The Oak Ridge North candidate forum, hosted by the Voter Awareness Council, was held Thursday evening, giving city residents the opportunity to become more informed on the candidates’ views regarding city issues. City residents have the opportunity on May 6 to vote for candidates for Place 4, Place 2 and Place 5 on the Oak Ridge North City Council. Place 4 candidates include incumbent Michelle Cassio and challenger Dan Broyles. Incumbent Clint McClaren is the only candidate running for Place 2 and Frances Planchard is the only candidate running for Place 5. The candidates answered a range of questions submitted by those in attendance regarding Robinson Road traffic concerns, the city's economic growth, stoplight and traffic light concerns and enhancing community involvement. Q: The city agreed to move forward with the Master Thoroughfare Plan, what are some major issues that should be addressed? Frances Planchard: We need to look throughout the city and look at the impact where major roads should be. We need a mobility study and plan to do studies to see where traffic needs to be and go in order to lessen the traffic we have now. Clint McClaren: We've used data from the engineering firm from the mobility study to help create a plan and that will help future possible roads so business and developers can see a possibility. They can see where they would want to construct. Someone can't come through with eminent domain. Michelle Cassio: It's a necessity east of the railroad tracks and it's essential we have plans for future roads and right of ways and how it's going to affect Robinson Road.   Q: The city of Oak Ridge North entered into an agreement with a developer for the Crowne Plaza Hotel. however the project has been stalled, holding up much needed dollars for the city support. Should there be similar agreements in the future? Michelle Cassio: Yes, I would support [similar agreements]. In the long run it will bring in economic revenue to the city. Clint McClaren: The problem was that there was a utility right of way with AT&T. We told the developer that we would secure the right of way for them but they would have to put in escrow the money to purchase that from AT&T. The developer has since put money in escrow with the city. If the developer wasn't sure of the hotel he wouldn't have given us $20,000 of deposit. It will be built eventually. Q: With the possibility of the Robinson Road widening, residents that will be affected are hoping they can rezone their properties to ensure they do not lose money on their investment. Do you support this action, why or why not? Dan Broyles: I do not support widening Robinson Road, it's our road. We're widening the road for truck traffic. We need a sign saying no trucks. It's not a thoroughfare. Michelle Cassio: Residents have requested a zoning change, and if they want I support it. I know the planning and zoning committee has met with Robinson Road citizens as well as Wickwood residents and are working well together on agreeable terms. Q: Aside from mobility, what issues are Oak Ridge North facing and what are solutions to these issues? Clint McClaren: A major issue is aging infrastructure with water lines. We've implemented this in budgeting and planning and if we collect enough money in water and sewer rates we can build capital funds to replace them so we don't have to go out and increase debt service rates. Frances Planchard: We have serious drainage issues and we have a drainage plan. We have some immediate things we are working on. We need to get drainage issues on the south side of Robinson Road taken care of. Dan Broyles: We've ignored the drainage problem. People on Westwood Drive have their houses flood when there is a big rain. We've ignored people on the south side. Q: How do you think the TIRZ will benefit Oak Ridge North? Frances Planchard: The TIRZ will be benefit the city because the base of money stays with city and I think it's a real asset to us. Clint McClaren: People think the TIRZ is just for Robinson Road and the widening but it's also for water, sewer and drainage throughout the city. I know the big issue is Robinson Road but it can also be used for water sewer and drainage. Michelle Cassio: The TIRZ program can fund the infrastructure needed for businesses that come in and it won't come out of city funds. Dan Broyles:  I think the TIRZ is going to bankrupt Oak Ridge. We're got a partnership with the county and we can float bonds and the county can't. Commissioner [James] Noack said we can use the TIRZ to build roads. It's costing us, it's our taxpayers. Election day is May 6 and early voting begins April 24. For more information on the Oak Ridge North City Council election, visit www.oakridgenorth.com/departments/city_secretary/election_information/index.php.