Although the forum focused on how each candidate views the relationship between the environment and development, candidates also responded to questions about transportation and pedestrian issues.
Each candidate had 90 seconds to respond a question, which came both from representatives of the Sierra Club, an environmental preservation interest group, and the audience members.
One of the more highly debated issues was the future of parking lot No. 5, a town-owned lot located on West Franklin Street across from University Square.
Robert Porter, moderator and Sierra Club chairman, asked the candidates what they saw for the future of this parking lot and whether it should be developed for commercial use or reverted to green space.
Candidate D.R. Bryan said he would support intermarriage between development and the environment, saying perhaps some business could be instituted in the lot.
Candidate Larry Daquioag disagreed, saying he would support proposals for more green space at the parking lot.
Candidate Lisa Everett said she would advocate business development in parking lot No. 5 in order to ease tax-payer burden.
Candidate Richard Giersch agreed with the idea of developing parking lot No. 5 in order to have parking, residential homes and commercial business there.
Candidate Ed Harrison proposed that the town hold onto the space and develop it as green space but also said the town should look into developing an underground parking lot in that area as well.
