Six candidates running for office in Hanford traded ideas and concerns -- and even a few barbs -- Wednesday night at a meet-the-candidates forum, where they answered questions on issues ranging from the future of the city's public swimming facility to the destiny of downtown and to smart growth.

Speaking to about 120 people at the Civic Auditorium, the Hanford City Council candidates agreed that the city should step up its efforts to revitalize its historic downtown district.

Most of them also concurred that Hanford's next direction of growth should be eastward -- although, warned Dan Chin, District C incumbent who has served two terms, "The city grows where the sewer flows. The east side cannot be developed until we figure out how to fund the infrastructure." His challenger, Mike Spicer, said the city should look beyond the east side, perhaps even the south side, an area historically neglected. Others echoed Spicer's idea.

Meanwhile, the candidates appealed to Hanford residents who chose to come to the local forum despite the highly anticipated last presidential debate. Sponsored by the Hanford Chamber of Commerce and The Sentinel, the event offered a unique opportunity for the candidates to spontaneously answer questions and articulate their positions on issues.

Candidates showed their sharp differences on hot-button issues, such as the future plans for the city recreation complex on Lacey Boulevard marked with the public pool known as "the Plunge," the old fire station, the skate park and the Serpa auto dealership.

The city council earlier this year gave a Southern California developer an exclusive right to explore a commercial development there and negotiate a possible purchase of the city-owned property, although city officials have said what might be done with the land remains up in the air. Nevertheless, the council's move has prompted an outcry from those who advocate keeping recreational facilities downtown and preserving the historic fire station structure for community use.

Chin said the city should keep an open mind about the potential of the property.

"The bottom line is, I would be negligent in the responsibility for residents of Hanford, if I didn't listen to everybody who wants to do business with Hanford," Chin said, adding that developing the property would bring additional tax revenues to the city and reminding that the skate park is not in a good location and needs to be moved.

Sue Sorensen, one of four District B candidates, took the same stance on the issue, saying the city must "think outside the box." "The park may be better in another location that is more visible," she said. "Let's take the blinders off and check all the options."

Chin's opponent, Spicer, opposed the idea of ever selling the property off to a private developer. "I have to disagree with you," Spicer told Chin. "I think your thinking is flawed: Let's get intoxicated with possible new revenues. That's what the state does."

Spicer advocated for refurbishing the old fire house into a community center that senior citizens, youth and community members could use, and for keeping all the facilities in the current location.

Three District B candidates, Robin Mattos, Jon-Michael Hice and John Murrisky, also advocated for keeping the Plunge and the skate park.

"Leave it alone" was Mattos' slogan when it comes to the Plunge. Mattos also called for building a recreational facility in the south side.

The candidates also showed their philosophical differences in the way they view housing and economic development for the city.

While Hice said maintaining the vitality of downtown is key to economic growth, Murrisky went further and said economic growth comes through small businesses. Murrisky also favored a temporary moratorium on housing construction in the current real estate market conditions and growing housing vacancies.

Mattos agreed with Murrisky's cautious approach to growth, while also advocating for establishing Hanford as an "incubator" for entrepreneurial businesses and start-up firms. "We cannot depend on outside and foreign dollars to maintain and re-establish ourselves," she said.

Spicer favored continued housing growth, while Chin chose to explain at length about how the general plan -- or the city's constitution for land use decisions -- is key to how the city controls its economic destiny and promote his experience: "I'm the only person up here who has been involved with three previous general plans. My experience is necessary for Hanford to take the next step."

The candidates also addressed to the homeless issue.

Hice said he wants to form a multi-disciplinary task force to explore new approaches to address the "growing issue."

"As a council person, I would advocate for city staff and fellow council members to work collaboratively to identifying current efforts undertaken by nonprofits and faith-based organizations," he said.

Mattos advocated for giving funding to community organizations doing the work -- an implied criticism against the way the council recently distributed its funding. Murrisky said it is pointless to try to help those who do not wish to help themselves.

Chin and Sorensen said the city must balance its compassion toward the homeless and its responsibility to ensure the homeless won't become a health and safety issue for the rest of the residents.

Chin said the homeless issue is a county issue, not a city issue. Spicer disagreed and said it is a city issue and it requires a more proactive intervention by the city.

The most tension in the forum was between Chin and Spicer, with Spicer jabbing the incumbent for taking large campaign contributions from business and development interests.

During the forum, candidates were asked who were their top three contributors.

Among those Chin listed were the Kings County Board of Realtors and downtown furniture store owner Craig Johnson, whose contributions ranged from $1,500-$2,000.

Spicer, who said his campaign is funded by himself and his wife and $200 from a "friend who felt sorry for me," questioned Chin's connection to special interests.

"To me, it's a red flag," Spicer said. "I can understand a $250 donation from an individual. But $2,000 from a business owner and $1,500 from the Realtors board -- it's a red flag."

Chin countered in his closing statement that the monetary support he received reflects his popularity.

"My opponent called it a red flag. Certainly, you can interpret it that way, but I have dozens upon dozens upon dozens upon dozens of people who contributed to my campaign. And they've done this because they know and appreciate the 30 years of community service I've given this city," Chin said.

"I didn't turn the money away from people who wanted to support my campaign," Chin said. "Some would say it's a red flag, but I'll tell you it's a badge of honor for people who want to see Dan Chin continue in his leadership role ..."

Sorensen said her largest contributors are her father; Danny Todd, a trustee of the Hanford Joint Union High School District; and Mike Robinson, owner of Robinson's Interiors Carpet One. Murrisky said he did not take donations larger than $100 from residents of his district. Hice said his campaign is funded by himself and his relatives. Mattos said her campaign is also largely self-funded, while noting a $100 donation from family friends.

At the conclusion of the forum, audience member Francisco Ramirez of Hanford said he had wanted to hear more specific ideas for expanding Hanford's recreational opportunities. "We need more recreational services, like a dollar theater, especially in this economy when people cannot afford to pay so much money," Ramirez said. "We need more things to occupy our youths. Hanford has one of the highest pregnancy rates in the state. It concerns me."

Greg Strickland of Hanford said he wanted the candidates to address how they would prevent cronyism in city contracts. "I'd like to see them address what they are going to do with outsourcing contracts," Strickland said. "What kind of competitive bids are coming in, who puts in the bids, what bids are accepted, whether they are high bidders or low bidders -- I think these are important issue, because it concerns economics of scale. Are we paying too much for what we are getting, or is there special interests involved?"

Not all questions submitted by the audience were answered.

These questions which were not answered during the two-hour forum Wednesday will be e-mailed to the six candidates. Their responses will be published in The Sentinel as soon as they are available.

(Oct. 16, 2008)