This chat has already taken place. Read the transcript below.
Moderator
We'll start this chat at 2:15
Moderator
Here is the link to our chat this morning with CCarol Berz
http://www.timesfreepress.com/chats/2009/feb/03/carol-berz/
Moderator
A few ground rules: No slurs, profanity, etc.
Ms. Rutherford will be dictating answers to our Online News Manager David Barry.
We have assigned questions to a few Times Free Press staffers to help spark some debate. The users KenBarrett, SeanPhipps, bcourter and kennysloan are Times Free Press staff.
ksloan
Should the city return to weekly curbside recycling or is there a better way to do things?
Moderator
Ms. Rutherford is here. Fire away.
Marti Rutherford
I certainly would like weekly curbside recycling, but I will be pleased when we have at least twice a month.
ksloan
I know there have been some issues of the "Re-elect" Marti campaign signs. Do you think the sign is any way misleading?
Marti Rutherford
I am running for re-election and have been re-elected two previous times. My constituents are aware and I do not see any problem with my signs.
kcb
You've spoken about airport expansion. How will that help the city?
Do you see public funds going towards the expansion?
Marti Rutherford
The airport is a municipal owned facility and taxes from some level of government will be involved in any type of expansion that takes place. Most airport improvments are paid for out of federal funds. Having been a travel agent for many years and traveled the world over I don't know of any great city that does not have a great airport. Currently, the Airport Authority is working with the Federal government to establish a custom's office and if this is approved it will benefit not only flights from Germany but would allow the privste sector to run charters to the Carribean and Mexico and would add to the tourist opportunities for Chattanooga.
boogityshoo
<----Sean Phipps of the TFP:
How are tax revenues? If they are down like everything else, what city
programs are most likely to get cut?
Marti Rutherford
I do not know of any particular program that needs to be cut, but all programs need to be looked at to see if any excess funding can be eliminated.
chattanoogaGOP
what are your views about the currect PR issues with our police department? Do you think we need to make any changes in how our police department is managed?
Marti Rutherford
Naturally, all Chattanoogans would like to feel that their police department 100 percent positive, but with any company with 450 employees there will occasionally be a situation that we would prefer to not have occured. I am proud of the Chattanooga Police Department and feel that the chief will deal with any negative instances in a professional manner. Certainly, no officer should be held above the law or be treated any differently than the average citizen.
Moderator
That's going to be the last question.
Moderator
We've closed this chat. If you have any suggestions on other people we should chat with, e-mail ajohns@timesfreepress.com
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