Gulfport Candidates Q&A: Part 2 Compiled by Gabber Staff
For the last round of candidate questions before the citywide election March 9, the Gabber asked each candidate six ward-specific questions compiled from readers and editorial staff. Answers have been edited for style and length. See each candidate’s answers to all six questions with this article at thegabber.com.
MIKE BAUER
Mike Bauer, Ward 2 Challenger You’ve made it clear that sea level rise and climate change are a priority for you. Please name three other issues in your ward that you will make a priority if elected. Parking on Beach and Shore. We need to receive input from business-
es, residents and shoppers/diners on what they think. If there is more than a perceived problem, then we need to enter into a consensus procedure where solutions are discussed and solutions reached that all can agree on, even if it’s not everyone’s ideal solution. Increasing participation in government, particularly by younger people and people of color. We need to reach out and involve more people by continuing Zoom city council meetings, keeping more office hours, and going out into the community. Increase green space. Use lots and undeveloped areas as pocket parks that can be used to store flood waters, like on Tangerine, serve as parks when there is no flooding, and perhaps be available for placement of solar panels as part of a city microgrid system. You were a natural resources manager when you worked for the City of Naples. How do you translate those
skills into Gulfport City Council’s other functions, like infrastructure and reviewing the annual budget. What can you bring to the discussion over an experienced councilmember? As the manager of a city division, I had to create an annual budget for operations, maintenance and capital assets. I believe it is much harder to develop a budget than it is to review it. I know what goes into creating a budget that is a part of an overall city budget. I can see the point of view of both staff and council. What do you identify as the most important issue in Ward 2, and how do you think the city should solve it? Definitely sea level rise. It is inevitable and must be addressed now. We need to develop a vulnerability assessment that identifies the problems to infrastructure, management, housing and public protection SLR will bring about, and develop an action plan to address whether to protect interests, accommodate the water, or eventually carry out an orderly retreat. Council continued on page 10
VOTE March 9, 2021 I am proudly endorsed by: · The Fraternal Order of Police · The Police Benevolent Association · The Gulfport Fire Union
SAFE INDOOR & OUTDOOR DINING AND BEER GARDEN 3007 BEACH BLVD • GULFPORT (727) 954-4109 • GULFPORT-BREWING.COM
727-501-5857 • Christine@ChristineBrown4Gulfport.com
ChristineBrown4Gulfport.com Political advertisement paid for and approved by Christine Anne Brown for Gulfport City Council Ward 2
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