During a recent city council meeting in Commerce, candidates addressed key concerns raised by residents, emphasizing transparency, community engagement, and zoning issues.

One of the primary topics discussed was the need for accurate communication between the city council and residents. Ethel Willard highlighted the importance of an open-door policy among city department directors, encouraging citizens to reach out with questions or concerns. Deborah James echoed this sentiment, noting her commitment to being accessible to residents, especially those unable to attend meetings in person.

Candidates also debated the adequacy of current council meeting schedules. Christopher Clark suggested that council members should attend more community events to foster better relationships with residents. Sylvia Meyer and GC Saldanha supported this view, emphasizing the importance of being present in the community and engaging with local schools to address issues directly.

Another significant issue raised was the establishment of a smoke shop near a local school. James expressed her opposition to such businesses near educational institutions, advocating for a collaborative approach among council members to address zoning concerns. Willard added that zoning decisions are primarily handled by the planning and zoning board, urging residents to participate in those meetings to voice their opinions.

The candidates also discussed the dynamics of council member relationships, with Nancy Dronberg stressing the need for tolerance and communication to resolve conflicts effectively. Mark Gilbert reinforced the idea of teamwork among council members, suggesting that more frequent meetings could enhance collaboration.

Overall, the meeting underscored the candidates' commitment to improving communication with residents, addressing community concerns, and ensuring responsible governance in Commerce.