You are both against automatic increases in property taxes.

What services would you cut from the budget to avoid such increases?

ALAN HANKS

TO THE POINT: Would not recommend making any cuts in programs but would look for additional savings within the budget. Also would look for additional funding sources through state or federal grants that could be used to ensure the city can try to hold the line on property taxes.

SUPPORTING THE ARGUMENT: One of his last acts before leaving the city council was to help pass a resolution that required the city to identify needs before increasing property taxes. Since leaving council, the city has automatically increased property taxes the maximum amount allowed by state law the past few years.

QUOTEWORTHY: "I think before we ask for an additional dime of property taxes, we need to identify the need and then see if there's other funding sources. If there's truly the need, and there are no alternatives, yes, we're going to have to take a look at increasing your property taxes."

SAM KOOIKER

TO THE POINT: Did not say what services he would cut. Opposition is about the methodology used by City Hall to determine the city's property taxes.

SUPPORTING THE ARGUMENT: Many citizens may not realize that property tax increases have been written right into the budget ordinance. Believes that property tax increases need to be discussed separately and justified. Revenue streams should be discussed separately from expenditures.

QUOTEWORTHY: "Automatically taking the maximum increase possible without discussion and justification is not a good way to do business."

The Rapid City Journal is asking 10 key questions over the next 10 days of the two mayoral candidates to help voters make their decision in the June 26 runoff election.

To view the candidates' complete videotaped responses, click here.