CARLSBAD — City Council hopefuls joined incumbent Ann Kulchin in a forum Sept. 25 hosted by the Carlsbad Rotary Club.
Kulchin and Julie Nygaard are both up for re-election in November, however Nygaard said she will not be seeking another term.
Kulchin, who announced earlier in the year that she will run for another term, is currently mayor pro tem.
In her campaign she has stressed the 28 years of experience she has had as a councilmember for the city, her involvement in local and regional government organizations as well as her many accomplishments while serving on City Council.
Many of the candidates stated fiscal management as a priority, however their views on how to manage the city varied.
Carlsbad is known to be a fiscally conservative city with a strong economic base.
Thomas K. Arnold, a magazine publisher who has said he has experience managing business on a budget, challenged the city’s past decision to spend money on the new golf course, one that earned it a “Golden Fleece” award from the San Diego County Taxpayers Association.
Arnold said if elected he would want to be known as someone who “got things done.”
Challenger Glenn R. Bernard, a retired Marine who works in real estate, has campaigned on an anti-government control platform and has said he wants to create a town where city government is de-emphasized.
Bernard said he is best known as the candidate who ran for mayor in the past without using any signs.
Evan Delaney Rodgers, a college student, has emphasized the fresh, new perspective her leadership would bring. Rodgers is running a “lean and green” campaign.
Farrah Douglas, a local business owner, has stressed her experience on the city’s Planning Commission and Keith Blackburn, with the Carlsbad Police Department has said he is used to working with the public and is also well versed in business.
Another forum is expected at a date yet to be announced, organizers said.
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