Why We Need Debates

A lack of transparency in our city government is a key reason why I am running for mayor.  Being open and transparent with the public is how a city government should function.  By having a public debate, important issues can be discussed and the public can ask questions.  Here are a few important issues that need to be brought to the forefront and discussed in an open forum;

Why have utility rates risen over 50% in four years? 

Why wasn’t a Public Notice of the intent to raise utility rates posted as required?

Why did the mayor have a press conference to announce we are spending $5.8 million dollars on a new city hall but she hasn’t mentioned that we are also spending 8 million dollars on a new facility for the Electric Department and the other utilities?

Why does the Electric Department and the other utilities pay $1.5 million in taxes to the city while the steel mill only pays $5000.00 per year?

 I reached out to the current mayor in June to join me in a series of public debates, she did not respond.  The NAACP invited the mayor to a debate on Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025 but she said she wasn’t consulted properly.  I received the same letter and chose to make my schedule work so I could attend. 

Again, I call on the mayor to come debate me, she can name the time and the place convenient to her, I’ll be there.

Jay Doyle