Shannon was referring specifically to a borough-wide vote last year that brought a seasonal tax exemption for non-prepared foods. Although the city council approved a similar exemption for city sales taxes, voters are being asked on the Oct. 6 ballot if they want to continue or end the tax exemption.

"Every time you turn around, (the city council) is trying to figure out how to do things against the will of the people," Shannon said. "The will of the people is what should be heard. For better or worse, people should get what they want."

His support of tax cuts is what Shannon believes separates him from a field of six candidates for the two council seats. "I believe in the power of people to take care of people," he said. "Not a bureaucracy taking care of people. People are strongest when they are able to make decisions for themselves. If people want tax cuts, we make tax cuts."

A survey Shannon said he recently read noted that 70 percent of Americans favor cuts to services in exchange for cutting taxes.

It follows, then, that Shannon's top priority is "keeping taxes low and making sure the city grows in ways that benefit everyone, not just an elite few," he said.

As an example, he pointed to regulations for small wind energy systems approved by the council in August.

"I've never had anyone walk up to me and say they want to see these eyesores popping up," Shannon said, adding that he took exception to the 170-foot height and minimum one-acre provisions. "I think it should be that everyone can have one or no one can have one. Not just an elite few."

The guiding principle of any budget decision Shannon would make is whether or not the community, as a whole, is benefited.

"For example, the new city hall complex, why do we need one?" he said. "People voted over and over that they don't want one, but there's a group of people that keep trying to get it anyway."

Knowing what the community does and doesn't want would mean keeping his ears open and not depending only on people who testify at council meetings to reflect the community's viewpoint.

"On the street every day, people talk to you, people call me at home," he said. "I understand there are a few individuals that take time to go down to city hall to make their voices heard, but those should not be the only people making policy. Everybody paying taxes should have a voice in what the city does."