2008 Woodie Awards
Candidates square off to become next mayor
By: Troy Montigney
Issue date: 11/6/07 Section: News
- Page 1 of 1
After months of campaigning to succeed outgoing mayor Nancy Michael, the race between Steve Butts (R) and Sue Murray (D) will reach its conclusion today as voters head to the polls to cast their votes. Information on the candidates and their views was obtained at the Oct. 24 “Candidates’ Forum” presented on campus by WGRE-FM, the Greencastle League of Women Voters, and the Banner-Graphic. Registered voters may check www.indianavoters.com for their assigned polling location.
Steve Butts (R)
Day job: Owner and operator of Steve’s Wrecker Service on N. Jackson Street
Views on Greencastle’s smoking ban: Butts is not opposed to a smoke-free Greencastle. However, he feels businesses should reserve the individual right to make their establishments smoke-free.
How involved should the mayor be in DePauw’s presidential search?: “I think it would be a mistake for the city to have an influence on an independent university.”
What can Greencastle do to attract small businesses?: Butts feels the city must advertise itself for what it is: a safe place to raise a family that is conveniently located near Indianapolis. In addition, the city must show an active interest in businesses that may potentially relocate here.
Views on establishing a community center: “I think it would be wise to utilize the facilities that we have.”
How can Greencastle improve town-gown relations with DePauw?: Butts was unaware of the strain in town-gown relations until recently, but said he understands the difference in cultures that exists. He cited the campus of Purdue University and surrounding West Lafayette area as a town-gown situation that DePauw and Greencastle could learn from.
Sue Murray (D)
Day job: Putnam County Hospital social services director
Views on Greencastle’s smoking ban: Murray supports the smoking ban and said 26 states have enacted similar legislation. She feels the city must support the health of workers in local businesses, as well as protect the health of its citizens.
How involved should the mayor be in DePauw’s presidential search?: “We do have something here that we are jointly interested in, and we jointly need to work together.”
What can Greencastle do to attract small businesses?: Murray said Greencastle can succeed in marketing the community to businesses. However, another factor that must be considered is the education level of city residents. Without people who are able to fill jobs at new businesses, it is unlikely they will choose to locate here.
Views on establishing a community center: Murray acknowledges the need for this type of facility.
“The issue of how to build it, how to sustain it, are obviously going to be the ones that continue to be challenging for us.”
How can Greencastle improve town-gown relations with DePauw?: Murray has interacted with many University students through her job at the hospital and said they don’t perceive they are welcome in the community. Many students are harassed as they walk on campus and enter local stores. Additionally, cultural events such as musical performances and guest lecturers at DePauw could be advertised better in the Greencastle community.
Steve Butts (R)
Day job: Owner and operator of Steve’s Wrecker Service on N. Jackson Street
Views on Greencastle’s smoking ban: Butts is not opposed to a smoke-free Greencastle. However, he feels businesses should reserve the individual right to make their establishments smoke-free.
How involved should the mayor be in DePauw’s presidential search?: “I think it would be a mistake for the city to have an influence on an independent university.”
What can Greencastle do to attract small businesses?: Butts feels the city must advertise itself for what it is: a safe place to raise a family that is conveniently located near Indianapolis. In addition, the city must show an active interest in businesses that may potentially relocate here.
Views on establishing a community center: “I think it would be wise to utilize the facilities that we have.”
How can Greencastle improve town-gown relations with DePauw?: Butts was unaware of the strain in town-gown relations until recently, but said he understands the difference in cultures that exists. He cited the campus of Purdue University and surrounding West Lafayette area as a town-gown situation that DePauw and Greencastle could learn from.
Sue Murray (D)
Day job: Putnam County Hospital social services director
Views on Greencastle’s smoking ban: Murray supports the smoking ban and said 26 states have enacted similar legislation. She feels the city must support the health of workers in local businesses, as well as protect the health of its citizens.
How involved should the mayor be in DePauw’s presidential search?: “We do have something here that we are jointly interested in, and we jointly need to work together.”
What can Greencastle do to attract small businesses?: Murray said Greencastle can succeed in marketing the community to businesses. However, another factor that must be considered is the education level of city residents. Without people who are able to fill jobs at new businesses, it is unlikely they will choose to locate here.
Views on establishing a community center: Murray acknowledges the need for this type of facility.
“The issue of how to build it, how to sustain it, are obviously going to be the ones that continue to be challenging for us.”
How can Greencastle improve town-gown relations with DePauw?: Murray has interacted with many University students through her job at the hospital and said they don’t perceive they are welcome in the community. Many students are harassed as they walk on campus and enter local stores. Additionally, cultural events such as musical performances and guest lecturers at DePauw could be advertised better in the Greencastle community.
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