Incumbent Brentwood Mayor Bob Taylor and challenger Teresa Wooten clashed over plans for a $73 million Civic Center project and other issues at a recent election forum.
Taylor, who was elected in 2006, is running for a four-year term. Wooten is a former city engineer who was laid off earlier this year.
The forum will be shown on Channel 24 for Comcast subscribers beginning Sunday and also is available for viewing at ContraCostaTimes.com. A number of issues were discussed, but the proposed Civic Center and its consequences took center stage.
Wooten said she's in "favor of the Civic Center in theory," because the current plan addresses the needs of Brentwood, but some aspects aren't necessary.
"City Hall doesn't need to be as large as they've planned," Wooten said. "I think some of the money from the general fund could be used for police personnel. It's too big."
The project would include a 65,000-square-foot City Hall and council chambers along with a park, community center and library.
"What is the definition of big?" Taylor said. "(Brentwood) is sitting at about 52, 53,000 (people) right now. Our build-out is supposedly around 75,000. We have to look into the future."
One concern with the Civic Center is the proposed parking garage planned next to Liberty High School. A number of residents and the school district have argued the parking garage would compromise safety in Advertisementthe area.
Wooten, 51, said city staff has explored building the structure on Second Street, across from the city park, which would be a much better fit for the city.
"I think that's a much better place to be looking," Wooten said. "I don't think it should be located near the school at all, especially if it's just for city staff."
Taylor, 64, said it wouldn't be prudent to relocate the parking garage because the city has spent "tremendous amounts of money" on design plans.
"It's kind of amazing," Taylor said. "This is the first time we've gotten opposition from the school district regarding the parking structure. We've been working on this for years."
Taylor said he does not think the parking garage would put students at risk, and that the City Council would make sure the area is safe.
"I was on the Liberty school board for over 12 years, and I understand Liberty's concerns," Taylor said. "I guarantee you this council would not do anything to jeopardize the safety of our students (or) our citizens."
Wooten and Taylor also offered views on the future of Brentwood's economy, downtown growth, police and fire safety, and traffic safety. In closing, Wooten said it was time for a change in Brentwood.
"I think we need some new leadership in the area," Wooten said.
Taylor stacked his experience against Wooten's, including being a Vietnam War veteran, and said he would be the best choice for Brentwood in the coming years.
"I have the experience," Taylor said, "the dedication and the foresight to move forward in the future."
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