Published: February 01, 2008 11:59 am      

Labor Council hears candidates

CUMBERLAND - For 31 years, Jeff Grogg has resided in and worked for the city.

In those years, he's seen a number of different administrations. To him, the names and faces have changed but City Hall has not.

Grogg, who also said he's one of the 20 percent of city residents who vote, challenged those seeking a seat on the City Council to tell him what they brought "that's different and deserves my vote."

Nine of the 13 candidates seeking one of two seats on the nonpartisan Cumberland City Council fielded the question and numerous others during the Western Maryland Central Labor Council's candidates' two-hour forum Thursday at the union hall.

George Koontz, director of the council's Committee On Political Education, served as moderator.

In response to Grogg, Brian Grim said he brings not only the "energy and vision," but also a sense that things shouldn't be done just because that's how they've always been done.

"I ask why all the time. ...," he said. "Why are we doing it that way? What are we trying to achieve?"

David Kauffman pointed to the "visible" successes he's had in helping to revitalize downtown. What most don't know, though, are the failures. Finding creative solutions to problems, as well as being a "persistent individual," is what he said he would bring.

Jerry Chambers said he would work to bring individuals into Cumberland and get entrepreneurs and businesses here. Cumberland Crystal Clear, a fresh water company, and Cumberland Coke, he said, have a nice ring.

Carol Cauley said simply "openness, honesty and integrity."

Jim Combs, Albert Keener, Bernie Lechman, Mike Records and Mary Beth Pirolozzi, who currently serves on the council, all said they would listen and find answers to questions they don't know.

Pirolozzi added she would not make campaign promises either but would "represent you with integrity, listen to you and respond to you with respect."

Chuck Koelker, president of the International Association of Fire Fighters Local 1715, said in the 24 years he's been with the department, he hasn't seen a city official other than election time.

"You need to talk to the people who work for you and it's not being done," he said, noting the city has more than 200 employees.

Keener said he experienced the same thing where his concerns all went through a supervisor. He's in favor of an open-door policy, which the candidates' agreed upon.

Combs, who participated by telephone, said it's important to visit job sites and spend time with employees.

"The employees are the face the residents see fixing the streets, the water lines. ...," he said, adding their input should be sought. "They are vital to the operation of the city."

Pirolozzi said the issue was addressed last week with the firefighters who when asked, admitted they hadn't invited officials to the department. She said she would "feel uncomfortable" walking in somewhere she wasn't invited but gladly would be there if she was.

Lechman agreed.

Grim said it's important "to get involved, to know what you're making decisions about." To that end, he's agreed to work a partial shift with the fire department.

Records said he, too, was available to meet with anyone and would be glad to talk to groups or individuals. And Chambers said he'd "interact with any employee."

As an employer, Kauffman said staying in contact gets employees to put forth an extra effort because they see the same being done by the owner or in this case, the council members.

Cauley said her experience at a local hardware store has taught her to ask customers what they need and how she can help. The same attitude would apply to city employees.

Devon D'Atri, Lindsay Farris, Dan Morris and Bill Taccino did not attend Thursday's event.

Come Feb. 12, Cumberland residents will have the chance to send four of the 13 on to the Nov. 4 general election.

Councilman Ed Hedrick opted not to run for a third, four-year term and Pirolozzi was appointed in September to complete the term of Terry Rephann, who accepted a job in Virginia.

Successful candidates will be sworn in Jan. 5, 2009.

Contact Maria Smith at msmith@times-news.com.