Candidate Position Papers, Barisa Bruckman’s Non-Response, and Kim Stone’s Refusal to Engage In Community Discussion

As part of our commitment to transparency, we invited all candidates to participate in interviews and provide position papers for publication on our website.

Kim Stone ignored multiple requests for discussion, despite publicly claiming that she speaks with all residents who reach out to her about city matters.

Barisa Bruckman initially agreed to participate. To ensure fairness, HP Forward Co-Chair Irwin Bernstein met with Walter Hainsfurther, a strong supporter of Bruckman’s, to review and refine the questions before they were sent to candidates. After James Lynch was apparently encouraged to withdraw from the race, Bruckman withdrew from the interview process and instead provided the attached letter.

Since the race for the 4-year seat is uncontested, HP Forward has chosen not to make endorsements in that contest.  But we are sharing the responses received with the community and provide the following public reply to Bruckman’s letter:

Business Vibrancy:

Bruckman states she wants to increase sales tax revenue but does not believe the city should take an active role in identifying preferred tenants for our business districts.

Our view: Business vibrancy depends upon city leadership playing a role in attracting businesses that contribute to both economic growth and community engagement. We believe that salons and exercise facilities do not generate significant sales tax revenue and have limited business hours.

Exclusion from the Political Process:

Bruckman refused to be interviewed by a leader of the HP Business community because he chairs an advisory board that she is the liaison for. That is nonsense.  The Business Development Group has no binding power, no budget, and no business in front of the city council.  It is nothing but a sounding board.  Chris Falcon is a respected local business owner and an engaged community member. Bruckman’s attempt to undermine his participation in the process is an example of her trying to secure her seat without undergoing proper community vetting.

Political Maneuvering Over Public Will:

Understanding how a council member approaches decision-making is essential to selecting the best candidates. Bruckman had publicly stated her support for the liquor license amendment. The issue wasn’t her stance, which she already told the community — it was her decision to delay the vote until after Jeff Hoobler was no longer eligible to run for the seat she occupies solely because the council forced him to choose between his business and his public service.

We gave Bruckman the opportunity to provide an alternative explanation for her actions. Her refusal to engage reinforces the conclusion that she prioritized her own political ambitions over the will of the people.

Please read all the candidates’ statements in the following post links below: