Is Clayton's Greatness Dependent on Citizen Input? Mayoral Candidates Respond

How important is it for citizens to have access to the mayor?

During a public debate on March 14 at the Clayton High School auditorium, the candidates for mayor of Clayton in the April 2013 election were asked for their views on including Clayton's citizens in the city government.

In the order they answered the question:

Ward 3 Alderman Alex Berger III talked about Clayton’s business model from the 1950s that envisioned the city's success today. He said Clayton’s citizens are the primary driver of Clayton’s greatness.

Ward 2 Alderwoman Michelle Harris said Clayton has an opportunity to tap into a wealth of experience and expertise, and it would be short-sighted to pass that up. She said the mayor needs to be accessible and in touch with the community.

Former alderman Harold Sanger said the chamber’s decisions have to be made based on knowledge and expertise, and Clayton has an array of professionals and organizations that could contribute. He said there’s a whole city available to tap for information, and information is power.

Each candidate's answer is recorded in the video that accompanies this article.

Are you interested in contributing your expertise and experience to aiding Clayton? How important is it for citizens to have input into the city government? Answer below.