CUMBERLAND — Conflicts of interest, support of an open government and setting a budget. Those are just some of the matters on the minds of the Western Maryland Central Labor Council.

Members hosted a candidates forum Thursday at the Union Hall to hear the thoughts of those seeking a seat on the nonpartisan Cumberland City Council.

George Koontz, director of the labor council’s Committee On Political Education, posed questions to each of the nine candidates who attended. The candidate answered, then the other candidates could rebut the answer. The original candidate could then reply.

Two questions also came from the floor.

When it came to experience setting a budget, about half had similar experience.

David Kauffman, a former member of the city’s Downtown Development Commission, said that was one of each commission member’s responsibilities — to set the group’s budget.

As an employee of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Jim Combs oversees a $160 million budget, giving him “a good bit of experience.”

Mike Records, who formerly owned a business, and Bernie Lechman, a retired pharmacist, both said they, too, had budget experience.

The candidates’ support of an open government, where citizens and employees are welcome to ask questions and then receive “straight answers,” was another concern.

Lechman said it would be “naive” for a candidate to say he did not agree. But while everyone deserves the chance to ask questions and receive a response, people should not “degrade or put down the mayor and council.”

Brian Grim agreed and said “proper decorum” is a must. At the same time, if council chambers are full with people wishing to speak, a time limit may be necessary; but if only two are signed up to speak, they should be given the floor for as long as necessary.

Echoing those thoughts as well, Albert Keener added that he doesn’t see anything wrong with admitting one doesn’t know the answer but then finding the answer. He’d also like to see the Allegany County Board of Education, which meets the same night as City Council, change its schedule to encourage more citizen participation at both. He also advocated bringing various commissions back and even looking into one for labor unions.

Combs, who participated by phone, has been an opponent of the city’s five-minute time limit for the public. He also does not approve of city officials deferring to City Administrator Jeff Repp. He opposed being asked to e-mail questions ahead of time, which was requested when Comptroller Joe Urban was scheduled to make a presentation on the audit.

Councilwoman Mary Beth Pirolozzi said while Combs “had a valid point,” in that instance it was done so a “complete and accurate presentation” could be given.

Jerry Chambers said he can understand that, at times, answers could jeopardize a project. But, generally, taxpayers should be able to ask any question and deserve an answer.

“It’s more important to hear from citizens than for the convenience of City Council,” Records said. “You shouldn’t be cut off if you have more to say.”

This country was founded on having “the right to speak to our elected representatives and to get answers from them,” Carol Cauley said.

Kauffman added that open government is about more than a Tuesday night meeting. It’s about being available to the constituent daily.

He was the only one impacted by the question about having had any “indirect financial ties” that may pose as a conflict of interest. He said he previously received both grants and tax credits that allowed him to renovate downtown properties, but currently as a tenant, he does not benefit from either. And because he’s running for office, he’s removed himself from seeking any funds.

Jim Combs, who owns property on Winifred Road, previously wanted to subdivide that land and sought the city’s financial participation. That never came to fruition and he, too, “has taken the stance I will not take any money from anyone” if elected.

Candidates Bill Taccino, Dan Morris, Lindsay Farris and Devon D’Atri did not attend the forum.

The primary election Feb. 12 will narrow the field of 13 candidates to four who will move on to the Nov. 4 general election. The two elected there will begin their four-year term Jan. 5, 2009.

Contact Maria Smith at msmith@times-news.com.