Voters in only one of Byrnes Mill’s three wards will have a choice to make for a representative on the city’s Board of Alderpersons in the April 2 election.
In Ward 1, Dennis Martin is challenging Glenn LaVenture, who is seeking a fourth two-year term.
Cindy Davies is running unopposed for a sixth straight term in Ward 2, and in Ward 3, Nicole Pettis, who was appointed to fill a vacancy, is running for a full term.
Board members are not paid.
MARTIN, 65, is a retired construction truck driver. He and his wife, Diane, have two children and five grandchildren. A graduate of North County High School, he attended the Lead Belt Vocational Technical School and studied electricity.
Glenn LaVenture
LaVENTURE, 66, is a facility manager for Group 360/We Are Alexander, a marketing agency and prepress company, for which he has worked for 36 years. He and his wife, Debbie, the interim Byrnes Mill city administrator, have two grown sons. He is a high school graduate with training in all facets of construction and building management.
What experience do you have (elected office, civic organizations, volunteer work, etc.) that might serve you well in this position?
Martin: I am a former member of the board (2001-2003) and a past president of the Lions Club.
LaVenture: I was a Cub Scout leader when my sons were young, I was a member of the Olde Mill Estates Homeowners Association for almost 20 years and I served on the Byrnes Mill Planning and Zoning board from 2002-2005.
What are the biggest problems facing the city and how would you address them?
Martin: Growth and keeping taxes under control.
LaVenture: Being able to offer a competitive wage and retirement package to our police officers and staff. These folks are working hard to keep our city safe and running smoothly and deserve to be able to provide for themselves and their families.
Do you support Proposition U, the use tax that appears on the ballot? Why or why not? And if it passes, what should the money be used for?
Martin: No; times are tough; people are struggling
LaVenture: I do support Prop U. It’s a good way to generate the revenue to help the city support its staff. It would add 2.5 percent to online purchases, which is the same sales tax we collect on brick-and-mortar businesses, so every time you see an Amazon or FedEx or UPS truck making deliveries in our city, know that we are all going to benefit. It’s important to know that the mayor and alderpersons are volunteer positions and do not benefit from these revenues other than being able to use them to help our employees and our city.
Why should voters elect you to this position? List your goals, if elected.
Martin: It’s time for change.
LaVenture: Voters should consider me if they want someone who cares about the city and donates time and effort promoting it. This is where I live and raised my family and am proud of where the city is going. I also feel it’s important to listen to what our residents have to say and to help them with what resources we have to make their lives better.
