Pauline Repp:

·  AGE: 58.

·  RESIDENCE: 3112 E. Woodland Drive.

·  OCCUPATION: Retired Port Huron city clerk.

·  POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: Member of Port Huron Charter Commission.

·  EDUCATION: Associate degree in business management from St. Clair County Community College; certification as a master municipal clerk.

·  FAMILY: Husband, Gregory; four children; three grandchildren  

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

"Any way of lessening the burden for our taxpayers should be looked at; however, because income tax revenues are a large part of the City's budget and are paid by non-residents as well as residents, any decision to eliminate it would need to be looked at very carefully."

"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"

"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.

 

"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.

"I believe that it is of the utmost importance that the City of Port Huron pursue economic opportunities.  As far as whether the current City Council made the right decision to "go it alone" will remain to be seen.  It is far too soon to analyze the results of this decision.  In all fairness, the only people who were privy to all the facts about this decision was the current City Council and the EDA and for me to make any judgment without knowing all that was involved would be irresponsible.  I would have liked to have seen more shared publicly and perhaps it could have resulted in a more amicable resolution to the issue. "

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

No Response

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.

"Our objective should be to have quality department heads serving the citizens of Port Huron.  To do this, we need to be competitive with other similar communities.  Reviewing compensation  for department heads for appropriateness in the market place is certainly prudent when the positions are being vacated"

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

"It is important that the city be part of a regional partnership for economic development, one that is beneficial to everyone. A joint effort in the recruitment of diversified business opportunities as well as making sure we have a skilled and trained work force is crucial. I believe the expansion and reconstruction of the Blue Water Bridge Plaza will open up opportunities that will improve the local economy. The city needs to take advantage of this project by playing a major part in the process with continued cooperation with the county and surrounding jurisdictions."

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

"This project has been a huge burden on our taxpayers. To date, the city has been fortunate to have received grants and loans, and stimulus money has been earmarked for this project. Combined, all of these have helped lessen the burden, but it is imperative that the city be fiscally responsible by making sure enough money is available to pay off the mounting debt. During these difficult economic times, spending needs to be at a minimum and new sources of revenue looked into; however, city services necessary for the public health and welfare of our citizens should not be eliminated."

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

"Cooperation amongst surrounding jurisdictions and community partners seems to be at a low. I believe that in order for the city to move forward and prosper there needs to be a united effort to work on joint projects and to share services where possible. A regional group should be formed with representatives from the city, the county and surrounding jurisdictions as well as other interested participants. I also believe that the city itself needs to have a united vision of what it wants to be and then work on achieving that goal. Citizen involvement is imperative."

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

"McMorran was a wonderful gift to the city but one that did not include money for its future. At present, only the citizens of Port Huron are financially responsible for its upkeep yet this facility is enjoyed by many nonresidents. Ways of making the facility operate with less of a deficit as well as ways to share its financial burden and governance with others should be explored. McMorran is a major player in the success of downtown Port Huron and all options for its continued operation should be reviewed. Closing its doors would be a last resort."