Candidates talk up selves at High Plains Patriots forum

Clovis city commission candidates shared their backgrounds and their ideas for the city’s future on Thursday, the last public forum before Tuesday’s municipal elections.

The gathering was hosted by the High Plains Patriots in the Master’s Centre conference room.

Candidates made introductory comments and then fielded questions from the audience.

The District 1 field is comprised of Ladona K. Clayton, Rodney S. Muffley, Dhawal “Danny” Jariwala, Constance C. Belcher, George Talmadge Jones IV and Kyle D. Snider. Muffley was not present.

The District 2 candidates are Gayla D. Brumfield and incumbent Sandra Taylor-Sawyer.

Both winners will receive four-year terms.

Here are brief summaries from each candidate:

District 1

Clayton: She has lived in Clovis since 1980 and has a doctorate degree. She spent 27 years in education and is superintendent and principal of Clovis Christian School.

“I have been about people for 27 years,” she said. “I love children, families and this community. This community has been critical to me personally. I value the voice of the people and believe in honest government. My commitment is to be absolutely transparent. This is not about me, but it is about you. I’m an effective communicator, researcher and deep thinker.”

Jariwala: He came to the United States from India in 1999 and has worked in several fields, including retail and hospitality. In Clovis since 2014, he owns Super 8 and Comfort Inn and Suites. He lived in New York for nine years.

“I am running for this position because I see potential,” he said. “I see myself living here for the next 18 years and want to make sure the town is here. There are two ways to decrease the deficit. You can increase the tax or increase the gross receipts. In order to do that we have to attract businesses with tax incentives. We should consider a usage fee and incorporate it into projects with the proceeds benefiting our city.”

Belcher: Born in Charleston, South Carolina, her father was stationed at Cannon Air Force Base when she was in junior high school. She attended Clovis High School and has lived in District 1 since 1987 and is a family nurse practitioner.

“This is an opportunity for people from all sides to come together and make a difference,” she said. “I know things about this city that a lot of you probably don’t. And by knowing these things it gives me a feel for the community. Every person I take care of I talk with them about who they are (and) their experiences with Clovis. I don’t think Clovis is broken but there are some things we need to do better. Supporting businesses is one. We need to lay out the red carpet and clear obstacles.”

Jones: He was born near Springfield, Missouri, and joined the United States Air Force in 1987. He has been in Clovis since 2004.

“We have fallen in love with the community,” he said. “I’m involved with the Kiwanis Club, the VFW and the Elks. Now that I’m retired it’s time to give back to the people. I have done extensive research on the water issue and infrastructure improvements. We truly love this area and want to make a difference. The younger airmen here want a night life. We need to bring something here that allows the money to stay here instead of in surrounding cities. I don’t know what the answer is, but we need to figure out a way to keep the revenue here.”

Snider: He has owned Snider Electric for 20 years and is president of the Clovis Municipal Schools Board of Education. Snider was asked if he could handle the commission seat, given his business, his family and his position with the school board.

“I know I am involved in a lot of things and will have to take some things off of my plate if elected. I love the school board and it’s something I don’t want to give up. If I’m elected, I have to be committed — and I will dedicate myself to the office.”

District 2

Brumfield: A former mayor of Clovis, she was born outside of Plainview, then moved to Farwell and then to Clovis with her family in 1963.

“I’m running because I’m passionate about Clovis,” she said. “And I believe in treating people the way I want to be treated. Water is a big issue here and throughout the area. The sustainable piece of our water is the water project and it’s going to take a collective effort to effectively address our water needs.”

Taylor-Sawyer: She holds a doctorate degree in higher education administration and possesses a background in business and economic development. She serves as chair of the City Commission’s economic development ad-hoc committee and also serves on the Animal Control Task Force.

“We have a large community with different views, experiences and thoughts,” she said. “All of this is important in making decisions in the present and future. I’m thankful for all of my supporters and consider it an honor and privilege to serve the community. My record really represents a willingness to serve and never take your trust for granted. I wish to continue working with you to keep moving Clovis forward.”