Broadcasting to a live audience on Lubbock Independent School District's TV station, mayoral candidates David Miller and Tom Martin did their best to answer questions Monday evening at a debate sponsored by the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce.
With incidences like the Chippendale's dancers getting arrested in Lubbock and visitors being harassed by security at the Lubbock International Airport gaining national media attention, candidates were asked how they would improve the national reputation of Lubbock.
Miller said even though it may not be the mayor making the mistake, it is ultimately up to him to take accountability for local embarrassments and get the whole story out.
"The buck stops at the mayor's desk; the mayor needs to take responsibilities for things that come his or her way," Miller said. "I will tell you that I will always publicly support our police and the rest of our staff."
Martin said he believes taking the Giant Side of Texas Program to a state and national level would shine Lubbock in a positive light.
"Originally, the program was designed to educate our own citizens on the history of Lubbock and the good things about Lubbock. I'd like to see that program expanded," Martin said. "People are proud of their city and they want to tell that to others."
When it comes to placing items on bond packages, both candidates said they agreed that ultimately it is the residents' choice what is and what is not included.
"Lubbock is a very conservative city, (residents) want to see progress get made, but they understand you can't do it all at one time," Martin said. "Voters have the final say."
While the candidates agreed on some issues, when it came to dealing with controversial city issues, Martin and Miller differed.
"Sometimes things that are proposed may be better left not done," Martin said, citing the failed red-light camera program as an example of business better left untouched.
"This council has never dogged a single tough issue," Miller said in response. "This council has refused to pass on future problems to future councils."
As part of Lubbock High School's Future Leaders of America Promote the Vote project, students were asked to submit questions to the debate.
One question selected from the students asked the candidates what they would do to keep young people in Lubbock after finishing their educations.
Miller said it was not the local government's responsibility to create jobs, keep families together or make sure people are entertained, "but is Lubbock's job to create an atmosphere where those things can take place." He said he believes creating partnerships with organizations like the Lubbock Economic Development Association is important to creating quality jobs.
"We have to have a thriving local economy," Martin said in response to the question, "and a very well-run city."
Looking toward the future, candidates offered their opinions about what they believed Lubbock would be like in 2020.
"Lubbock will be thriving in 2020," Martin said. "Lubbock will still be a great place to raise a family - Lubbock will be a great place to live out your life."
Miller said he believes it was necessary to "rejuvenate" citizens to look to the future, and in 2020 the local government must continue to focus on core services.
"It's going to be an exciting time in Lubbock in the next decade or so," Miller said.
When asked about learning from council experiences, Miller said being placed in the public eye definitely has changed his ways.
"Early in term, I made a statement I don't listen or watch news," Miller said. "Whether or not I do, that was not a good thing to say to the media, so I've been working to mend those relationships."
Keeping faith out of his campaign is another tip Miller said he has picked up on.
"I probably wore my faith on my sleeve too much early on," he said. "My faith may not be your faith, and that's OK. I do a better job perhaps of walking, rather than talking, my faith."
Martin, who previously served four years on the Lubbock City Council, said he learned right away how much time it takes to be a public servant.
"I think all of us in public life have come to realize that it takes sacrifice," Martin said.
As one of the last questions, candidates were asked to explain why voters should choose one candidate over the other.
Miller said he and Martin have a different style of governing and he believes his style works best.
"Mr. Martin brings more of a police style, I bring more of a diplomatic style," he said. "I believe in involving all six of the other council members. I also believe in stability, in Mr. Martin's tenure we had five city managers, in my tenure we've only had one."
Martin said as mayor, he would make sure to stay focused.
"I have a public service method of directed and working. It's true, my background is law enforcement, but that has given me insight," Martin said. "Just like in baseball, you can't take your eye off the ball."
Because the other mayoral candidates, Roger Settler and Gilbert J. Montes, are not members of the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce, they did not take part in the debate.
Students who missed the debate can watch repeat broadcasts at 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. today on LISD-TV Suddenlink Channel 12.
Elections are scheduled for May 10, and early voting runs from April 28 to May 6.
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