YUBA CITY, CA (MPG) - Last Wednesday, an open-to-the-public Candidates Forum was held for Yuba City Council District 5 running candidates, which are Toni Cole, John Buckland and Vincenzo Corazza, who is the ‘proxy’ candidate on the ballot.

Corazza explained his unique position and then left immediately.

“I don’t fit the mold as a volunteer candidate. A direct democracy model is where you get to participate in the voting process. I act as a conduit. A proxy member polls the democracy and District 5 is experimenting,” Corazza said.

After Corazza’s exit, Cole and Buckland continued taking questions. Some topics discussed were the proposed 1% sales tax increase, Prop 36, homelessness and budget cuts.

Janell Willis, the Yuba Sutter Chamber of Commerce executive director, and Robert Bendorf, a retired county administrator and advisor, moderated the evening’s event and gave 90 seconds for opening statements, 30 seconds for each answer and two minutes for closing statements. Twelve two-part questions were asked of each candidate, each answered accordingly and were given time to rebut.

Cole started by explaining why she wants this position.

“Civic virtue is very important to me. American values are very valuable,” Cole said.

Buckland responded by saying, “I’ve served on council for eight years and I’m a longtime resident of Yuba City. I have knowledge of city operations and inner workings, and I understand the passion folks have for making things a little bit better. We have to have somebody that has the values to put forth to improve the city through their actions.”

Both candidates had differing opinions when it came to the proposed 1% sales tax increase, which would bring it to 8.25%.

Cole said, “I am in favor of this tax. Our city is like a household. You have to adjust your budget.”

Buckland opposed the tax increase and said, “I cannot support Measure D as it is currently structured. This will last forever.”

When it comes to bringing new business to the region, Buckland said, “When a business like Costco comes around, we don’t push them across the bridge. You have to work with them to get the restrictions lifted and out of the way and cut through the red tape.”

Cole added, “Development is how we attract business and revenue. We want to engage youth. Some are graduating with no skills. Maybe build up in the downtown and have it mixed-use to attract first time home buyers to live and spend their money here. I don't want to be in a place where people pass through. It would be nice to see grocery stores, bars and restaurants to keep people here and spend their money.”

Proposition 36, the initiative that would increase punishment for theft and other crimes, was discussed.

Buckland said, “If we don't pass it, we are going down a very slippery slope. We need to make sure we are enforcing and there has to be consequences for theft. Shutting Walgreens is not the answer to the things that are going on. We need to bring these people to justice. The lack of consequences throughout our system is the root of all evil. We need to get harsher with our prosecutions and ensure there isn’t recidivism in continued activities.”

Cole added, “I’m an emphatic ‘yes’ on Prop 36. It will hopefully fix the next generation. If families aren't doing what they should, then there should be law and order. The law seems to be on the side of the criminal. I believe in due process. We have to have Prop 36 passed and our jails and DA staffed to prosecute these guys. Sometimes, people have to hit rock bottom before getting better. Some people think it isn’t compassionate but I think it will help people in the long term.”

After taking a few more questions, closing arguments commenced.

Emphasizing his experience on the council and as a retired police lieutenant, Buckland said, “I know how to get funding for things and I wrote a number of grants to improve the quality of life. There are things in my past that I accomplished; the greatest was serving on the council to represent the citizens.”

Cole finished by saying, “Lots of military settled here and it has been built on their backs. I would like to bring that culture back. I lived in New Orleans and people don’t leave that city. Sometimes, it takes leaving home to realize what you have here. I will speak to my candidacy. I do offer a new perspective that is eclectic.”

All candidates are running in the upcoming November election.