Eureka Voters Can Meet Mayor Candidates Directly
Regardless of what overall comments are shared or written during the next several weeks, Eureka citizens have the chance to become informed voters in a very personal, open manner.
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For any Eureka voter who would like the opportunity to sit down one-on-one with either of the city's two mayoral candidates—Kevin Coffey and Lee Kropp—both men have announced their schedules for meeting with residents, and will be available according to the following plans.
Monday's Patch included an article regarding an impromptu challenge issued to the candidates by one Eureka business owner. This future series of direct conversations with the two candidates is an excellent way to secure firsthand information.
Editor's Notes: Prior to this article, Eureka mayor candidate Lee Kropp already conducted two face-to-face sessions at the following local restaurants: Feb. 9 at Solid Rock Kaffe Haus and Feb. 16 at Chick-N-Elly's.
Eureka-Wildwood Patch is supplying the public session times of both candidates as a service to readers, and such inclusion should not be perceived as endorsements of any candidates.
The Eureka business leaders at whose locations the meetings will occur would like Patch readers to know the sessions do not show support, or lack of support, to either of the candidates. These are not campaign rally events, and thus all attendees will be purchasing their own food and beverages.
THE FOLLOWING TABLE LISTS TIMES THAT LEE KROPP WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR PERSONAL CONVERSATIONS.
| Feb. 23 | El Nopal's | 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. |
| March 2 | Denny's | 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. |
| March 6 | Masonic Lodge "all you can eat breakfast" | 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 am. |
| March 9 | Phil's Bar B Que | 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. |
| March 16 | Saint Louis Bread Company | 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. |
| March 19 | Eureka Wine House | 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. |
| March 23 | Rich & Charlie's | 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. |
| March 30 |
JP's Sports Bar |
Noon to 2 p.m. |
| April 2 |
Joe Boccardi's Restaurant |
Noon to 2 p.m. |
| April 3 |
Masonic Lodge "all you can eat breakfast" | 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. |
THE FOLLOWING TABLE LISTS TIMES THAT KEVIN COFFEY WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR PERSONAL CONVERSATIONS.
| March 9 | Solid Rock Kaffee Haus | 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. |
| March 16 | Michelle's Cafe | 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. |
| March 23 | Eureka Wine House | 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. |
| March 30 | Chick-N-Elly's | 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. |
Bob Richter
7:07 am on Wednesday, February 23, 2011
I'm not in the city of Eureka but this "Meet the Candidate" idea is great. Wouldn't it be even greater if once elected, the mayor of Eureka, Wildwood or wherever, would hold a monthly "Let's Talk Town" forum at a restaurant or casual place? City council meetings just aren't conducive to creative dialogue.
Julie Brown Patton
7:45 am on Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Excellent suggestion, Bob.
Lee Kropp
7:29 am on Wednesday, February 23, 2011
That is one of my plans, I feel that it is important for our city officials to be seen and seen often. Most of the people that I have talked to haven't seen our current mayor since the last election.
Mary Wallach
1:48 am on Friday, February 25, 2011
The mayor and several of the aldermen have visited my place of business many times since the last election and shopped in my store too. I appreciate their support by shopping locally.
Spin City
7:54 am on Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Isn't a little too early to start the spin?? Please.
George Weber
7:59 am on Wednesday, February 23, 2011
It has been a pleasure to watch the growth of the Patch. Since I have
been in hospice for my lymphoma, it brings local news and events to
my computer for easy access.
Thanks to all. As I recover, I would welcome visits.
George D. Weber GeoBoots@aol.com
Julie Brown Patton
8:06 am on Wednesday, February 23, 2011
George, best of luck with your recovery. We appreciate your kind remarks, and hope readers will continue to share their views and thoughts on behalf of our entire community. We're all in this community together!
Elise Ambrose
8:48 am on Wednesday, February 23, 2011
The Mayor and the city of Eureka have been hosting Town Hall sessions (in addition to the normal aldermanic meetings) which provide dinner and are open to the public to answer any questions citizens may have. They have been a wonderful way for the citizens to learn more about what is going on in Eureka.
Eureka Citizen
3:01 pm on Wednesday, February 23, 2011
I think it's also worth noting that all food provided is purchased from and catered by multiple local businesses. Also, the Town Hall sessions in the past have drawn a fairly large crowd to the Community Center. I hope they keep these up too because they're very informative.
eddie Buck
12:26 pm on Friday, February 25, 2011
I still believe the only forum worth attending is one which BOTH candidates attend. No pre-submitted questions. An effective moderator keeping the subject matter germain.
Both candidates, as well as the numerous people who have stopped at my business or have called to discuss, know this was my intent Monday. I stand by this, in spite of what has been put in print or spoken .
I had a series of emails, with Lee regarding my challenge. I fully believe, he was reasonably assured there was no intent on my part to "set him up" in any way. As I was reasonably assured to believe he understood.
I spoke to the Mayor and professed my beliefs in addressing allegations made, as his opponent has done so through his social networking sites.
I use as examples , the backstabbing, name calling and ignorance cum reasoning, is what led to the challenge for Monday. It's no secret both candidates have loyal followers , who populate the page , Eurekans for Truth, being kept abreast of what's said.
This is the age of marketing and clearly one candidate is adept in that arena. While the other is less "public" in his approach. Marketing only goes so far. How many products over time have been quite publicized and a year later were gone?
Taking the "high road" has prevented success as well. Choosing to stand on principle and rest on laurels without publicizing , has spelled doom.
I digress to my original intent. Face to face, man to man, off the cuff, voters questions.
Diane Mertz
8:59 am on Wednesday, February 23, 2011
I think you are doing a wonderful job with the patch, great idea,I know me and alot of other people look forward to reading you each morning. Keep up the good work. Diane Mertz Cherokee Chief Trading
Julie Brown Patton
9:07 am on Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Diane, your comments are inspiring and very kind. It's motivational to know Patch is helpful and enjoyable to you and other community readers. Thanks.
eddie Buck
5:18 pm on Wednesday, February 23, 2011
I think Julie is does a great job. I will forever be grateful to her for the touching story she wrote about my son Kevin "Kevo" Buck upon his death. In spite of what seems to be the love of reveling in discord over the mayoral campaign. This is a welcome source of information, in Eureka and beyond. I applaud her efforts and believe she deserves all the accolades that come her way.
Eileen Tyrrell
4:14 pm on Friday, February 25, 2011
Eddie:
Very well said. The most beneficial voter to a community is an "informed voter". With the age of technology there are many tools available to candidates to get their message out via the internet. However, nothing ever can replace the person to person or in this case a man to man discussion about the issues that concern our citizens. Mayor Coffey welcomes these questions and discussion, as he and the Board of Aldermen have demonstrated, by hosting Town Hall Meetings for the past couple of years. Please feel free to ASK THE MAYOR by calling 636-938-4260 and speak to him in person. You can also visit his website at mayorcoffey.com
Thank you to Patch.com for this community open forum .