Editor's Note: This is the third installment in a six-part series. Each candidate for Sarasota City Commission was asked to answer identical questions on city issues in advance of the March 10 city election. Eileen Normile is running in District 2.

What would be the first priority at the start of your new term when you get elected? My first priority would be to continue to push the initiative I proposed regarding a Traffic Summit. The traffic problems are crippling the city and we have to work to solve some of the problems before next season. We also have to work with the FDOT to solve some of the larger long-term problems. It’s important to remember the roads with the most pervasive issues are state highways and the city actually has very little to say about how they are operated. It is time all levels of government sat down at one table and discussed the short and long term fixes to our traffic and transportation problems. The sooner the better.

What past or present Sarasota City Commissioner do you believe you would be most like in terms of how you govern? Without naming one individual—there have been several who had the ability to listen to all sides and vote the decision that best serves the entire city. For instance, there have been commissioners who could understand the interests of business and neighborhoods and promoted healthy understanding between the two. There are pulls and tugs in many directions and I admire those who can resist one over the other. I would wish to be as visionary as the commissioners and City Manager who in the 1960s had the courage and foresight to build the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall that placed our city ahead of all other cities in  Florida. 

What do you believe should be the city’s next step in terms of handling the homeless issue in Sarasota? First, I am committed to working with the County Commission in a collegial problem-solving manner.  I would like to see both the County and City Commissions discuss details of the “Housing First” program which has statistics to back up its success. I am willing to look at any model that has a verifiable track record. I am not in favor of having a Come As You Are shelter in the City of Sarasota. That is one program (based on the model in Pinellas County) that does not have the stats we would need to fund it. 

 What is the greatest financial challenge for the city right now and what is the most prudent way to handle it? The unfunded pension programs are a tremendous challenge.  It has gotten a bit better in the last few years.  At this point, the City’s three pension funds are funded as follows:  General Employees—70 percent, Police—75 percent and Firefighters—almost 80 percent. 

What is one change you would like to see in the way city business is conducted today? There have been complaints of City Commission dysfunction and lack of collegiality over the past few years. I’ve seen it myself. I’m proud of the way the current commission operates. Civility and collegiality have created a functional governing body.  I would describe our methods as “research leading to fact-based decisions.” I hope the voters will wish us to continue working together in this productive way.