3 seats up on McCandless council, only 1 race in spring primary

Three of the seven seats on McCandless Town Council are up for reelection this year, but there is only one race in the spring primary among the candidates seeking office.

Ward 2

Incumbent representative Shelly Spohnholz, who was appointed in May to fill an unexpired term that runs through 2021, is not seeking reelection.

Marcia M. Pearson of Foxwood Drive is uncontested for the Democratic nomination in the primary.

She will face Jack Casey of Timbarra Court, who is running uncontested for the GOP nod.

Ward 6

First-term incumbent Carolyn Schweiger is running uncontested in the Republican primary. She is seeking a second, four-year term on council.

There are no candidates running for the Democratic nomination.

Ward 4

The only primary race in McCandless is for the 4th Ward Republican nomination.

Incumbent David Smith was appointed in July to complete the remainder of a term that runs through 2021.

He is being challenged for the GOP nomination by Jason Singer.

No candidates are on the ballot this spring for the 8th Ward Democratic nomination.

Here are the responses to questions posed to the two candidates:

Jason Singer

Why did you decide to run for council? To continue to give back to my community. I am a lifelong resident and want to use my spare time to keep McCandless a top-tier community where my daughter and son can call home one day.

What is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed? Keeping taxes in line while keeping our local public services functioning to the highest standards. I will preserve our communities’ green space through responsible development practices.

What should voters know about you? I am a fourth-generation McCandless resident. I have served previously on the steering committee for the McCandless Comprehensive plan and also served as chairman for four years on the Environmental Advisory Committee.

David E. Smith

Why did you decide to run for council? I have the privilege of currently serving the residents of McCandless as a council member and hope to continue that honored service.

For over 15 years, my wife, children and I have lived and grown in our community. Our town, with the level of passion and commitment I bring, will continue its position at the forefront of the region as an amazing place to live, work and develop. My experience, perspective and analytical ability have helped and will continue to help our council proactively identify and understand issues and concerns, turning words and diversity of thought into tangible, productive action. I have demonstrated I can work with a broad group of citizens to drive towards a consensus, but am also able to respectfully disagree. I feel my experience, skills and mission focus will be vital as we collectively strive to maintain a principled, balanced approach towards local government’s proper scope.

What is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed? Budgeting. Our town manager, Bob Grimm, and the town staff have done an exemplary job of reducing spending and gaining needed momentum to trend the budget into a more positive position. But more must be done, and it merits our undivided attention if we hope to grow and provide not only needs, but wants, to our community. As such, my primary focus will be concentrated here so our town, without tax hikes, will continue to be fiscally agile in order to provide the stellar services and amenities our residents deserve.

What should voters know about you? I am a lifelong Republican with libertarian leanings — smaller government is better government. With my background as an attorney, I do not fall victim to viewing issues through an emotional lens or with a knee-jerk response that may only deepen a hole. Rather, I approach problems in a process-oriented way, which I feel leads to the better decision.

Serving on council has been my first experience in any public or political position. As such, I approach each issue with a willingness to listen and understand all opinions and viewpoints, even those differing from mine, with the singular objective of doing what is best for our town and residents.

I also unequivocally and proudly support the women and men of not only our McCandless Police Department but also our nation’s police, firefighters and military members, the vast majority of whom serve the public selflessly, faithfully and without fanfare.