LARRY MILTON - MAYORAL CANDIDATE

The following survey questions were sent to all 2023 candidates.

This was Larry Milton's response:

1. What prompted you to run for this position?

I am running for my second term as Mayor of Branson. The current Board of Alderman accomplished many of the positive changes that were goals during my first term and our city is currently running on all cylinders. I would like to continue the momentum we've built, as there is much more to accomplish.

2. What are your goals for the Branson community if elected?

To start, we need to continue the momentum we have created to complete the projects that we started during my first term:

a) Break ground on our new Fire Station near Point Royale.

b) Continue the renovations for our new Police Department that we purchased in October.

c) Start construction on the water line repairs and re-paving of our neighborhood streets.

d) Fill the current vacancies for police officers and employees at City Hall.

e) Continue enhancing our neighborhood parks.

f) Continue to enhance the positive relationship between the City and CVB.

3. What is the #1 issue you hope to address if elected?

Continue to extend an olive branch and unite our community. Our future looks brighter than ever, and that will continue as we all work together for the common good. City government is there to serve the people, not the other way around. I want to continue building on the strong foundation that we have laid during my first term of serving the people and listening to them as we make decisions regarding the future of our community.

4. On a scale of 1 to 5 (poor to excellent), how would you rate the transparency and communication of Branson's current Board of Aldermen?

4.8  The level of openness and transparency is extremely high, however there is always room for improvement. All of our meetings are open and streamed live. They are also recorded if a community member would like to view them at a more convenient time.

There is no longer a requirement to make a Sunshine request and pay a fee for “Closed Executive Session” decisions, we automatically post them on the city website the following day.

Finances are open, you ask a question, you get an answer. We will continue to improve on the positive changes we have made, and I want to hear thoughts and ideas from our community about how we can do that.

5. Is there anything you want to change or improve in that regard?

I feel strongly that all citizens should have unrestricted access to their city hall. The elected officials  

work for and are responsible to the citizens. I will encourage all other entities that are funded with taxpayer dollars to do the same. For example, I would encourage the TCED and the CVB to consider recording their meetings. The meetings are open to the public, but just because someone is unable to attend, doesn’t mean that they should not be able to observe how their tax dollars are being spent.

6. Branson's long-standing culture has been one of patriotism, Christianity, and family values; how would you support or change this culture as Mayor of Branson?

I, along with your current Board of Alderman, are very committed to continuing our Branson culture and heritage. We have made this very clear in discussions with the CVB, insisting that the messaging of our community prominently displays Faith, Family and Flag. I will not budge from that position, and strongly support the values that have made Branson great.

7. How would you define your political affiliation? Democrat, Republican, or other?

Proud Conservative Republican