Ruth Trager, 74
Daytona Beach
Businesswoman with Kressman's Repairs
Challenger
Q. What do you see as the biggest issue for the office you are seeking?
A. The biggest issue I see for the office I am seeking is the need to set priorities for the limited funds we have in our budget and to broaden our tax base. Residents and businesses will not be attracted to a city that has a high tax rate.
Q. What are your qualifications for the office you are seeking?
A. A near lifetime of living experience in Zone 1 (over 54 years), serving in many community projects, serving on many Daytona Beach city boards for over 18 years (appointed by our mayors), leadership positions as current president of the Halifax Historical Museum and other organizations, being a businesswoman in several businesses, continuous study of problems and possible solutions, active participation in Daytona Beach.
Q. If you win, what's the first issue you will tackle?
A. To review the budget to try to pinpoint any possible ways we could consolidate or eliminate unnecessary expenditures and to consider our needs before our wants. Police and fire and programs desired by our residents should be the last items to be considered for cuts. Our infrastructure issues need to be confronted immediately. Our neighborhoods need to become more inviting to attract new residents and businesses to help share our tax burden.
Q. If you lose, will you continue in politics?
A. I do not know if I will continue in politics, but I will certainly continue to be active in my community in whatever capacity I can.