rates will cause even more economic distress to our city. In other words, it's not the city that is in danger of being bankrupted by the (combined sewer overflows) project, it's the average Port Huron resident that faces the danger of being bankrupted by the eye-popping increases proposed by the former council and administration."

3. After economic development, what is the biggest issue facing the city?

"For many years, citizens have felt that our city government existed to do things to them rather than for them. City government should represent the people, and citizens should not be living in fear of what new rate increase or tax increase is around the corner. I will continue to strive for complete openness and honesty from the city administration. I will do my best to be sure that every dollar of taxpayer money is intelligently spent and be sure that the city works for the benefit of the people, not that people are working for the benefit of city hall." 

4. What would you do with McMorran Place if you had the final say?

"I have continually said that McMorran would be well served by a private management company. Bringing a profit motive to McMorran Place will insure that the taxpayer subsidy will be reduced or eliminated. McMorran is a vital component to our community and it needs to be used and marketed to its fullest potential. I believe private management is our best option to achieve this goal."