The IUS College Democrats sponsored a Jeffersonville Democratic mayoral debate at IU Southeast on April 1.
Mayoral candidates Teresa Bottorff-Perkins, Rob Waiz, Kevin Vissing and Tom Galligan were asked more than a dozen questions about their action plans in dealing with various issues within the city.
Shiloh Harris, political science senior and president of the IUS College Democrats, said she wanted to see more students attend the debate but was pleased with the turnout of Jeffersonville residents.
“I’d like to see more students learn about what is going on around them in regards to politics,” Harris said. “The IUS College Democrats are a small group, but we want to encourage students to become more politically active.”
Prior to the debate, the candidates were each allotted two minutes to discuss their overall goals and hopes for the city of Jeffersonville.
Incumbent Mayor Galligan expressed his future plans for Jeffersonville by explaining his improvements to the city thus far in his position as mayor and his intentions to continue progressing Jeffersonville.
“I am very proud of Jeffersonville and what we have accomplished in the last few years,” Galligan said. “I want to continue that, and I feel I could do so. Most importantly, I want to create jobs for our children of Jeffersonville.”
Waiz, former mayor of Jeffersonville, said he wanted to revitalize Jeffersonville without raising taxes. Waiz said he created more than 3,500 new jobs during his administration, and, if elected, he said he hopes to create more.
“I want to revitalize downtown without wasteful spending,” Waiz said. “During my administration, we were able to raise $9 million in grants and donations instead of tax dollars.”
Vissing, county councilman, said he believes he is the most well-rounded candidate because he has experience in utilities, construction, planning and zoning.
“You have to put your best foot forward because people remember what you first say. It is very important that the public is informed of the plans that the mayor implements.”
The final candidate, Bottorff-Perkins, retired school administrator, said she hopes to implement her values regarding personal and fiscal honesty.
“I want to make Jeffersonville a better place to live and prosper,” Bottorff-Perkins said. “I want to provide sustainable and livable neighborhoods for our children to grow up in.”
Some of the popular topics of debate were the plans to build a canal and add tollbooths to existing bridges.
Although Galligan and Vissing are pro-canal, Waiz said he has his doubts.
“Indiana went bankrupt in 1940 from building canals,” Waltz said, “and I’m not sure if the plan we are currently seeking for this is the most affordable.”
Each candidate expressed their distaste for adding a tollbooth to existing bridges.
“The citizens of Southern Indiana will be most affected by tolls because more of them drive to Louisville than the other way around,” Vissing said.
Mark Lovan, a resident of Jeffersonville, said he attended the debate to listen to what the candidates had to offer with an open mind.
“I want a mayor that will be fiscally responsible — able to budget — and I don’t want to see any more large lawsuits,” Lovan said.
Galligan supporters Dana Juliot and her husband Lee, said they are both annexed residents of Jeffersonville, and they said they are happy to be annexed residents.
“We like what Galligan has brought to Jeffersonville already and his record stands,” Dana said.
Debbie Wampler, resident of Jeffersonville, said she wants the future elected mayor to do what they say.
“It’s all politics, but I hope they do what is best for their city,” Wampler said.
By COURTNEY MCKINLEY Profiles Editor comckinl@imail.iu.edu