Two Murphy City Council members and their two challengers faced off Monday, April 17, at a question-and-answer forum in the council chambers.

Organizer Maggie Whitt posed questions submitted by several dozen voters in attendance to Place 5 incumbent Sarah Fincanon, challenger Laura Deel, Place 3 incumbent Andrew Chase and his opponent, W. Scott Smith.

Each candidate had one minute to answer each question and took turns going first.

One question dealt with the prayer that usually opens council meetings and whether the candidates would be comfortable leading the prayer.

Fincanon said prayer is “always a good idea” because we all need guidance and direction.

Deel said, “I am in favor of the separation of church and state” and did not favor prayer at the council meetings.

Smith said, “I am very much in favor of prayer to begin our meetings and I certainly have no objection to leading the prayer.”

Chase said he had no objection and said it was an “essential philosophy” that was a good reinforcement for a person’s character, and anybody should be able to pray any time there is a prayer.

Asked about Murphy’s strengths and weaknesses, Chase said the citizens were the city’s strength and they supported local businesses.

Smith said, “I’ve never seen a city so family oriented.” But he said as the population ages, the needs and priorities of the residents change so the city must be prepared to address that.

Deel said Murphy was a family-friendly city and residents form a local community.

Fincanon said the city’s strengths were all citizens, both old and young, its new businesses and its family-oriented activities. A weakness, she said, was the increasing traffic.

Another question involved the amount of property tax money the city spends on free entertainment for residents.

Deel said the city needs to be fiscally responsible and she would be in favor of lowering taxes for the elderly.

Fincanon said residents enjoy the amenities, which come at a cost.

Smith said citizens would not want to cut out entertainment and Chase said the money spent on entertainment is “money well spent.” He added that the tax rate is satisfactory and “you get what you pay for.”

Asked about the talents they would bring to the job of council member, Deel said that as a manager at Cisco Systems, she had developed leadership skills.

Fincanon said that as a high school teacher she has a lot of experience talking with people and could help make the community a better place.

Smith said he had run his own business and knew how to budget and spend while Chase said that given his 40 years as a classroom teacher and a mentor, he could communicate with just about anybody.

By Bob Wieland

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