BY PATRICK LAIR
ALBANY DEMOCRAT-HERALD | Posted: Friday, October 10, 2008 12:00 am
Challenger says it's economic stability; incumbent cites taxpayer money
LEBANON - The two candidates for the Ward I city council seat have different views on what is the biggest issue facing Lebanon.
Aaron Falotico, 36, the challenger, says one of his main concerns is economic development.
"I think economic stability within Lebanon itself is a big issue, and the creation of jobs," he said.
Falotico serves on the Lebanon Planning Commission.
He says that, if elected, he would be open-minded, not just to new business ideas but to the ideas of his opponents as well.
"That's something I'd bring to the table that my opponent probably wouldn't," he said.
Ray Weldon, 73, has held the seat for four years.
He said his priorities have always been the safety and health of the citizens and making sure the taxpayers' money is used in accordance with the reasons for which it's collected.
"For me, the taxpayers' money comes first. That's what we're there for; to make sure it's used for what it's supposed to be," Weldon said.
Asked to describe his stance on economic development, Weldon said he's definitely in favor but it's not at the top of his list.
"I'm worried about livability," he said. "Economic development will take place if you've got good education and good services."
One of Falotico's charges against his opponent is that Weldon voted against the proposed medical college, something Falotico says shows that Weldon is against economic growth.
Weldon is quick to point out that he never voted against the proposed development.
What he voted against was adopting an urban renewal district to raise funds for infrastructure improvements for the campus. He said he felt the city did not coordinate enough with the Lebanon Fire District and the taxpayers should get to vote on the project since it involves tax dollars.
"The city has to learn to work with other people. They can't just do their own thing," he said.
In a recent letter to the editor, Falotico offered a different repsonse.
"Our elected leaders cannot defer everything for the public to vote on; that is why we elected them, to make decisions on our behalf," he wrote.
Weldon says his other priorites are ensuring citizens have an adequate water supply and sewer system, and good police, fire and ambulance services.
Falotico says he would be accessible to citizens and would openly discuss the issues with them.
In two other council races, Councilors Rebecca Grizzle and Don Thoma are unopposed in Wards II and III.
Council terms are four years.
Aaron Falotico
Age: 36
Occu-pation: Pricing manager for Sam's Club
Educa-tion: Bachelor's degree in political science from Portland State University
Public service: Serves on Lebanon Planning Commission, former city councilor in Eureka Springs, Ark.
Family: Wife and one child
Ray Weldon
Age: 73
Occu-pation: Retired; worked for state government
Educa-tion: Associate's degrees in accounting and business management from LBCC
Public service: Four years on city council; served on Lebanon Tourism Commission
Family: Wife, two children, three grandchildren