Emporia City Commission candidate Denise Gilligan’s campaign was highlighted as part of the KVOE News Candidate Spotlight interview series Tuesday.
Like other candidates for the three available seats, Gilligan was asked questions about property tax, sales tax, city economic development partners and housing. When it comes to sales tax, Gilligan says she needs to see details before committing her support.
One suggestion, paying for infrastructure needs, has Gilligan’s consideration. Another, using sales tax to offset property taxes, currently does not.
Candidates have said Emporia’s property taxes are too high, and Gilligan is no different. She is also no different in saying the City Commission’s request to bring Lyon County, USD 253 Emporia and the Recreation Commission into the conversation — joint task force or no — was the right move, although she says these conversations have to be “bridge-building, not dictating.” Gilligan focused on a balanced approach rather than potential solutions during her interview.
On the work of the Regional Development Association of East Central Kansas, which has been without a permanent president since early last year and has undergone a restructuring of its voting membership this year, Gilligan says the Board of Directors is focusing too much on the perfect candidate.
For housing, Gilligan says infill developments should be a focal point, including existing work through City Housing Specialist Jeff Lynch and Emporia Main Street — and a look at new incentives.
Spotlights feature candidate answers to questions about several core topics: property taxes, economic development partners including the Regional Development Association of East Central Kansas, housing and a potential new half-percent sales tax.
Candidate Spotlights are a departure from KVOE’s longstanding tradition of group forums with the goal of getting deeper answers into some of the main issues facing the city and its residents. The remaining on-air schedule is as follows:
*Thursday: Monica Duncan at 10:06 am, Kenneth Gardner at 10:30 am and Travis Hitt at 11:06 am
All interviews will be stored in the KVOE.com Audio Vault and will be accessible in the KVOE News Voter Information Guide courtesy of Community National Bank.
