The audience heard the words "I agree" several times during the hour-and-a-quarter debate at Brodniak Hall. But, on several serious questions, the two split.
On where the best place to put big box stores, Sonnenberg said "The ideal location would be on Highway 20" east of Sharpes Corner. Maxwell said, "I'm not a proponent of big box stores. We're not desperate here." Sonnenberg added, "I'm not necessarily a proponent of big box stores." But, they agreed the city should talk to the owners of vacant property along Fidalgo Bay about building something to benefit Anacortes.
Maxwell thinks Anacortes could be a good place for eco-tourism, while Sonnenberg said the city could be a good port for small so-called adventure cruises. They had been asked how to attract more tourists. Maxwell said, "We don't want to overwhelm our residents with cruise ships loaded with tourists." Sonnenberg said he thinks the city and the Chamber of Commerce could do more to attract tourists.
On how to generate more revenue for the city, Sonnenberg thinks increased economic activity is needed in the city, possibly through increased real estate activity. But, both he and Maxwell agreed there was little they could do in the short term.
Questions also covered two hot topics of the past year. What can be done when dozens of cars sit on Oaks Ave. waiting for a ferry, as happened over the Fourth of July holiday. And, how to deal with climatic changes, referring to the city's delayed response to heavy snow storm last winter, when the city's streets turned to ice. Maxwell said changes are set for this winter.
The question of the future of the Fidalgo Pool & Fitness Center was the subject of one question. Would the city consider purchasing the center if it was forced to close because of losses. Sonnenberg's answer was simply. "It depends on price." Maxwell's response, "We could have a conversation."
Both candidates agreed on the potential effect if I-1033 is approved by voters. The initiative would impose limits on property taxes. Maxwell said "If 1033 passes, it will be devastating to the city's budget, school budget, and the county budget." Sonnenberg agreed, saying, "If 1033 passes, you wouldn't want to be mayor."
They agreed that there's not much to be done to increase the amount of affordable housing in Anacortes.
Answering a question on the best way to keep Anacortes in the black, Sonnenberg suggested using a method called zero-based budgeting, where a new budget is created each year from scratch. Maxwell said "I don't think Mr Sonnenberg understands the budget…I can't think of anything worse than zero-based budgeting."
The two were asked about term limits for the Mayor's office. Maxwell: "The voters decide when it's time for a change." Sonnenberg: "Two terms is enough. This town is filled with people who can do that job."
Sonnenberg said his greatest contribution to Anacortes has been his running for Mayor. Maxwell said his greatest accomplishment has been to help other people.
In his closing, Sonnenberg said "We have the same goal. Everyone wants to preserve and sustain the way of life we have now." He said Anacortes needs to follow the the outline set by the Anacortes Futures Project. Maxwell thanked the community for a chance to serve.