The five candidates for Solon city council faced a packed room and tough questions Monday, October 20 in a forum at the Solon Public Library co-hosted by the Library and the Solon Economist, and moderated by the League of Women Voters of Johnson County (LWVJC).
Incumbents Cole Gabriel and Lauren Whitehead are defending their seats against challengers Tim Gordon, Matt Macke, and Greg Morris in next week’s city and school election Tuesday, Nov. 4.
After brief introductions the candidates took questions from the LWVJC and attendees (submitted to and selected by LWVJC volunteers). Each candidate had an opportunity to respond and summaries and excerpts of their comments follow. The full video of the forum is available on the LWVJC’s Facebook page, www.facebook.com/LWVJCIA.
LWVJC – “Water quality is an important issue in all Johnson County communities. The Silurian aquifer is the primary source of ground water for Solon and its surrounding communities as both climate and societal habits continue to shift. A recent study shows that water levels for the Silurian aquifer are projected to decrease. What strategies should the Solon city council consider to combat the predicted drawdown?
Gabriel – “I think Solon and the surrounding communities, and especially Johnson County, need to be aware that we need to expand to make things more accessible and affordable as far as housing goes county-wide. We also need to be very cautious about how much pressure that puts on the aquifer. If things run too low too quickly and no one has water, it doesn’t matter if something was affordable when you built it.”
Gordon – “My feelings on that probably revolve more around density and education. Density in a town like this has been a big factor. That’s why we don’t have the North Liberty 12-plex’s.”
Gordon focused on public education, “…letting them know that there could be a problem down the road and maybe change things.”
Macke – “We need to listen to our experts (EPA, DNR, USGS), if they’re telling us that this is going to be a problem then we need to start educating and preparing right now for it so we don’t get to a crisis point and don’t have the infrastructure to support as the town grows. I think we need to approach it with an open mind, listen to our experts, and make good decisions when we’re planning around our infrastructure.”
Morris – “Water has been a big issue around here for a long time and it is something that is constantly on everybody’s mind. I think the most important thing is the city needs to do a good job on a yearly basis to inform us (on the status of the aquifer). We can all talk about ‘this is good and that’s bad,’ and that’s fair. But I think it’s important that whoever (EPA, DNR, etc.) tells us where we’re at on a yearly basis so we don’t go into crisis mode all of a sudden.”
Whitehead – “We are not alone and I feel we shouldn’t be handling this all alone. I’ve been talking with literally everybody who will listen to me in Johnson County, the higher state level, I’ve been talking to candidates for senatorial office, anybody who wants to represent Solon. I’ve been telling them it’s not fair. We’re burdening ourselves with a huge cost that’s going to serve regional purposes. We need to be advocating for Solon at higher levels, we need help, we need support.”
LWVJC – “Solon has seen rapid growth in recent years but housing prices and rents have risen faster than many residents can afford. How do you plan to ensure that Solon remains a welcoming community for residents of all income levels including teachers, service workers, and seniors on fixed incomes while maintaining this city’s small town character?”
Gordon – “The housing crisis is obviously nationwide, not just Solon, but it is very difficult with interest rates and prices to make it affordable. With state law allowing Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU), Gordon said that is something that could be looked at affordable housing.
“Its something that needs to be looked at, I don’t know the actual answer of ‘how,’ but its possible with the right people.”
Macke – “We need to look into state programming for that (ADUs). There are certainly things we cannot control as a city council, some of that is market volatility, assessments, we all pay property taxes and get that nice letter from the Assessor’s Office saying your house just went up 40-grand; we don’t have any control over that. The question I have is when you start talking HUD (Housing and Urban Development) and affordable housing, the government sets that rate. It is something that we need to be looking at and trying to do without another expansion area, especially as big as Trail Ridge, to keep Solon’s small town feel.”
Morris – “The question to me is really interesting because the elephant in the room is the word ‘affordable.’ We can look at each of us and what does ‘affordable’ mean? We all would like to provide places for anybody who wants to move to Solon to live. But it’s not the city’s business to get into building, at least the city of Solon right now. The cost of land, the cost of materials, the labor cost, it is an issue. The Solon Community Housing Corporation, we’re trying to figure out what is good and attainable housing for seniors, and its not easy and it hasn’t been easy in the costs that come back to us. Its staggering.”
Whitehead – “This summer I participated in a number of housing study meetings that the county’s putting on focused on non-metro Johnson County. I found out that someone earning the median income can barely afford the minimal- priced home. This tells us the market isn’t meeting our needs. We need options for workers, for families, for seniors. I’m interested in exploring options like ADUs, smaller footprint houses. I’m not talking about apartment buildings, I’m talking about cottages, not condos, solutions that make home ownership attainable.”
Gabriel – “I don’t think the city is ready to be a developer but something we do have some influence over is if a developer comes to us and they have a design. We can give feedback to them and say we believe this community needs more senior housing; I would love to see an additional 55+ senior housing community in Solon. I don’t think building at the rate of North Liberty is healthy or appropriate but, if there are smaller developments that are happening, a ‘zero-lot’ is not the worst thing in the world. Having an occasional two-plex or three-plex is not bad. That’s how I got my start in Solon.”
LWVJC (submitted) – “Will you support our efforts to increase water monitoring, efforts by Keith Schilling (State Geologist), and Johnson County? We have one well in Kent Park and have done no new monitoring’s since the 1970s and early 80s. We’ve asked him to speak in Solon about his water protection efforts. We want to set up a county committee and area government water use board, and to meet quarterly and discuss water issues. So, will you support that?”
Macke – “The bigger question I have is why hasn’t it been monitored since then?”
Macke reiterated his earlier statement about listening to experts regarding the new sewer treatment plant and the demands of the city.
“That is a study I would support, absolutely, but I would be curious why it hasn’t already been done.”
Morris – “Its interesting to me that Kent Park came up, because I’m not sure how that pertains to what we’re doing here, and only because I’m not that familiar with the entire study. It circles back to what we’re doing here and being smart. If we need to invite him in to educate us about what’s going on in Solon, I am for that. I am in agreement about listening to what he has to say.”
Whitehead – “ I’m a lways i n f avor o f inter-governmental cooperations so, I’m already talking to other leaders in the county about how we’re dealing with this aquifer drawdown and water quality issues. We all need to be working together so, yeah, I would be in favor of some kind of group where we are communicating with each other and not operating in isolation from each other. And I’m always in favor of bringing in information and sharing with the community.”
Gabriel – “I believe it is incredibly vital, I think there is evidence immediately outside the city – Gallery Acres, Macbride Pointe. The reason they turn to us is because of arsenic and I see that as a growing issue within the surrounding communities. Anything that would bring additional information to the cities, the governments, and most importantly, the residents, so that we can make informed decisions going forward would be welcome.”
Gordon – “I would be in full support, hopefully we can find the right people to form a committee that will represent Solon very well whether it be council, public. I’d be fully on-board to see why this hasn’t been explored before.”
LWVJC (submitted) – “Lack of transparency has been a common complaint about the city council including the fact that none of the material the council sees in making its decisions is available to the public at the meeting or online. What do you feel can be done to make the work of the city council more transparent? Do you support sharing non-confidential material being placed online at least 24 hours before the meeting?”
Morris – “I think the city right now does a pretty good job of putting the agenda out there. They have to, that’s state law. But as far as the rest of the stuff, what it really comes down to is where do you start and stop? It can be very lengthy and I understand the question about transparency, so when something comes up in a meeting it’s not a surprise to us as taxpayers that we read in the paper. I think if it’s an important agenda item dealing with dollars and cents, our dollars and cents, it could be expanded upon. If you’re looking at something on Tuesday night and something catches your eye, you can say I’m going to go Wednesday night so I understand what’s going on.”
Whitehead – “Transparency and accessibility were a priority for me when I was elected initially eight years ago and I think we’ve actually come a long way. We have a website overhaul, our agendas, our minutes, our videos are streaming now, so we are more available. However, I do believe the agenda and resolution or ordinance language, especially, should be available in advance for people to review. For my part, I’m happy to continue to answer any questions that anybody has and share my information so everybody feels confident about what’s going on and understands my decision.”
Gabriel – “Especially over the last year, this has popped up quite a bit. I believe we should, as many of the small communities as well as the Johnson County Board of Supervisors, they all put out their full agenda at least 24 hours beforehand. I think if there’s any resolution language or any changes to ordinances those should be fully visible to the public so people can be able to read them.
The only part I have a hesitation is confidential matters.”
Gordon – “The whole transparency thing is a huge topic that I have been asked about a lot. The agenda can be very vague and I think that’s a problem a lot of people have. When you’re talking about hundreds of thousands of dollars you’re spending, you’ve got one sentence to look at.”
Macke – “If it’s not a violation of some sort of privacy law, confidential nature, employee issue or something that needs to be in a closed session, it is our tax dollars and we have a right to know how our tax dollars are spent. And, if it is not going to be an interference to a meeting or some haphazard information that is going to mess something up, then I say absolutely yes, everybody should have visibility into what’s going on and how our money is being spent.”
LWVJC (submitted) – “What do you consider Solon’s biggest ‘win’ and ‘miss’ in the past five years?”
Whitehead – “Our biggest win and our biggest miss has been the Community Center. I’m so grateful that we established it, it was my favorite part of starting office, I got to be a part of that project launch. We took a great building and turned it into something we definitely need, and it has served its purpose and its going away. We could have anticipated this better. What I want us to do is to proactively start ASAP figuring out solutions to losing that center and making plans to construct a new center that’s going to meet the needs of all of our residents.”
Gabriel – “I think the biggest win was the near-simultaneous opening of the new fire station and the (Sheriff’s) substation. I think those were two big, notable achievements that improved public safety. The biggest miss does go to the Community Center. While the school has been an excellent partner, we knew this issue was coming.”
Gordon – “I would say the win would be the Fire Department however, the substation, I would certainly much rather have an ambulance sitting there. The Fire Department does a great job but its one thing that I really think would benefit the community.”
Macke – “I think Solon has a lot to be proud of. Our Rec Department does a lot for youth sports, I see a lot of good things about our town. The miss would be the Community Center.”
Morris – “The biggest w in, Main Street. Friends from all over comment how nice Main Street is. How welcoming Main Street is. You can start there and then blossom out. We’ve got a good thing going. The biggest miss right now is the Community Center/Recreation Center. If elected I’ve got some ideas maybe to help get that moving in the right direction.”
LWVJC (submitted) – “How would you address the lack of a Community Center or a Rec Center once the existing structure is demolished?”
Gordon – “I do believe that we should have definitely had more insight into what we could do to replace it. A community center would be amazing. Our Parks and Rec Department does an amazing job, obviously they’re going to need a home.”
Macke – “First we need to figure out a location where its even feasible to build something like that. The location its in right now is perfect. It doesn’t require kids from all the schools to cross Highway 1, its within walking distance of the elementary and intermediate schools because they see a huge uptick in usage after school gets out. I would like to keep it located around there but where we could do that at, I’m not sure. I do think it needs to be a priority.”
Morris – “To me it’s a two-fold part – the first part is a community center for people to meet: meetings, gatherings, fun and games. Then there’s also the rec center part. Its going to be missed because its going to be blank space. Right now, the best way to do it is, you’re going to have to work with other entities that have space in town where other groups meet. Its not going to be easy.
The other thing to realize is, when we are able to do this, it’s going to take time. Its not going to happen overnight as far as construction. I think its something everybody wants, but you’re going to have to figure out dollars and cents.”
Whitehead – “The new Community Center is going to be a really fun challenge. Our immediate challenge is going to be finding creative solutions to house our programming once the center is gone. We’re going to have to be agile, adapt, and I think our Rec Department is up to the challenge.
I see the Community Center reflecting who we are as a town; connected, caring, and multi-generational. We’ll have to pursue grants, partnerships, public input every step of the way.”
Gabriel – “We will advocate and pursue any partnerships with local entities to keep the existing programs running. If we have to lease space, if we have to open new space, if we have to consider alternative infrastructure like expanding the existing library to serve as a defacto community center, I am open to all of those options.”
LWVJC (submitted) – “How about a decent place for a food pantry?”
Macke – “Absolutely, we could find a place for it.”
Morris – “First, talk to the people who work in it and see what they think is needed. It is a needed entity in town, there’s no doubt about it. But trying to find the ‘right place’ would be interesting. Cost, number one, and then accessibility. It’s got to be easy for people to get to.”
Whitehead – “This is a very important service that our community needs and I’m grateful for the folks that staff it, they put their hearts into it. I believe we’ve got to incorporate a food pantry space into any community center, it must be accessible, it must be open when people can get to it, so I’m in support of that.”
Gabriel – “I have been meeting with the Solon Food Pantry as well as the senior support groups for the past couple of months finding ways to better improve coordination and cooperation. This is a current topic with the existing Council and City Administration.”
Gordon – “ The P antry i s d oing a f antastic j ob, obviously an upgrade would be nice. Something in a community center with access from families to seniors to everybody else would be fantastic.”
LWVJC (submitted) – “There have been a number of reports, such as the Al Wells hotel project and the Jordan Creek Church, that it is difficult to work with the City. What do you think the appropriate relationship to be between the City and residents? And how will you go about fixing the reported issues?”
Morris – “I think the most important thing when it comes to issues if people are concerned is to take it to a council meeting so the entire council hears the issue. As the Council, you have to do your best to answer the questions appropriately, and if it’s a deal where you have to turn to the City Attorney to make sure you’re answering it right and within the law, do that.
To read about those issues is disheartening, but I’m not in a spot to comment on what’s right and wrong because I’m not really sure what the rights and wrongs are.”
Whitehead – “This is not the first time I’ve heard this type of communication from residents. I think communication between the City and its folks is something that always has to evolve. I’m very open to feedback and try to make myself as accessible as possible. I think it’s a councilor’s job to listen with respect and the City should operate that way as well.”
Gabriel – “As far as specific issues we’ve had, the best way to approach that is, even if you can’t agree with them in the moment, if they have an issue or there is a point to the conversation, and you can’t agree with them in that particular moment; talking with city administration, talking with your fellow councilors and coming back trying to make things more efficient.”
Gordon – “Without knowing all the details I don’t see how it could be difficult to work with the City Council with full communication. Transparency is the difficulty there because you also want to maintain privacy for who is involved, so we’re not taking sides. Knowledge is the key for whoever is trying to get the city council to do something for them.”
Macke – “Difficult to work with is a wide spread, ambiguous term. Is it difficult to work with, difficult to talk to, didn’t like the agreement or terms? What is the exact problem? I don’t know. It probably is a communication error, so people skills 101 – find out what each other’s interests are and at the end of the day, it still has to make sense for Solon. It really should benefit and be in the best interest of both parties. What I find weird is sitting here today is we have two sitting Solon council members and I didn’t hear an answer.”
LWVJC (submitted) – “What is your agenda or plan for Solon for the next five years?”
Whitehead – “My top priority right now is figuring out a short term plan for recreation and the Community Center, we’ve got to do that ASAP. We have to launch that wastewater treatment plant successfully, get that off the ground, and a big goal of mine is I want to work with young people, with people interested in leadership, so there are new engaged and informed people ready to step in and contribute to our community.”
Gabriel – “Over the next five years the most important items for Solon, two of them are going to be infrastructure – the water treatment plant and getting a community center built. I would like the City to set up a Senior Liaison to meet with the senior support groups to improve coordination and communication. Shepherding the growth over the next five years is going to be vital for Solon’s future. Approaching that with care and concern is going to be vital.”
Gordon – “For me the top priority would be improving the relationship between the public and the City. I think that needs to be addressed. Yes, we need a community center but we’ve all got to get along. When I walk down the street I want to see more smiles and more handshakes.”
Macke – “Community center, that would be a big one, but I’ve also lived in three sides of this town. One thing that hasn’t been talked about tonight is our internal roads and our drainage system. There are a lot of roads that do not have curbs. I would like to see more internal Solon infrastructure projects before we go supporting a new development and pouring their new roads and drainage systems. There’s a lot of great stuff I’d love to do, but until I know all the details, I’m not going to promise you something I can’t deliver.”
Morris – “The most important thing to me for the next five years is to be a good listener. To listen to what people have to say and what is important to them. If we can take that to Council and make things better in town, that would be number one for me. The water treatment plant is well on its way, its going to be expensive, but we don’t have a choice. The Community Center/Recreation Center would be very important. And I like the curb and gutter program. People from outside Solon notice it. It has helped things and people do pay attention to that, so I would support that.”
LWVJC – “What is one issue we have not discussed this evening that you think is important for Solon?”
Macke – “I would like to expand (the Parks and Rec program), talk to those folks, find out what more they need, get some updated equipment. I would like to investigate, expand upon, find out how to build that up so it can more efficiently serve Solon families.”
Morris – “It is incredibly expensive when someone decides to leave their job, to bring someone new in-to hire them and train them. What I would like to do is meet individually with each employee, find out what they like about their job, what we can do to help their job, and to keep them here. If they like Solon, let’s keep them here.”
Whitehead – “A challenge our current Council has, and the next Council will have is stepping up as advocates for Solon in our region and at the state level. We are in a very unique and amazing breaking point. We’re growing so fast, we have amenities we want to provide, this whole area is going to increasingly rely on Solon; I think any leader in this community should be stepping up and talking to and collaborating with other government leaders to make sure that Solon is being heard, and that Solon is getting resources that we deserve and need to continue to grow, thrive, and serve our people and the communities that continually rely on them.”
Gabriel – “Supporting and expanding Main Street. If you compare Main Street to 20 years ago its night and day. There’s been explosive growth and a lot of stability there but I want to make sure that it stays healthy and keeps growing. We’ve all noticed that certain stores on Main Street have closed over the years but I want to make sure the City is a good partner to ensure that new businesses coming in, and existing businesses can thrive, and that there are opportunities for local employment for Solonites. I would like to see the latest downtown expansion come to fruition within the next year, get existing properties sold, get businesses in them, and then talk with all of the business owners and see what we can do to help them go for the next step forward.”
Gordon – “The biggest thing is business. Whether its drawing in new business or helping the ones that are currently here thrive through TIF (Tax Increment Financing, a funding mechanism for urban renewal in Iowa), through anything else. We’ve got some great businesses in town. The downtown project, definitely needs updated to see how we’re going to move forward with that.”