Candidates address public engagement, union wages, DDA expansion and neighborhood concerns

Discussion shifted from policy specifics to governance, public engagement and labor priorities.

On worker pay and contracts, Monroe argued the city budget should be a “moral document” that prioritizes frontline employees and cited the ASME Local 369 contract situation; Cornell said she comes from a union household, has labor endorsements and supports fair wages while describing negotiations as ongoing and collaborative.

On public engagement, Monroe said many renters and other residents felt excluded from the comprehensive plan process and described outreach as performative; Cornell pointed to participation that included missing‑middle housing advocates and encouraged residents to use the city’s Engage site for updates and input.

Monroe raised concern about expansion of the Downtown Development Authority (DDA), calling it an unelected body that now captures tax revenues from multiple jurisdictions; Cornell said economic development tools can be appropriate when they deliver clear public benefits and called for projects to do more for the general public.

Both candidates cited neighborhood concerns: Cornell discussed recovery work after an April tornado affecting Vets Park and traffic‑calming efforts; Monroe focused on unintended consequences of Miller Road bike-lane changes and preservation of tree canopy and sidewalks.

The forum presented candidate positions for voters; it did not produce council action.