In interviews with the Tribune, the two candidates discussed their political philosophies, plans to fix the city’s financial woes and what they would bring to the city if elected.

Both candidates agreed that fiscal responsibility is key to getting the city back in shape financially.

“The city’s in trouble right now financially because I think everyone was asleep at the wheel and spending money we don’t have,” said Myer. “You don’t spend money you don’t really have.”

Myer said he believes the city should separate all accounts to avoid “intermingling” of funds that could give a false impression of how much money the city has.

He suggested eliminating the position of city administrator, which he said could save the city $100,000.

Williams said the city has made significant budget cuts and layoffs to save money.

“We’ve saved over $300,000 and I applaud every employee up there because they’ve come up with brilliant ideas,” Williams said. “The council, we’ve put our heads together and we’re doing what we think we can do.”

She said layoffs have been difficult because of how attached employees become, but that they are “things you have to do.”

With projects like The Stroll and Unity Park, Williams said one is “already doing what we hoped it would do.”

“It’s generating businesses,” Williams said of The Stroll. “There’s approximately three businesses a week that will contact us about possibly opening up a shop.”

She said the community has been giving positive feedback on the project.

“The cars going by and the honks and the thumbs up, people are excited about this,” she said. “It is making a difference.”

She added that Unity Park is an important tool in bringing businesses and money into the city.

Myer, however, feels that The Stroll may cause more problems for the city.

“I don’t see that it’s going to get that much use,” he said. “It’s a couple blocks off the main road there, there’s no place to park or anything.”

Although he added that he didn’t see any problems with it as long as the city was not “in such deficit.”

“It’s going to have to be maintained,” he said. “It’s going to get messy if you don’t take care of it.”

Myer said he liked the idea of the park as a place to take the kids, but that “the deficit needs to be addressed before you start doing extras like the park.”

Williams said her experience is the most important thing she will bring into office if re-elected.

“I have proven my leadership,” she said. “I am definitely an independent thinker; I understand the problems, as a citizen and as a business owner.”

She emphasized the importance of being a visible and involved member of the community.

“I go to church here, I’m involved in the county, the grant board,” she said. She added that she is involved in several other community and non-profit organizations.

Williams also said she supports transparency in the council.

“I applaud it (open government),” she said. “We live by it, we always have. Everything that we do is transparent.”

Myer said the main thing he will bring into office if elected is experience in budgeting and spending.

“I’m just really good financially with money and I think that’s what Magnolia needs right now, someone that can look at budgets and revenue,” he said.

He said transparency in city government is important to residents’ involvement in the city.

“I think the city needs to listen to the citizens of Magnolia and be very in tune with what the people want,” he said.

Williams, who owns and operates Windstar Equipment with her husband, Jonny, has lived in Magnolia since 1955. She has four children and three grand children. She has been on the city council since 1992.

Myer, a property manager for commercial and industrial properties, has lived in the Magnolia area with his family since 1999. He has two daughters. This is his first time to run for an elected office.

Election day is May 8.

Check back with the Tribune for more profiles on candidates leading up to Election Day.

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