jessica.kerman@heraldbulletin.com
City Hall auditorium was filled Wednesday night during the mayoral debate sponsored by The Herald Bulletin.
Three of the four candidates running for mayor — Republican Kevin Smith, Democrat Kris Ockomon and Independent Robert “Roofer Rob” Jozwiak — spoke about several issues, including development on the west side of Anderson, bringing jobs to the community and other controversial topics.
Write-in candidate Antony “Ty” Bibbs was invited to participate in the debate, but had another commitment at the same time.
Throughout the evening, the candidates were posed with eight questions — six created by The Herald Bulletin editorial board and two suggested from the audience.
When asked about attracting jobs to Anderson, candidates offered several theories as to how to do it.
“The first thing we’ve got to do is understand why we lost our jobs,” Jozwiak said.
Throughout the night, Jozwiak talked about his stance on illegal immigrants working in Anderson. Jozwiak said businesses that hire illegal immigrants were to blame for the unfairly competitive work force in the region.
“If you continue to vote Republican or Democrat, we’re going to get the same thing,” he said.
Jozwiak said he’d try to change federal policy to be stronger on illegal immigrants.
“I’m going to go to Washington, D.C., not China, not Japan,” he said.
Smith said jobs were the most important issue four years ago when he was elected, and they are still the most important issue in this election.
“Now we have a new attitude,” he said. “We worked to change our reputation around the state, the nation and globally.”
Smith said partnerships and an aggressive approach to economic development helped Anderson grow and would continue that process.
Ockomon agreed with Smith that an aggressive approach to economic development was the answer to the jobs problem in Anderson. However, he said, the kinds of jobs coming into the city should be more important. He said better education and lower crime rates would attract more businesses to Anderson.
“My wife (Ann) is a teacher,” he said. “They need help in what they do.”
The candidates were also asked about developing the west side of Anderson.
Smith said the city was trying to find a “viable developer” that could help that area of town.
“We’ve continued to work toward that goal,” he said. “That’s something I would like to announce today, but I can’t because we’re working with the private sector.”
Ockomon said he wondered why the city was paying for parking improvements on a building in The Flagship for Affiliated Computer Services while other buildings on the west side had the parking available for the company.
“Mayor Smith says they didn’t want to be on the west side,” Ockomon said.
The city cannot give in so easily, he said.
Ockomon also remarked he was “embarrassed” by some of the parks on the west side, particularly Jackson Park’s stage area.
Jozwiak said he had a personal stake in the development of the west side.
“I live on the west side, and I love it over there,” he said. “There’s some problems, some planning problems over there.”
Jozwiak said the businesses on the west side should be given tax abatements and other incentives like businesses on the other side of town.
“The Democrats and Republicans are both responsible for bad planning,” he said.
The candidates also talked about the airport, crime rates and nonprofit organizations.
The night ended with passionate speeches from all candidates.
Ockomon said his priorities were public safety, economic development and bringing in better jobs.
“It’s all about priorities,” he said.
Smith said Anderson is better than it was four years ago, and he wants to continue that progress.
“We’re only at the tip of the iceberg with what can be accomplished,” he said.
Jozwiak vowed to improve Anderson when he becomes mayor.
“I will be your next mayor,” he said. “Hands down. Whether you like it or not.”
