Marty Doorn:

·  AGE: 58.

·  RESIDENCE: 3540 Gratiot Ave.

·  OCCUPATION: Owner and president of WGRT radio in Port Huron.

·  POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: Serving first partial term on Port Huron City Council.

·  EDUCATION: Master's degree in divinity from Michigan Theological Seminary.

·  FAMILY: Wife, Sue; three children.  

"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? " Submitted by James Fisher 9-16-09

"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

"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.

Bruce has proved to be transparent, cooperative and competent.  He has provided stable leadership in very challenging times."

"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 8-27-2009.

"The decision to hire a city focused economic development director is in the best interest of the residents of Port Huron.  With 26% unemployment, rising home foreclosures, declining population, increased poverty rates and a shrinking industrial park, the city must have a robust economic development program.  It is painfully clear that the direction we were headed was not yielding the results needed to revitalize our city.  The residents of Port Huron still make a significant contribution to the EDA through the county and other taxpayer supported organizations."

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.

"What may appear "trivial" to one person might be very important to another.  The council must address  concerns of all the residents, even those that might appear insignificant.  The council is also required to address any number of "routine" matters that might appear trivial, but are a necessary part of the duties."

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.

"Many department heads have served the city for a long time and as a result they are near the peak of their earning potential as city employees.    As they retire, manager Bruce Brown, in partnership with the city council, is reducing the salary for those positions."

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

"The city manager, in partnership with the City Council, is well into the process of rolling out a city focused economic development plan. The plan includes identifying both people and organizations that can best serve the city's economic development interests. It also includes requiring those responsible for economic development to present detailed plans and provide monthly updates to the city manager and quarterly reports to the City Council. While it is important to shore up our manufacturing and small business base, considerable emphasis is being placed on commercial development, with a focus on strategic waterfront properties."

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

"With an unemployment rate approaching 25%, shrinking payrolls and declining population, I will not vote to raise taxes or increase water rates on the beleaguered citizens of Port Huron. We are facing the worst economic crisis since the (Great Depression). The city will find it necessary to cover the sewer separation obligation through a combination of improved efficiencies in the cost of government and an increase in economic development. Even as the economic crisis eases, I support keeping taxes and water rates low to encourage growth and development."

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

"Nearly every issue facing the city has budget or economic development implications. My wish list of issues and opportunities includes reversing the trend of a declining city population, developing a convention center, revitalization of the Thomas Edison Inn, maximizing opportunities that arise from the (Blue Water Bridge Plaza) construction, reforming government, in part, through continued cooperation with the county, and approving a city charter that is geared for a 21st century city. The good news, is that the city manager and the City Council are working in partnership on each of these issues."

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

"The current City Council has reorganized the McMorran Authority and put in place a new leadership team. The new authority has been given 36 months to create a long-term management plan and to explore ways to fund the required infrastructure improvements. It is essential that this new leadership team be given an opportunity to complete their work. Already, the new leadership team has instituted reforms that have brought us closer to a balanced budget, with a goal of ending the operating subsidy, provided by the city, within the next 24 months."