Mann, Winter discuss differences at mayoral forum

Moderator Bill Zimmerman addresses the audience as Scott Mann (far left) and Neil Winter prepare for the candidates forum. Menifee 24/7 photos: Kristen Spoon

Tuesday night's public forum featuring the two candidates for mayor of Menifee truly was a study in contrasts.

Building off his campaign platform of experience in government and continuity of leadership, current Mayor Scott Mann spoke confidently about his role in helping to shape the city's growth since its incorporation in 2008. Meanwhile, opponent Neil Winter promised to be a "full-time mayor" who will seek to find new and creative ways to facilitate growth in the city.

Mann and Winter appeared at a candidates forum held at Mt. San Jacinto College, where the two answered questions posed by a panel of moderators and members of the audience. The already obvious differences between the candidates became even clearer during the event -- especially during the last 20 minutes, which resembled a debate more than a forum.

For most of the event, Mann was content to stand behind his credentials as a member of the original Menifee City Council and, for the last two terms, the city's first elected mayor. He spoke at length about his participation in the development of the city's General Plan and on various regional boards. Winter acknowledged his lack of experience in municipal government but promised that as a retired businessman, he had the passion and the time to give a new perspective to city government and would "master the learning curve" quickly. Winter repeatedly referred to his background in corporate business and said that some of those management practices should be implemented in the way the city is run.

Things really got interesting, however, when moderator Bill Zimmerman gave each candidate the opportunity to ask questions of the other.

Addressing Winter's lack of knowledge of city government, Mann (right) asked his opponent what type of government structure the city has. Winter responded that it is a "stipend structure," stressing once again his pledge to be a full-time mayor, even with an annual stipend of less than $10,000 per year.

"The mayor does not get paid a lot of money to do this job, but I believe the city needs a full-time mayor," Winter said. "When I say a full-time mayor ... do you want this person to be in the community more or less? Do you want someone who is totally immersed in the job? Scott has done a great job, but the staff carries a heavy load. I will be here for you, not just sometimes, but full-time."

Mann's response was crafted to explain the reason that he, with a full-time job outside the city, believes he can be effective under the current governmental system. His response reiterated his previous statements that a city cannot be run like a corporation

"Menifee is a general law city," Mann said. "The city manager runs the city. The mayor and city council each have one of five votes. Some other cities have gone to the structure of a charter city, which is what you're talking about. They pay the council and the mayor a full-time salary. But the only city in Riverside County with that structure is Riverside.

"I will not support the concept of a mayor that goes beyond what is allowed in our city code."

Winter responded by asking Mann whether he thought the mayor should have the ability to review every city staff member each quarter, again returning to his reference to corporate business methods.

"That's not the city council's role," Mann responded. The council is a policy making body. The city council does not run the city. The city manager is the chief executive officer of the City of Menifee. You don't need reviews on a quarterly basis because things don't move that fast in city government. They do in corporate America, so I know where you're coming from."

Mann then asked Winter to name at least two or three regional boards or committees on which city council members must serve. Winter responded that he couldn't.

"This is where the experience comes in," Mann said. "You have to think who can represent the city in all those regional leadership roles."

Winter responded that "you went through the learning curve. I would do the same. That's what happens when change takes place. That learning curve doesn't have to take months and months. We need to change the status quo."

Earlier in the forum, Winter (left) was asked what he felt Menifee's biggest problem is.

"Perception," he responded. "We see a lot of things -- lawns dying along Newport Road, all the road construction ... the perception is we're not doing the right things.

"Residents should know what is taking place in their city. You shouldn't have to go to city council meetings to find out. City officials should be going out to see you. We need to change the culture of communication. I will be here for you. If you want to have me come to your house, I will."

Mann's response to the same question was the loss of vehicle license fees, a hit of $4 million a year through action taken by Governor Brown to four recently incorporated cities in Riverside County.

"If we don't restore some of that funding, we'll be faced with some painful cuts," he said.

Both candidates expressed their support of ballot Measure DD, which would impose a 1 percent sales tax increase to help pay for vital services in the city. On a related issue, both stressed the need for additional police officers in the city.

Mann seemed surprised by Winter's statement that Menifee needs an airport to accommodate the type of corporate business leaders he plans to "go after."

"We have airports in the area that can support commercial flights," Mann said.

Asked about his plans to bring to Menifee a facility large enough to host large meetings and conventions, Mann said the city is in negotiations with two hotel corporations. He said he couldn't give details because of a confidentiality agreement. Winter said it isn't enough to bring just one hotel to town.

"We should have a hotel row," he said. "If there's just one hotel, we're not giving people choices."

Asked if he could change one thing in the city's General Plan, Winter said it "isn't creative enough. We could use multi-level parking structures. We could use solar. It's a good General Plan, but we can be more creative within its guidelines."

Winter added that he would go after businesses that offer full-time jobs and benefits, saying, "We already have enough jobs here that pay minimum wage. We need an economic corridor. If I need to get on a plane to Pennsylvania and talk to a friend about moving his business to Menifee, that's what I'll do. We have to go get them, not just try to attract them."

In his closing statement, Winter emphasized again his business background and passion for the city.

"Scott is a seasoned politician and he knows a lot," Winter said. "I'm a seasoned business person and I know a lot. If you can say you are satisfied with the way Menifee is going, this (Mann) is your guy. If you want change, better representation, someone you can go to, vote for me."

Mann re-stated his qualifications and contributions to the community during his 27 years in Menifee.

"Supervisor Jeff Stone, who is now a state senator, appointed me to the advisory council before the incorporation of Menifee," he said. "I literally helped breathe life into the City of Menifee. I think my opponent lacks the depth and knowledge needed to be mayor. Cast your vote for a proven, dedicated, lifelong public servant."

The election takes place Nov. 8.