1. On a scale of 1 to 5 (5 being most important), how do you rank the importance of each of the following:

* We need to first look a collaboration and/or cooperation, not consolidation. If it makes sense then look at consolidation and find out if there is merit to combining services (Longwell)

2. Do you support a popular vote on gaming in South Central Kansas?

3. What are the 3 most important issues facing the City of Wichita?

Jeff Longwell:
1. We need to build our economic base in a more diverse manner. Working with GWEDC will continue to be a priority to help provide broad support with growing our economic base.
2. We must address the public disconnect with the “Arena Project”. We need to form a better relationship with the County and listen to the concerns of the public about parking, location, curb appeal, and infrastructure issues relating
to this project.
3. Public safety concerns regarding additional Fire Stations, lack of sufficient  staffing, and the need for more collaboration in this area with other agencies.

Paul Tobia:
1. Continuous long-term growth
2. Fiscal responsibility
3. Apparent disconnect between the city government and its citizens

4. What specific leadership attributes and experiences qualify you to effectively lead the Wichita City Council and city administration in advancing our community?

Jeff Longwell:
I have successfully operated a family business and built a broad business background. I helped build a small graphics company into a multi-million dollar operation that is recognized nationally. I currently work for a printing company (The Print Source) that with my help has expanded into a 103,000 sq. ft building and is adding more than fifty high paying jobs.

I have represented the people of NW Wichita for twelve years on the Maize Board of Education. We have built USD 266 into one of the premier districts in Kansas. I understand the trust people place on you when you are handling their tax dollars. I have a lengthy resume filled with non-profits, civic groups, and organizations I have helped to guide. I have been fortunate to gain the respect and endorsements of five out of the six primary candidates for district 5 city council race and the endorsement of (Mrs. Bob) Sandy Martz.

Paul Tobia:
I am an aggressive problem solver who uses teamwork and personal effort to seek and implement solutions. I have led a successful major business with annual budgets of $150 million and over 600 employees. I’ve been chair of the Wichita Chamber, Wichita Urban League and have served on a dozen other non-profit boards plus I’ve worked on and with state and local government boards and committees. Currently I am Treasurer of Wichita Education Foundation, Vice President of the Ks Water Congress and board member of the Red Cross.

5. What role should the City of Wichita have in each of the following?

Attracting new business?

Jeff Longwell:
We have an obligation to help improve our economy by attracting new business. The City already sets money aside for this task. We need to do a better job of attracting companies of all sizes to our area and work with our area partners to get more cooperation and value with the dollars we spend in this area. We need to provide some fresh ideas and bring people together with the GWEDC to address this issue.

Paul Tobia:
Currently we do a good job in helping developers who have expressed an interest in our city. Cities of our size spend 2 to 4 times as much as we do to attract new businesses. We must do the same if we expect to compete.

Retaining existing businesses?

Jeff Longwell:
The key to this is to provide an atmosphere that encourages companies to stay. This includes keeping taxes down, utilizing our local educational institutions to help provide quality personnel, and listening to our business partners about their needs. The GWEDC can continue to help provide support in this area also. My background of bringing people together can add value to this issue.

Paul Tobia:
This needs to be a major priority for the city council. Personal contact with existing businesses asking what barriers prevent them from expanding and how the city can help remove those barriers is essential.

6. How does local government contribute to the public perception Wichitans’ currently have of their city?

Jeff Longwell:
Local government has the ability to dramatically affect the public’s perception. The decisions made regarding policy, growth, quality of life issues, public safety, the arts and a variety of topics that are influenced by local government help to create the public’s opinion of our city. We need to be cognizant of the long-term ramifications for all decisions made.

Look at the public perception about the Maize School District and the connection to making sound decisions by encouraging public input. Local government is in the best position to make a difference with the way people view their city. I have experience with making a positive impact with citizens of Wichita. It is about being accountable and taking responsibility for local government.

Paul Tobia:
Most citizens I’ve talked to during this campaign love the city but are not happy with either the city council or the city administration. Labor relations are very poor. (Police and Fireman contract dispute). Council does not move fast enough to solve problems (flooding). Too much political arguing and not enough discourse and debate on the council ( fire station ). This must be turned around and can only begin at the top.

7. What do you feel are the three most important issues facing your district in the coming 12-24 months, and how would you focus Council attention on those issues?

Jeff Longwell:
We have to address the flood control issue. This is going to take a much more cooperative approach and bring other groups and agencies to the table to help. I have the support of Commissioner Winters, and Richard Lamunyon (city of Maize) to help address these concerns. We need to encourage more public input, enlarge our focus to outlying areas and work more collaborative, to resolve this issue.

We must provide safer streets and avenues carrying traffic to west Wichita. We have studied this way too long. It is time for action. Central Street can be renovated around the 235 area to accommodate better traffic flow in a very economical fashion. The need for another access road across the “Big Ditch” is very important. Safety must be a priority of City government and resolving this will help our streets to be safer.

We need more Fire Stations in west Wichita. We have to build a more efficient government. This will help address the need for additional “Fire Stations” and staff needs. We need to look at the duplicating services currently provided and work in a more cooperative manner to serve the public’s safety needs. We need good affordable government.

Paul Tobia:
SAFETY Crime rate increased in the district while it lowered in the city as a whole. 40% of the most serious accident-prone intersections are in the district. Fire and emergency response time is too long. All can be solved by a change in priorities and resources.

FLOODING FEMA and insurance increases plus flood control are approaching crises conditions. Perhaps a “Gilbert Mosley” approach coupled with levees and retention ponds plus massive district education efforts by the city administration could solve the problem.

FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY A serious effort to reduce costs while maintaining services would free up resources to reduce taxes and address existing problems

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