Mayoral candidates Dan Canan, Republican, and Democrat DennisTyler agree Muncie needs new and more jobs to revitalize itseconomy.
But the two flung differing arguments at each other over how tobring those jobs to the city during the last mayoral debate beforethe Nov. 4 election.
Tyler said the community must work with the Chamber of Commerce,Ball State and other organizations to promote Muncie to businessinvestors.
"If it's about attracting new businesses by being aggressive,then I think what you do is go out and promote your community,"Tyler said. "We need a leader willing to push the cityforward."
Canan countered Tyler by saying that not only does the communityneed to work together, but it must also have a clear vision for thefuture.
"It's about having a comprehensive plan that involves allmembers of the community," Canan said. "We have to have a plan andclearly show how we're supporting them (outside investors) and thatwe can deliver on items they need."
The issue of more jobs for Muncie sparked debate not onlybetween the candidates, but also among audience members and themoderator, Pam Price of the Chamber of Commerce.
As Tyler described his plan for Muncie to work with the Chamber,Price denounced his plan, evoking cries of "You're out of order"from the audience.
Tyler excused Price, but further shouts of protest soon quietedher.
After Price's interruption, Tyler continued explaining hisvision for Muncie's economic future.
"We're lacking leadership that will get busy and get out andattract jobs," Tyler said. "It's not rocket science. There isn'tany grand master plan for creating jobs. It involves a person who'swilling to fight the hardest and get out there."
Keeping Ball State graduates in Muncie, though, is even moreimportant than attracting outside investors, Canan said.
Several years ago, the Student Government Association and CityCouncil formed a joint committee that meets to discuss issues ofcommon interest between the two, Canan said. This helps studentsfeel a connection to Muncie that will inspire them to stay, hesaid.
Tyler said talking to students is the city's only way topersuade them to settle in Muncie.
"The only thing you can do is tell them what a great communitythis is and that there are great opportunities here," Tyler said."I've been talking to them for years."
The candidates continued to quibble as they discussed theirpositions concerning how to finance the rebuilding of Muncie'sstreets, buildings and more.
"We need to commit community dollars to improvinginfrastructure," Tyler said. "This improves the quality of life ofour neighborhoods and attracts businesses."
Canan warned Tyler, though, to be careful about spending toomuch of the city's money.
"We don't have an unlimited pot of dollars," Canan said.
That's one reason why, Canan said, he would never returnMuncie's community centers or the city pool to city control. Hesaid he would rather these services remain independent. Maintainingthe three community centers would cost Muncie $300,000, accordingto the mayor.
"Churches provide better service to the community than the citywould," Canan said. "Their Christian influence is good andimportant; we're providing recreation and guidance for ourchildren.
"This saves the city money and gives the community what theyneed."
Tyler said the mayor ignores his responsibility if he does notfinancially support the community centers.
"We have people in this community that are hurting," Tyler said."It's important for these community centers to step up and helpthese people, and the best way to do that is making sure they getthe money they need. If those centers need help, the city isobligated to step up and help them."
Canan criticized Tyler at the end of the debate because of hisplans for Muncie.
"Dennis likes to talk about generalities, but he doesn't likespecifics," Canan said.
But Tyler said he has positive, realistic plans for thecity.
"I'm not looking for pie in the sky, and I'm not asking formiracles," Tyler said. "Give me the opportunity to put this cityback to where it needs to be."
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