Bloomsburg Council Candidates Discuss Flood Protection, Parking and Open Government

Ten candidates vying for Bloomsburg Town Council expressed their views on the most pressing issues facing the Town, how to better interact with Bloomsburg University, and how to support business growth at a candidate forum held Wednesday, Oct. 4 at the Alvina Krause Theatre, home of the Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble. Several candidates emphasized the need to address parking management as a major issue for the Town. Stormwater management and flood protection were also discussed, as was managing the annual spring Block Party event. Challengers expressed the importance of having open government. The event was sponsored by the Joint Governmental Affairs Committee of the Chamber and the Columbia-Montour Visitors Bureau.

Audio from the candidate forum is available. The first portion of the program included the eight candidates running for four general Council seats. Responses to the first question begin with Vince DeMelfi with the following order: James Garman, William Kreisher, Doug Reiter, Toni Bell, Joe Martarano, Bonnie Crawford, and Sandy Davis. The second question begins with Mr. Garman and follows the same order, etc. The second portion of the forum was for the two registered mayoral candidates and responses begin with Eric Bower, followed by Carey Howell.

A second forum is being sponsored by the Bloomsburg Area Landlord’s Association on Wednesday, Oct. 18 from 7-9 p.m. at the Greenly Center on Main Street in Bloomsburg. Please note the correct time, as the time was incorrectly reported as 6-8 p.m. at the first forum.