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Six candidates are seeking four open seats on the board of commissioners. They are: incumbent Dan Bennett, Tony Cutler, Deneille Moes, Paul Timmons, Ray Fisher and incumbent Fred Vollbach. All candidates participated in the forum, except Vollbach who did not attend because of an injury.

East Jordan Middle School principal and board chairman of the East Jordan Area Chamber of Commerce, Michael Haynes, moderated the event that was sponsored by the chamber and the city.

Students submitted questions ranging from whether the city should enforce property maintenance regulations, to asking candidates to name their highest priority among the issues facing the city.

Some of the candidates were more adamant than others on the issue of enforcing regulations pertaining to residents' property.

"I definitely believe in enforcement," Timmons said and added that the result was positive for the community.

Fisher said he sees regulations as a benefit. While Cutler said regulations are good to have, he pointed out there are difficulties with enforcement at times.

"I think it's hard to enforce (maintenance of property), because it's subjective," Cutler said.

Bennett and Moes brought a different perspective.

"I believe people regulate themselves and it should be regulations by individuals. If the individual doesn't (meet city standards) then regulations can be enforced," Bennett said.

Moes took the subject a step further by encouraging a community spirit approach.

"I do know that when a community comes together, things get better," Moes said. She talked about community fundraisers to purchase paint so students and others could band together to paint houses for those who are unable to perform the task.

Each candidate named high-priority issues. Moes's priority came from first-hand experience.

"My biggest priority is a drug-free city," Moes said. "We need to clean up the city, bring up the standard of living and bring up our kids safe." Moes said she lived next door to a drug house. She decided to take a stand, and working with police a safer neighborhood is the result.

Timmons said top priorities for him are the marina and harbor improvements. The marina is one concern and the other is the entire harbor, he said. The harbor needs input from the community and he would form a committee for that purpose. The city budget and wise management is also a priority, he said.

Providing for the future of the community and its children is a top priority, Bennett said. Further, it is important to complete projects and provide for the future investments in the community.

"Our entire region needs more manufacturing not so dependent on the automotive industry," Bennett said. "We are fortunate to have the natural beauty of the area and we need to continue to attract business that is suited to recreational and retail activities."

Cutler said that East Jordan is becoming an attractive city and he wants to continue that trend.

"We should keep revitalizing downtown with improvements such as new fa�ades and efforts to attract new businesses," Cutler said.

Fisher agreed that downtown improvements were important to the city's future, as well as the dredging of the marina. He would work on the city budget to keep excesses down, and on water and sewer to keep rates down.

Specifically, Fisher said he thinks citizens want lower water rates and the streets repaired.

Vollbach had a statement read that listed some of the city's accomplishments in the last several years while he has been a commissioner. Some of those were completion of the Main Street Center and new businesses downtown, such as the reopening of the Jordan Inn as a bed and breakfast. Other accomplishments are the Crossroads, the Dura building and infrastructure, such as street lighting, new curbs and the band shell. None of those projects used new city taxpayer money, Vollbach said.

Reached by telephone, Vollbach said an issue important to him is bringing more business and industry to East Jordan for employment opportunities. He hopes to see more retail shops and to have the stores downtown stay open in the summer into evening hours for tourists to shop.

Biographical information on the candidates was prepared by the chamber and is as follows:

Dan Bennett is native to East Jordan. He attended Central Michigan University. He is employed at East Jordan Iron Works. Dan and his wife, Melanie, have three children. He has served on the city commission for four years.

Tony Cutler is native to East Jordan. He graduated from Lake Superior State University. He is employed by Fifth Third Bank. Tony has served on the community park board, Jordan Valley Freedom Festival board and on the Tax Review Board.

Deneille Moes grew up in the back country of northern Michigan. She and her husband, Nick, have lived in East Jordan for 12 years. They have four adult children and a 17-year-old son. She has been a foster parent with Nick through the Charlevoix County courts.

Paul Timmons moved to East Jordan in 1967. He retired in 2006 after working as a police officer for the city for 27 years. He and his wife, Jean, have three children. Ray Fisher is native to East Jordan. He earned the rank of Captain in the Marine Corps. He served in Vietnam. He has 20 years of experience in the hospitality business. He was named 2004 Ambassador of the Year and has served on the Charter Commission. He retired from East Jordan Public Schools in 2006, but continues part time.

Fred Vollbach moved to East Jordan 11 years ago. He is a Korean War veteran. He and his wife, Shirley, have four adult children. He has served on the city commission for four years.