Olney City Council: Nurre v. Muncy

Candidates Steven Nurre and Kathy Schrader Muncy will compete for the open City Council seat in the Nov. 5 election. The winner will fill a seat left open by the departure of Councilmember Harrison Wellman and serve out the remainder of Mr. Wellman’s term, which ends in May 2025. The Enterprise interviewed both candidates.

Enterprise: What do you see as the top issues facing the City of Olney in the next two years?

Ms. Muncy: The top issue facing the City of Olney at present and the next two years is this push for “growth”. Growth is not a bad thing, when done at the right time. This high inflationary times is not the time to be committing tax dollars and surcharges to things that take years to build. With construction items doubling, tripling it is no wonder nothing has been completed and the Council is coming back for more. Our tax dollars and “surcharges” are not being spent wisely. My position is to plan for growth, do what you can with today’s dollars, but quit foolishly spending future funds, until they are in your pocket. The City cannot keep “surcharging” the residents with unseen results.

Mr. Nurre: The top issues for the City facing the next 2 years. Only GOD knows. However as with any city the continued upgrade and beautification of main street. Hopefully stimulating local business to open in vacant storefronts as it is the center of town. City infrastructure with a new water plant we will also need new and upgraded water lines and valves in the oldest part of town.

Enterprise: What do you think the City should do about the water treatment plant -- refurbish the existing plant, begin building the new plant with the funds on hand while raising the shortfall elsewhere, or something else? Ms. Muncy: I feel the water plant now should be refurbished, until inflation stablizes. The water plant does need help, but the “new” water plant was sold as necessary due to all the “new growth” Olney was going to see. I am still waiting to find out who all these new residents are and where they are moving here from. There are many things that need to be fixed for this “new growth” to move here.

Mr. Nurre: I have yet to read all the available information pertaining to the Water plant. As far as I know currently the city has returned to the bidding process due to complications. Finding the correct company to fit our needs and within budget projections can be difficult. The old unit is working now the equipment is dated and repairs and upgrades could be just as costly and have more system down time (the city without water). Building a new plant will serve the city better and we could save the old one as a back-up. You know they don’t make them like they used to.

Enterprise: What would help the City jumpstart housing construction in Olney?

Ms. Muncy: In order for the City of Olney to jumpstart housing construction, there needs to be some “give” by the City.

All the City-owned lots and houses that “need help,” should be marketed to our locals that would love the dream of owning their own home.

These locals or new locals (they must reside here) who qualify for an Owner Occupied Construction Loan should be able to purchase the lot at a bare minimum ($500$1,000) and all property taxes waived on property until they move in, with NO retro taxes due. Start fresh.

I proposed this at a City Council meeting a few years ago, but was met with resistance because of the taxes owed were what the City wanted.

They are just numbers on a piece of paper and the lots and homes still stand, accruing more tax. Funds could be made available for these people through our local banks as long as the purchaser qualifies for their underwriting guidelines.

We could ask for help from our local realtors for some of the many REIT companies. Work with the future owners by taking these trash lots off the City rolls and turn them into productive neighborhoods.

Mr. Nurre: The city is very proactive in its code enforcement, in my trips around town I personally have noticed an improvement in yards and open lots. The active dismantling of abandoned properties is something I have not seen in other cities. Leveling lots and sending them to tax auctions is a valuable option for the city to encourage building of homes. Low land prices are inviting to builders. Without talking to a construction company representative, it is hard to tell what more the city could do.

Enterprise: What are your qualifications to serve on the City Council?

Ms. Muncy: My qualifictions to hold this position, well, I have lived here since July 2002.

I raised my two daughters here in the home I bought in 2005. My daughters are now productive members of society, one in law enforcement and the other as a flight attendant.

They were wild little Cubs and I am so grateful to the OISD that saw the good in them and made them learn. I have met and gotten to know many people in this town and am eternally grateful I was able to finish raising them here.

I have fought City Hall many times over the years and feel it is my responsibilty to try to work with the people of Olney and City Hall. I am going to propose a town hall with citizens and two councilmen to discuss what is being proposed and your feelings on it. It is time to close the huge disconnect between the two. I am going to expect you to be there!

As for work credentials, I have 16 years (1973-1989) in the Savings and Loan Industry as a Branch Manager and Mortgage Loan Officer.

In the late 80’s, when the RTC was gobbling up the S&L’s, I left and went to work with a Mortgage Broker. I also worked with a friend from Mtg Broker doing bookkeeping from home, and continued this until I moved back to Texas in 2001.

Mr. Nurre: The best qualification I could bring to a position as a councilmember is a servant heart. I have given my all to God, And Country After serving 13 years in the U.S. Army. I have been in customer service for around 35 years in one form or another serving as store manager at Tractor Supply, assistant store manager with Lowe’s, owner-operator of a muffler and welding shop, heavy construction, 12 years with the Emergency Services Bureau at the Pueblo County Sheriff ’s Office and involved with the American Legion for over 23 years.

I have served my country, state and local community in every place I have lived, and it would be an honor to serve the people of Olney. I see this as the biggest job interview to date. I am willing to make my full resume and myself available to anybody interested. Let’s talk.

[Steven Nurre is on Facebook; reachable via email at bigbrotherpi@msn.com; and on his mobile phone at 940-5236077]