Do you approve of Mike Potter as Mayor?

[Xxx]

Xx

[LSL Resident]

Can't think of any reason not to. The city's commercial/sales tax base has grown dramatically, which allows the city to operate without asking for even more property taxes from the residents. The streets and storm sewers, while still in need of work, are in better shape than when he took over. The city has made the best places to live list a couple of times during his tenure. The parks system has expanded. The crime rate remains one of the lowest in the area. Those items make up most of the things we expect from our city government, so I don't have any problem with the job he has done. Of course, he has to work with the board of aldermen, and can only do so much on his own, so any credit or blame must be shared.

[DebM]

I agree things are better, but I am not so sure he is the best choice. I've been to some of the public meetings and he seems to be a little of the good old boy network type. So I guess until something better comes along, sure, but Potter himself is not ideal.

[Jerry Nutt]

Yes

[LSL Eastsider]

Someone has not kept current with the actions of our City Government... Potter wanted to raise our taxes but was outvoted...The crime rate has increase.... I agree with Deb he is with the good old boy government and he alone did nothing to the foster any improvements it ALL took the actions of the entire Board, not just one person.
This is a prime example of opinions based upon voters not being informed of the current events and actions of the Board. We were rescued from a large tax increase by the leadership of Ralph Sidebottom as well as others on the Board. This is not about friends or good ole boys it's about who truly cares about the City. I only hope that Ralph decides to run against him for Mayor. This will bring the City back to those that really cares about use.

[City Resident]

Eastsider - I guess you and I have been going to different meetings. I'm sure Ald. Sidebottom is a nice guy and all, but have you listened to him? He seems clueless most of the time, doesn't understand how things work, and is only interested in helping his retired pals. Of course, it may just seem like he is out of the loop because he always has that stupid bluetooth thing in his ear, even during the meetings. What emergency call is he expecting, exactly?

My impression is that he is a big government, union loving, publicity seeking liberal. Potter may not be perfect, but he's a far sight better than Sidebottom. Unfortunately for the City, I doubt Potter will run again, so we may be stuck with someone like Sidebottom.

[LakeLiving]

Seriously, what is the deal with the Bluetooth headset? Very disrespectful of everyone else at the meetings. Come on Ralph, focus on the meeting and take your calls later.

[LSL Eastsider]

I agree with the headset it looks very distracting and I suppose he wants to look
" techy" but I stand by my observation of him favoring tax reduction. He is definitely not a liberal as I havespokewith him on several occasions and truly seems interested in problem solving.

[City Resident]

Based on my observations, I think Ald. Sidebottom is a valuable member of the Board of Aldermen, and an important voice for his constituency. However, I just don't feel like he is the right person to lead the city. I don't see him sitting down with a major developer (Like Davis St, the developer that brought us The Meadows) and convincing them that LSL is an exciting place to bring a business. And I don't know how well he can build a consensus amoung the board members. Yes, we need to control costs and keep the taxes as low as possible, but that is only one of the things I want from my mayor. Continued expansion of our tax base (the best way to keep our taxes down) is critical, and maintenance of our infrastructure is important in keeping our property values up. If you can't deliver on those two areas, I don't care how low you keep our taxes, the city will not be one in which I want to live.