Is Clayton on the Right Path to Fiscal Stability? Mayoral Candidates Disagree

Clayton has a three-year plan to get the city budget back on track, but the city has to pass a sales tax, and a property tax for an overhaul some of Clayton's streets for it to work. What do you think of the plan? Where should Clayton make cuts to get out of the red? 

The plan divides the three candidates—Ward 3 Alderman Alex Berger III, Ward 2 Alderwoman Michelle Harris and former alderman Harold Sanger—who are vying for the city's spot as mayor in the April 2013 election.

They answered the question during a public debate on March 14 at the Clayton High School auditorium.

Sanger said the city manager presented the three-year plan three years too late. If the plan doesn't work, it will mean more cuts, which will take away from city services.

Berger said the plan is based on laying off senior employees, which is not the answer. He said the city needs to look at different options for delivering services.

Harris said the city is on a careful path to a balanced budget, but the planned cuts are not enough. She said the sales tax plan should be a reasonable way to accomplish that.

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

What do you think? Are cuts needed to balance the city's budget, or should the city change how it delivers services? What do you think of the tenure plan for senior employees? Is that the way to get back on track? Comment below.