By Trent Moore

Staff Writer

When asked why he believes he is best suited for the office of mayor, candidate Ernest Hauk noted his two terms as a Cullman city council member gives him ample experience in dealing with local government.

“My eight years on the council gives me insight and knowledge about how city government actually works, and gives me the ability to accomplish the goals of the citizens without a long period of learning,” he said. “I have the ability to look at all sides of an issue, weigh what is presented and make a decision based on that. I do not have the personality to have my mind made up without knowing all the facts and I’m not afraid to change my mind, and admit when I’ve made a mistake.”

Hauk said he also has experience with city budgeting.

“I’ve worked the budgets in lean economic times and in times of plenty,” he said. “I have learned to wisely spend taxpayer money according to the income we have in regards to future needs.”

On the topic of possibly changing the boat motor size limit from 15 horsepower to 25 horsepower on Lake Catoma, Hauk said he has not yet reached a personal conclusion as to how the matter should be handled.

“Having worked with that for several weeks now, and listening to citizens, I have to say the jury is still out,” he said. “It seemed to be an easy answer, but as government works we found many other things to consider. This is what we do and continue to do. The most important thing is keeping our drinking water safe.”

As far as a future water source is concerned, Hauk said he believes the Duck River Dam project is the best course of action for the city.

“I’m committed to Duck River,” he said. “I have sat down with the county commissioners and two commission chair elects and have been assured we will all work together on the water issue.”

Hauk said he hopes the legal issues currently barring the Duck River Dam project from completion will soon be resolved.

“That is in the hands of the judge and as soon as a decision is reached we are ready to start,” he said. “The environmental lawsuit has kept us from proceeding and we expect a ruling on that this month.”

Though the Duck River project is his first choice, Hauk said he would be open to other options in the future.

“I’m not opposed to holding the Tennessee River as a future water source, beyond Duck River,” he said.

When asked his thoughts on projects such as the Field of Miracles, Festhalle Market Platz, Wellness & Aquatic Center and the new police department, Hauk said he agreed with the spending decisions and projects undertaken by the previous administration.

“I’m proud of every project we’ve undertaken, most of all the Field of Miracles,” he said. “As mayor I’d love to see all these current projects completed. Though, I’m sure the economy will put a hold on other ‘dream’ projects we may have.”

Hauk also gave his take on the $617,343 Festhalle Market Platz.

“Festhalle has probably been the most controversial, however we chose to provide not only a place for the farmers to sell, but also a gathering place for other citizen functions ... such as Oktoberfest,” he said. “We chose to build a facility that would last beyond our lifetime, but not be the most expensive facility we could have built.”

The hours of operation for the market, Hauk added, were decided on by a committee of local farmers and experts.

“A committee was established of farmers, county extension agents, Auburn Agriplex Committee, state director of farmers markets and citizens to determine the hours of operation for Festhalle,” he said. “We approved the current schedule based on their recommendations.”

On the topic of a comprehensive plan for the city of Cullman, Hauk said he supports the plan currently being assembled by Jim Fisher and the city planner’s office.

“This city desperately needs an updated city plan,” he said. “Many ideas and suggestions come from the planner’s office that we may or may not do, but without those we may miss some opportunities that would benefit the city. I’m very happy that we are almost complete with a comprehensive plan.”

When asked about the half-cent sales tax passed by the previous administration, which goes toward the Cullman City school system, Hauk said he stands by the decision.

“I absolutely support the half-cent sales tax,” he said. “The citizens voted no to a property tax increase, and many expressed a desire for the half-cent sales tax, in lieu of a property tax. If the people wanted to vote in a property tax increase, then remove the half-cent sales tax, I would support that.”

Hauk said he believes the half-cent sales tax is a small price to pay to support local education.

“I’ve seen what happens when the school system is low on funds,” he said. “A strong school system affects everyone in a community in a positive way, regardless of if they have students in school or not, through bringing in jobs, retail, medical and other services. A strong school system brings those things in.”

In light of the recent study into Cullman Police Department pay in comparison to comparable police departments, Hauk said attention needs to given to the payscale for employees citywide.

“The police study showed that base pay was too low, which leads me to believe the same may be true in other departments,” he said. “I want to have an objective, comprehensive pay study of all employees city-wide, then act accordingly on the recommendations of that study. I’ve told many city employees that my hope is, if I’m elected mayor and when I eventually leave office, they will be extremely happy and proud to work for the city of Cullman, because of comparable pay, benefits and working conditions.”

When asked if he plans to make any changes to current city government departments, Hauk said the budget will make those decisions.

“I have ideas, but the budget will dictate much of what we do in regards to departments in the city,” he said. “Some areas may need expanding and some may need to tighten their belts, but I would do nothing at the expense of services to the citizens.”

On the topic of economic growth in the community, Hauk said he would continue to support the expansion of Cullman retail opportunities and industrial expansion.

“I have and will continue to support the Economic Development Agency and the Industrial Development Board, because they have done a phenomenal job in bringing industry to Cullman,” he said. “I also feel it would be the job of the mayor to be the bandleader in attracting new retail that will compliment what we currently have, and provide a wider array of shopping opportunities to our citizens.”

When asked his opinion on a referendum for a vote on the issue of alcohol sales in Cullman — which was voted down the last time it was on the ballot — Hauk said it was a decision for the people, not the mayor.

“It’s the right of the citizens to call for a referendum, it’s not a decision for the mayor,” he said. “The mayor’s job is to ensure the will of the people is accomplished.”

If citizens did ask for a referendum to vote on the issue, Hauk said he would support drawing up a proposal ordinance, so the people would know exactly what they were voting for, before casting a ballot.

“We’ve worked on an ordinance that would provide the strictest limitations possible and I’d support that being in place, so people would know what they were voting on and how it would be regulated,” he said. “I doubt Cullman will go wet in my lifetime, but if it did, I would want it so you could come to Cullman and still not have a clue you could buy an alcoholic beverage here. I can’t stress enough, though — it’s the will of the people, not the will of the mayor.”

If elected mayor, Hauk said one specific change he would like to make is encourage better communication between the citizens, business owners and city officials.

“I’d like to have regular meetings ... where business people and all citizens can sit down and share their thoughts with everyone,” he said. “Not really a formal committee, but just an opportunity to have an open dialog and make people truly feel a since of belonging.

Hauk said he would also continue to support the efforts of local law enforcement, in an effort to squelch the drug problems in the area.

“I have and will continue to support the efforts of law enforcement to cut down on the drug problem in Cullman,” he said. “I think a lot of drug problems come from a society that feels disenfranchised. I’d like to see a grassroots movement to reach out to the disenfranchised and give them a reason to stay away from drugs.”

‰ Trent Moore can be reached by e-mail at trentm@cullmantimes.com, or by telephone at 734-2131, ext. 225.