Willis would hit misbehaving Dumfries Council members in the pocketbook

Melva Willis seeks a seat on the Dumfries Town Council.

The Realtor is one of five candidates seeking votes in a May 3, 2016 election for Dumfries Town Council.

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We sent a candidate questionnaire to Willis and she replied with the following statements:

PL: Why should Dumfries residents be excited to vote for you?

Willis: Our Town is driven by its budget. It’s imperative our Council work together for the good of the Town, which means to pass a budget that addresses our current and future projects. Certain incumbents on the Town Council don’t want to work together for the good of the Town. All I see from these incumbents is divisiveness and disrespect toward each other and the citizens. If elected, I will work to pass a budget addressing the Town’s needs, not my personal agenda, and, as far as the Council itself, I will vote for a Code of Conduct, which includes monetary disciplinary actions. 

PL: In your own words, what is the job description of a Town Council member? What expertise will you bring to the position?

Willis: To serve the Citizens of the Town of Dumfries, to set policy, pass a budget, as well, as set the tax rate. I am currently on the Finance Committee and Church Council at Dumfries United Methodist Church. Before I retired, I was an Administrator with an Episcopal Church in [Washington] D.C., which had a budget, will over $1.5 million. Also, in that position, I helped manage a $6 million renovation. 

PL: What are the biggest issues and needs residents of the Town of Dumfries? What will you do to address those needs?

Willis: The citizens are directly affected by how the Council conducts business, which includes the budget and policies that are passed. With that being said, the most crucial issue affecting the residents is the budget. As I have already stated, the budget must address the present and future projects of the Town. However, when you have certain Council members that don’t or won’t work together and are not professional toward each other or the citizens, then you have a Council that can’t get anything or very little accomplished. I believe that a Code of Conduct must be implemented immediately to include monetary disciplinary actions. I will work with the Council members to create a budget that addresses our current and future needs, as well as, voting to implement a Code of Conduct for the Council.

PL: Have you ever made any mistakes in your public life? How have they affected you?

Willis: No.

PL: Do you feel that the average citizen is well informed and understands the workings of town government? If not, how do you intend on improving communication with your constituency?

Willis: Yes, I feel our town’s citizens are well informed. The Town uses Twitter, Facebook, the Town website and all the Council meetings and the work sessions are televised. Our Town is very connected by social media. This allows our citizens to utilize any of the above means to stay informed.