Incumbent, student candidates debate at St. Norbert By Charity Johnson For The News-Chronicle Constituents of the 4th District of De Pere had the opportunity to hear candidate Sam Dunlop, a St. Norbert College student, and incumbent Richard Peters debate issues affecting the community and the St. Norbert campus Tuesday. Several of the questions covered qualification and actions that would be taken to serve all constituents in the fourth district. Peters was first to answer noting his four years of experience as alderman. "The city council is making bigger decisions now than what have been made in the last 30 years. The decisions we are making now will affect De Pere for the next 80 to 100 yearsÉ I have worked hard to listen and answer concerns of the community and students alike and to make decisions that are best for the college and community." "My campaign slogan is "Bringing People Together" and this is a great opportunity to prove as a student I can represent students and other citizens of De Pere to make it the best it can be. As a student of SNC I have access to great resources such as student government that I would use along with other organizations like the neighborhood association to bring De Pere together and provide equal representation," Dunlop said. Other questions focused on problems relating to alcohol consumption in the district and actions that would be taken to help residents who live in rental housing that is in subpar condition. Dunlop was brief on the alcohol consumption issue stating he understood it was a concern but would regress to the citizens to have input on a decision. However, he did spend more time on issues relating to rental property within the district by proposing a system that would monitor the properties. "Students are afraid to complain about subpar conditions because if a building inspector comes in they may not have a place to live. These issues should be monitored regularly and addressed in the summer months so students don't have to move out mid winter." Peters was brief as well regarding the issue of monitoring alcohol. "I am not in favor of telling a private business how to run. I would like to have something that is agreeable to them." Peters did not propose changes to how rental properties are currently regulated but used the question as an opportunity to reinforce his position with the mostly student audience, "Anytime I have received a complaint from a student, I would get a building inspector to go over and take care of the situation immediately. Housing is important to a student and if any of you have a problem with your landlord contact me and I will take care of it immediately." Roundabouts at the side of each bridge presented an area of disagreement for the candidates. Dunlop was opposed to the roundabouts stating not everyone knows how to drive around them, "The last couple of weeks I have gone door to door and have not found an issue more confusing. We don't live in Europe and we don't need roundabouts at each end." Peters spoke in favor of the roundabouts sighting information given at a recent city council meeting, "According to studies done by the Department of Transpiration roundabouts move traffic faster and clear up congestion. I would have to go along with the DOT. They have more experience than me." Ald. Paul Kegel, asked both candidates ways they could be proactive instead of reactive in government. Both candidates brought up the bridge, Peters sighting it as an example of being proactive and Dunlop using it as an example of not looking far enough into the future. "I think the four lane bridge was a mistake. There needs to be more foresight in situations like this," Dunlop said.