Mayoral candidates share views, visions
Editor's Note: A questionnaire was mailed to Florence mayoral candidates Josh Inlow and Susan Klassen. There was no response from Inlow.
Susan Klassen, mayoral candidate, City of Florence.
Question 1. Why do you want to be elected mayor?
Answer: "I would like to be mayor because I strongly believe that we are on the verge of either going forward and becoming a great city again or going by the wayside like so many other small towns in America.
"I would like to be a part of our revitalization. We have so much to offer but we need to get the word out and network.
"I think the idea of agri-tourism is a wonderful way for us to bring outsiders to town and show them what we have to offer."
Question 2. What are the three most important issues to you and your community?
Answer: "First is the lack of new housing and the people to fill them.
"Second is the assessed value of our homes. It keeps going up with no end in sight. We have the highest mill levy in the county and I think we need to find out why.
"Everyone is afraid to improve their property for fear of higher taxes. Something doesn't add up.
"And lastly we need to come together as a single-minded small town with everyone on the same page working toward improving Florence."
Question 3. What goals would you like to accomplish while in office?
Answer: "I think my goals are to help promote positive thinking and acknowledge volunteers on a regular basis. We have one of the strongest volunteer bases for a town our size and we need to make them feel appreciated and needed."
Question 4. What is your background?
Answer: "I have been postmaster of Florence for two years and during that time I have been active on the Labor Day committee, PRIDE committee, chamber of commerce, economic development and planning board, historical society, and this year I am a member of Leadership Marion County.
"Someone asked me how I could be mayor and still be involved in those things. My answer was really quite simple.
"To me all of the organizations I belong to should intertwine with the mayor anyway. They are all working toward a common goal of improving Florence and looking ahead.
"I'm not going in this with rose-colored glasses. I know there are some tough situations that need to be dealt with but I would be honored to be the next mayor of Florence."
