As Nov. 2 approaches, the Daily News asked candidates for public office to answer questions in an effort to help voters make informed choices on Election Day. While candidates were asked to keep their responses within a predetermined word limit, some candidates chose not to use his or her full allotment. Other candidates declined to return the questionnaires. Some responses were edited for clarity.

Mark Stratton

Candidate for: Russellville mayor

Party affiliation: Democrat (nonpartisan race)

Resident of: Russellville

Age: 52

Previous elected office: Previously served two terms on Russellville City Council (2005-08)

Occupation: Self-employed paint contractor

Q: What is the most pressing issue facing your community (or office) and how would you plan to address that issue if elected?

A: Like most small cities, financial stability is a top priority. Awareness of financial obligations to the city council and to the citizens of Russellville, is a must. Council expertise will be utilized in financial decisions, and in all areas of local government. I will meet with the council to examine our budget and expenditures. Together, we will come up with a financial plan for the city. The citizens of Russellville will be made aware of the city’s financial condition and our action plan to begin addressing the problem. The citizens need to understand that this will not be an overnight solution. It is going to take some time, effort, and commitment from everyone involved to overcome this challenge.

Q: Local governments are struggling just as much as their citizens are to make ends meet. Do you think that governments should first consider cutting services before raising taxes or what other options might they have?

A: You have to look at all possibilities when trying to minimize spending and stabilizing finances. All citizens have had to tighten their budgets, and city government should be no different. Unnecessary spending has to stop and expenses should be limited to the cities approved budget. With the council’s help, we will do a better job of budget commitment. The city must determine which services, if any, can be curtailed and focus on those areas. The mayor, council and department heads will brain storm ideas that will assist in city debt reduction in order to hold and reduce spending. We will also have to address other areas of the city and implement an action plan to reduce expenses.

Q: What is the most important duty of your office?

A: The mayor’s position is to lead by example. The mayor cannot just talk the talk; he must also walk the walk. The mayor must implement a process of keeping the citizens informed on the progress of city matters. The citizens are looking for someone to be up front with them regarding city situations and decisions. The mayor must also monitor and manage the council approved budget and keep the council aware of any discrepancies. The mayor must have an open mind to ideas and suggestions from everyone. As mayor, I will be committed to work with the council to solve problems and to manage the city. The only way that the city of Russellville will move forward is to have total involvement. Communication is the key to success.

Q: What makes you more qualified for the position that your opponent?

A: I have lived in Russellville all of my 52 years. Russellville has always been my hometown and always will be. Like others, I have had opportunities to leave and go elsewhere, but choose to stay here because this is where I want to be. My parents taught me that God, and family are two of the most important things in life. I was taught that hard work, commitment and dedication are a normal way of life in Russellville.

I grew up working in my family’s furniture business, Stratton Furniture. I graduated from Russellville in 1976. I have been married for 31 years to Connie Burchett Stratton and we have raised three children here. I worked in two local factories before becoming a self-employed painter in 1995. I previously served two terms on the Russellville City Council.

I know my hometown from just about every angle. I know that the citizens carry the financial burden of this city and having worked here for 36 years, I want to put my experience and knowledge to work for you to become your mayor.

I know from experience what this city used to be, how it is now, and most importantly, what it can be.

---

Doug Nash

Candidate for: Russellville mayor

Party affiliation: Nonpartisan

Age: 68

Previous elected office: Russellville City Council January 2008 to December 2010.

Occupation: 30 years in transportation and owned a real estate business but now retired.

Q: What is the most pressing issue facing your community (or office) and how would you plan to address that issue if elected?

A: Most pressing issues are water, unemployment, reduce excess spending and build a reserve fund and improving streets. Start a fund for a new fire truck.

Q: Local governments are struggling just as much as their citizens are to make ends meet. Do you think that governments should first consider cutting services before raising taxes or what other options might they have?

A: In managing the city without cutting services, management is the number one concern, and not raising taxes.

Q: What is the most important duty of your office?

A: Serving the citizens of Russellville and management, leadership, experience. Being a full-time mayor with hands on with the problems. Oversee the budget.

Q: What makes you more qualified for the position than your opponent?

A: Studied law and ethics for two and half years in a business college. Ran a real estate business for a number of years. Thirty years in transportation, now retired, and currently serving on city council and Russellville Electric Plant Board. I will not be a quitter.