news Candidates Spar at Gulfport Council Debate A debate between the five candidates vying for a spot on Gulfport’s City Council hit on topics ranging from carbon footprint reduction, to ways to strengthen code enforcement and questions about the “Defund the Police” narrative. Candidates Mike Bauer (challenger, Ward 2), Christine Brown (incumbent, Ward 2), Michael Fridovich (incumbent, Ward 4), Richard Fried (challenger, Ward 4) and Ian O’Hara (challenger, Ward 4), sat down for the debate co-hosted by the Gabber and the Gulfport Merchants Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, February 11 in the Catherine Hickman Theater. Organizers allowed for a small, in-person attendance, while also livestreaming the event for the public. The debate format included opening and closing statements from each candidate, as well as several rounds of questions, both from the hosts and from residents, either in-person, or via Zoom. The contenders also participated in a mock council discussion over a hypothetical scenario involving a grant for the city. The night’s topics varied widely, from questions about franchise businesses and online bill payment, to the city budget and Florida Sunshine Law. Code enforcement issues were a hot topic, with some candidates advocating for a larger code enforcement team. (The city currently has only one full-time code enforcement officer.) “I think if there’s an issue we need to divvy up some money and hire folks. Apply code,” Fried said. Renewable energy and sustainability popped up in several questions, though some candidates were more enthusiastic than others. “Many, many of our buildings are 40, 50 years old, so that’s the problem; you’re not gonna put a solar system on those buildings,” Fridovich said. Fried, who has made solar energy a major part of his campaign, disagreed and suggested that solar panels can be placed on older buildings. “My house was built in 1960...and
SHELLY WILSON
By Gabrielle Reeder
I am putting solar on my building. I probably a new city hall. You’re don’t think age has anything to do not going to spend hundreds of with it,” he said. “That’s thousands of dollars a BS argument.” “For the five of us? putting it on a building “Richard doesn’t that eventually is I don’t think know what he’s going to have to be torn down.” talking about,” backroom deals Fried and Fridovich Fridovich countered are a good idea, in a rebuttal allowed agreed on at least and that is the by moderators due to one issue, however Fried’s accusation that – that Sunshine Law danger of not Fridovich’s previous hampers city leaders’ having Sunshine.” ability to conduct city statement was “BS.” “You may put it on a business. (Editor’s house, but you’re not going to – we note: Gulfport Council has no control need new buildings. The reality is over the state Sunshine Law; this we need a new police station, and question was deemed relevant as Gulfport Debates continued on page 6
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theGabber.com | February 18, 2021 - February 24, 2021
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