Candidates for the Independence City Commission share their priorities for office if they are elected.

 

The Independence Chamber of Commerce hosted a candidate forum at the Civic Center last week. The five individuals running for the City Commission – D.J. Lawrie, Marjorie Reynolds, Scott Smith, Cory Standridge, and Tim White -- shared their views on a variety of topics. One of the question each candidate was asked was to explain their top priority if elected.

 

 Candidate Darnell "D.J." Lawrie says his top priority will be to bring affordable housing to the City.

 

Marjorie Reynolds says the most important issue for her is finding ways to encourage more affordable childcare.

 

Scott Smith agreed that housing was important, but that it is part of the bigger issue of increasing the City’s population. New housing developments and improved rental apartments in the downtown area will help reach that goal. Smith says other great features of Independence are downtown and Riverside Park.

 

Candidate Corey Standridge answered the same question, stating that he agreed with the other candidates in that housing and childcare are important. However, Standridge says his emphasis would be on retaining employees, especially those who work for EMS.

 

Candidate Tim White says the most important issue in his campaign is to find the best use for taxpayer money.

 

All five candidates will be on the November 4th ballot for the general election in Independence. The full candidate forum can be found here.

 

Clockwise starting at the top left: Darnell "D.J." Lawrie, Marjorie Reynolds, Scott Smith, Tim White, Cory Standridge