Four candidates seek three council seats in Salem

BY BROOKS TAYLOR

Mt. Pleasant News

*Editor?s note: Candidate?s response was given via a written questionnaire.

SALEM ? Salem will be electing at least one new member on Tuesday to its five person city council. Incumbents Bruce A. Eltrich and Charles Kramer are joined on the ballot by Mary Essary Hoyer and John Wagner.

There are three seats open on the council and Councilman Bill Wixom Jr. is not seeking re-election. Council terms are for four years.

The News recently sent questionnaires to the four candidates vying for the seats and Hoyer was the only candidate to return her questionnaire.

Hoyer said she is seeking a council seat because she cares about the community and has business experience which would be an asset to the council.

?I have experience in business and with budgets,? she said. ?I also have experience understanding bylaws and regulations, and a willingness to consider a variety of viewpoints.?

Retired and very active with the Friends of the Crew Library in Salem, Hoyer was on the planning board for nine years while living in Massachusetts.

The most significant issue facing Salem, Hoyer said, is one facing many small communities ? money. ?Like most small towns in Henry County, we have to do the same with less,? Hoyer said. ?And right now, we apparently have major issues with our water system.?

She said a strong background and different experiences separate her from the other council candidates. ?I think that I have a stronger background than some of my opponents, although two people running are already members of the council.

?I could make the contribution (to the council) of someone who can understand budgets, understand bylaws and look to other communities to see how they face the same issues,? Hoyer stated.

Polls will be open from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 3, at the Salem Community Center.