Three of the six candidates vying for a seat on the Fairfield City Council attended the annual Candidate Forum hosted by the Freestone County Times on Thursday, March 28, 2019 at the Green Barn Civic Center. Incumbent Councilman Place 4, Landis Bayless, and his opponent Luke Ward, Jr., along with candidate for Councilman Place 3, Bobby Nichols, made themselves available to answer questions and share their visions for the future of Fairfield. Incumbent Place 5, Jason Bosley, did not attend, but instead sent a representative, Nena Price, to stand outside and distribute a six-page letter on his behalf. His opponent for Place 5, David Steward, was out of town and also unable to attend. Incumbent Place 3, Keith Daniels, also declined the invitation, citing a family birthday. Each candidate in attendance was given time to introduce themselves to the audience. Luke Ward, candidate for Place 4, feels that it would be a great honor to serve. He shared that his focus is on infrastructure, establishing a strong network of water, sewer, and streets. Ward recalled how city administrators were once very concerned about a water crisis, but said the conversation addressing those issues has diminished. He feels that a long-term supply of water, street repairs, and overall beautification will help to attract more businesses and commerce to town. “Without that water, we’re up a creek,” Ward emphasized. Landis Bayless, incumbent for Place 4, shed light on his opponent’s concerns. Bayless stated that the current Council already has plans in motion to address these matters. He explained that water projects, street repairs, and code enforcement are all ongoing projects within the city and commended Ward for his interest in pursuing those improvements. Bayless said he is seeking re-election because he firmly believes in finishing what he starts, expressing his dedication to see Fairfield continue on the right track. “Once you start something, you want to finish it,” stated Bayless. Bobby Nichols, candidate for Place 3, has worked for Nucor Steel as a quality lead person for thirty-nine years, playing an active role in planning and budgeting for the company. He and his wife made their home in Fairfield twelve years ago and have a deep love for the community. Nichols also feels that more work is needed on the town’s infrastructure. “This is my home, this is where I live. I want to see Fairfield do well, I want to see it grow, and I want to be a part of that.” The candidates answered five questions before turning the Forum over to questions from the audience. If elected, what three steps would you take to put our city on a firmer financial footing? Luke Ward feels that local governments should look at decrease rather than increase, disagreeing with tax hikes to compensate for dwindling revenues. Ward said instead, the city should seek to trim unnecessary spending first and evaluate spending practices. He believes officials should treat city funds like they would their own, spending wisely and thoughtfully. Landis Bayless answered that Fairfield’s most recent budget is very lean, with the city enjoying considerably low tax rates compared to other cities. He feels that Fairfield is very efficient considering its size. Bayless explained that when revenues are lost, officials must find a way to replace them by gradually working to grow the town and build up infrastructure to attract more commerce. He says he is in favor of pursuing grants to accomplish that goal. Bobby Nichols shared advice he was given when he first began work at Nucor – spend money like it came out of your own bank account. Nichols promised to make sure that every dollar spent is spent wisely and with proper planning. He noted that several actions have been taken recently without a strategy in place; something he believes should come first in the decision-making process. Do you think commerce in our town is healthy and successful? If not, what would you do to change that? Landis Bayless answered that, while Fairfield cannot make people come here and open businesses, it can make the city a more attractive place to do so by offering a strong infrastructure, tax abatements and incentives. Bayless explained that with the town’s population under five thousand, Fairfield does not always appeal to larger businesses. He said that, at last count, Fairfield services around six to seven thousand people outside its city limits. To grow, Bayless believes Fairfield must increase its population to reflect that. Bobby Nichols said he feels local business is doing well, noting lots of interstate traffic and regular events going on to attract more visitors and shoppers. However, Nichols reminded the crowd that that could change quickly if Fairfield does not employ proper planning, and credits this as one of his many reasons for campaigning for Council. He shared how his hometown of Hearne declined the opportunity to allow Nucor to build its steel mill and, as a result of poor future planning, suffered a major economic downturn. Luke Ward believes that Fairfield is home to many great businesses, thanking those who invest in the town and encouraging citizens to shop local and return that investment. Ward agreed that the city’s focus should be on establishing a strong infrastructure, repeating his platform of providing more water, and incentives to attract new business. If you received a $1 million grant to use for the city any way you wanted, what would you do with it and why? Landis Bayless mused that he would use the free money to build baseball complexes. He explained that teams and their families travel often and stay in hotels, putting money back into the community. Bayless explained that while cities rarely fund and construct event centers, they are able to assist in certain aspects of those projects. He summarized that he would use the money to increase tourism and enhance the town. Luke Ward said he would construct a covered rodeo arena. He feels there is a need for it and believes it would increase commerce and tourism. Ward emphasized that a well-run, well-advertised arena would attract many rodeo enthusiasts to the area. Bobby Nichols answered that he would evaluate the city’s needs and apply the funds accordingly. As a bass fisherman, Nichols says he would advocate for fishing tournaments to attract other fishermen to the area, staying in hotels and shopping at local businesses. How do you plan to involve residents in the decision making process in our town? “They vote for the people they trust, that’s the first thing to do.” said Landis Bayless. He shared that the job of a Councilman is a demanding one, but believes making time for citizens, including them in city projects, and putting in the extra effort makes the difference. Bobby Nichols feels that it is important to engage residents by regularly visiting with them, shopping their businesses, and attending local events. “How can you judge what’s going on if you’re not participating?” asked Nichols. “Get out there and participate!” Luke Ward noted that he would like to see people get involved in Council meetings more frequently, not just when there is a problem. “I think all of us need to encourage people to be part of the community.” Where are your favorite places to spend time in our town? Bobby Nichols shared that his favorite place to be is on the lake in his bass boat. He said he loves Fairfield’s downtown, saying it reminds him of his hometown and provides him the opportunity to meet and visit with many people. Landis Bayless reflected on his twenty-nine years working at the local coal mine, sharing that at the time, he did not know much about Fairfield. However, when he became a business owner with a location on the Courthouse Square he became more familiar with Fairfield, now welcoming visitors to his office where he said he regularly engages in conversations with citizens. Bayless shared his passion for local government and problem solving, stating that Fairfield’s downtown is somewhere he loves to be. Luke Ward answered that his favorite place is anywhere inside Fairfield’s city limits. Ward said his favorite part of traveling is coming back home. He shared that his desire to serve comes from his love of the city, its people, and the community. The Forum was opened to the audience who posed their questions to candidates. Donna Tyus started by thanking incumbents, namely the only incumbent present, Landis Bayless, for making time to attend. “I find it odd, having served on the City Council before and having been in a question and answer like this before – when Luke [Ward] and Kenny [Hughes] and I can attest to the fact that we knew we were going to be raked over the coals, but we showed up; so I don’t know where the other incumbents are – whether it’s a birthday party – I doubt that the President, any President, didn’t show up for a presidential debate because of something,” state Tyus. Tyus asked what the candidates thought about peoples’ first impressions when they are driving around town looking for a place to put their business. Landis Bayless called on his experience as a realtor, hosting tours of the town for potential home and business owners. He explained how his focus was on selling Fairfield, not just the house. Bayless answered that to attract more people to town improvements to streets and the city’s infrastructure are the key. Bobby Nichols also believes that good streets and curb appeal are important to attracting homeowners and new business. Luke Ward feels that Fairfield’s small town appeal is attractive, but could be more polished. He also thinks improved streets, adequate water sources, and beautification will increase homeowners’ and businesses’ interest. Donna Tyus also questioned candidates on their plan for a welcome wagon or visitor’s center to attract interest in the city. All candidates agreed that either option would be an asset for Fairfield. Jason Pate asked the candidates if they are in favor of establishing a code of ethics/conduct for the Council to follow. Landis Bayless answered that, while he does not know of one already in place, he believes that his oath of office stands as his declaration to do the right thing. “I’m my own person,” stated Bayless. “I don’t engage in illegal walking quorums where three people walk in and they already know what they’re going to do. I don’t do that. I know what a quorum is.” Bayless shared that he has sixteen credit hours of study in the Texas Open Meetings Act, stating that he knows and follows those guidelines. “You’ve seen my signs around town – they’ve got my name on them.” said Bobby Nichols. “I’m running as Bobby Nichols. I’m not running with two other people. When it comes time to make a decision, I want to be able to make the best decision that I want to make and that the citizens of Fairfield want me to make. I don’t want to be beholding to somebody else when that time comes.” Nichols stated that he is a man of his word and will do what is right. Luke Ward said he is in favor of establishing social contracts like codes of ethics and conduct, but does not believe he must sign one to abide by those standards. “I appreciate the fact that since I’ve been doing this I have a lot of people supporting me,” Ward said. “I’ve told people ‘You want to support me, you do it’. I’m going to be my own person anyway. Just because my name is by two other people don’t let that fool you.” Ward explained that he is his own person and will represent the public and not himself if elected. Jason Pate asked the candidates’ opinion on the recent cuts to Fairfield’s visitor’s center, and its distinction from the Chamber of Commerce. Pate also questioned candidates in regards to the six page letter addressing these issues that incumbent Jason Bosely had distributed outside the Forum. Landis Bayless provided some history on the relationship between the visitor’s center and Chamber, explaining how Chamber Director Brenda Pate came to hold both positions. Bayless said that while it is unusual for the Chamber to be so involved with the City, he believes it is a good thing and a benefit to Fairfield. In reference to Bosley’s letter, Bayless declined to read it or comment. Luke Ward stated that he would like to research what is currently happening with the Chamber and visitors center, and also did not read Bosley’s letter. Ward declined to comment without knowledge of the issues at hand. Bobby Nichols answered that if there is an issue with the monies spent, that fault falls on the Council who allocated those funds, not on the visitor’s center. James Tyus asked the candidates if they would be in favor of offering incentives or tax abatements for improvements to local businesses’ storefronts. Luke Ward believes that the practice of offering tax abatements would help stimulate the growth and beautification of local businesses. Landis Bayless expressed his support. Bobby Nichols agreed, suggesting that the Council evaluate the needs of each interested business. Vance Oglesbee made a comment regarding code enforcement throughout the city. He commended Opal Oliver, Fairfield’s code enforcement officer, but pointed out the need to do more. Bobby Nichols offered that sometimes being a good neighbor means helping around your own neighborhood, mowing grass for the elderly or cleaning up when and where you can. James Bonner posed the question of where funds will come from if the City of Fairfield loses their ongoing legal battle with the City of Teague. (See front page article for the latest on this lawsuit.) Landis Bayless, while unable to comment freely on the lawsuit, did tell the audience that the amount Teague believes they are owed has yet to even be determined. He dispelled the rumors that the damages are in the millions and remains optimistic that Fairfield will continue to prevail. Answering the question of where money would come from if Fairfield was forced to pay Teague, Bayless stated the money would most likely come from the City’s general fund. “I hope that Teague tries to figure out how to pay our legal fees. I hope that’s the outcome.” said Luke Ward. He said he would like to do more research on the case and find out how it came to be and address any systemic problem that may have caused the issue to prevent anything like this from occurring again. “This is ridiculous,” stated Ward. “To have to take money that the businesses have worked for for sales tax, and the citizens are paying, to pay another city because something got screwed up in the transactions.” Nicole Hughes made the final comment of the evening. “In the past months, we have witnessed blatant disrespect for our city staff, for our newspaper staff, for citizens. We’ve witnessed manipulation. We’re better than this!” said Hughes. “And I just want to thank each and every one of you tonight for coming up here with your own opinions, for respecting one another. I think this has been such a successful forum. Thank you!” The Times would like to thank the City of Fairfield for allowing the use of the venue, and Sam’s Restaurant for providing the tea and coffee for the event. Early voting begins April 22, 2019, with the general election to be held May 4, 2019. Megan Hempel reporting