Residents of Ferdinand got their chance to meet the 2 candidates who will take part in the first contested town council race in Ferdinand in a long time.
Last night, incumbent Democrat Ken Sicard and Independent challenger Don Farina laid out their plans for the next 4 years in Ferdinand. The night was scheduled to feature introductions followed by a question and answer session. However, Farina asked for only introductions just 15 minutes prior to the start of the program. Thus, each candidate wound up with 15 minutes in front of the audience and questions would be taken 1 on 1 after the speeches.
In front of a packed room at the Tri-County YMCA, Sicard was the first to speak. He says though he’s been on the council for 16 years, there is still unfinished business that is motivating him to continue:
Sicard also pointed to ongoing phosphorous work and challenges that the state’s property tax caps are creating for the town’s budget as reasons for running.
Meanwhile, Farina spent his time arguing for more voices and involvement in town government:
Farina also discussed his concern with housing in the town. He says at this point, there is no need to build more housing as many houses are already up for sale. He wrapped up his speech discussing plans to work with Forest Park High School for more vocational programming to help students get the skills they need to work jobs locally, thus appealing to them to come back to Ferdinand after college.
More than 70 people attended last night’s forum. It was sponsored by the Ferdinand Chamber of Commerce.
