Republican women host candidate forum
Members Liz Cuneo, Clara Kemp and Harriet Hess.
The Republican Women of Madison hosted their monthly meeting at the Best Western Plus on July 18.
Present at the meeting were some special guests: 11 of the 13 candidates for the upcoming municipal election, plus the two mayoral candidates for the city of Madison: Don Palmer and Troy Trulock.
In addition to taking care of the normal business, including the discussion of preparations for an upcoming fundraiser at Applebee’s on Aug. 25, the women turned over the microphone to the 11 guests, who each shared a three minute speech on their background and basic platform.
The candidates spoke in reverse order, from District Seven to District One.
Ronica Ondocsin of District Seven, a civil engineer, discussed her plan of using her background to improve infrastructure and create expansion in Madison. Her opponent, Sheila McFerran, discussed her four goals of improving education, providing services for seniors and veterans, creating emergency preparedness training, and improving the financial future of Madison.
Larry Vannoy of District Six discussed his plan for overall growth in Madison, while Gerald Clark presented his customer-service approach to city council with his ideas of an open-door policy, financial accountability for Madison, and improving city policies and procedures.
Tommy Overcash, who is unopposed in District Five, plans to improve the overall quality of life for Madison residents and refine and implement the Madison Growth Plan.
All of the District Three and Four candidates are new to the city council. Mike Potter discussed his background in the military and engineering field, while Clif Miller presented his three target areas as education, roads and economic development.
D.J. Klein of District Three discussed his long-term vision for Madison over the next ten years. His opponent, Malcolm Johnson, was not present.
Of District Two, Devinti Williams discussed his business background and his vision for a GOP community where more people get involved with business, plus he mentioned his plan to fund the Growth Plan. Steve Smith covered his plan to keep everyone working together and to hit the ground running.
Heather Smith, who announced her candidacy in District One the day before, was not present. Her opponent, Tim Holcombe, ended the speeches by discussing his accomplishments in office plus his future goals.
Mayoral candidates Palmer and Trulock will be speaking at the meeting next month.
For more information on the municipal election, to be held on Aug. 28, visit the city of Madison website at Madisonal.gov.
