Mayoral candidates debate at Norwalk High School

NORWALK — Candidates for Norwalk mayor touted their experiences Tuesday night in their second debate of the day. Democratic Mayor Dave Light said he worked for the Norwalk Police Department for 33 years before retiring and then later deciding to run for mayor. Republican challenger Jeff Bertram said he joined the Army after high school and spent time as a military policeman then worked for the department of corrections before retiring. Light also touted his accomplishments as mayor. He said he started a roundtable group called Creative Minds whose job it is to "liven up the town." He also touted the Hometown Heroes program, in which those who served in the military are featured on signs around the uptown area. He also cited the city's expanded multi-use path and improvements at Suhr Park as some of his accomplishments. Bertram said if he were elected he would focus on the conservative principle of limited government. Both candidates were asked what the most pressing issues are in Norwalk. Bertram said bringing the police department up to full staffing is one of his top priorities. "If we're going to have a safe city ... we have to staff our police department," he said. The Norwalk Police Department is down five officers currently and has only one auxiliary officer, Bertram said. Light responded that staffing the police department is a big issue, but said "We're doing a pretty good job recruiting." Candidates were also asked how they would bring new businesses to town. Light said he works closely with Norwalk Economic Development Corp. Executive Director Sarah Ross and Huron County Development Council's Executive Director Alex McCoy. Bertram said he would create a pro-business environment in city hall and also said he would work closely with the real estate community and be a cheerleader for Norwalk. Candidates were asked how they would address Norwalk's housing shortage. Bertram said he would work closely with real estate developers. Light said he also would work with local developers and also stressed the need for good quality homes. He said it wouldn't be a good thing if part of a farm were developed with cheap housing that would look bad after 20 years. Candidates were also asked what potential problems they would anticipate if Issue 2 passes this fall and recreational marijuana is legalized. Light said he is concerned about people driving impaired after using marijuana and said there is no good test for police to determine if someone is under the influence of marijuana. Bertram said he is opposed to Issue 2 and said just about every family knows someone who is addicted to drugs or alcohol. In closing comments, Bertram said his background has given him experiences in strategic planning, critical thinking and adaptability. Light said he has accomplished a lot in his first term and asked voters to give him another chance. The second debate of the day was held at Norwalk High School and was organized by Norwalk City Schools. Earlier in the day, the two mayoral candidates debated at St. Paul High School in a debate that was sponsored by the Norwalk Reflector, Sandusky Register and BGSU Firelands.