Goals and Objectives
My viewpoints on the following subjects are:
Job Growth
Commercial developments will strengthen commercial activity, diversify our economic base. This will sharpen the competiveness of existing business all responding to consumer needs. These businesses will generate much needed sales tax for the city. With quality growth new businesses will supply ample jobs for our growing community. This additional sales tax will help with maintenance of our existing infrastructure.
Smoking Ban
I am a non-smoker, I believe smoking is hazardous to your health and I don't encourage anyone to smoke. I do believe we all have the right to make choices. I believe in the freeedom of choice.
Twenty years ago smoking was prevalent everywhere, it seems all businesses allowed smoking whether it was retail, restaurants, offices, govt. buildings, public buildings, airplanes, and trains.
It was an acceptable practice.
Today, we have come a long way. without governemnt intervention, Parkville has only ten businesses that allow smoking, those particular businesses are restaurants and bars. Of those restaurants all have smoking and non-smoking areas with proper ventilation systems.
I believe this is a national and state issue. To pass an ordinance that prohibits smoking in these 10 businesses would put them at an economic disadvantage with surrounding cities. Voting on this issue should be state-wide and should consider allowances for private clubs (ie. American Legion, VFW, etc).
As an elected official we must be concerned with the general welfare of the public. I suggest we implement signage on the premise of those businesses that allow smoking.
Neighborhoods
Keeping the integrity of the neighborhoods is as important as preserving the historic business district. Residences and businesses alike should work together for a soft transition between family homes and the local shopkeeper.
With proper leadership, decisions will be made that protects the integrity of neighborhoods, the well being of the residents, and the uniqueness of planned retail developments.
Developers
Through guidence, careful planning, following the cities codes, regulations, and ordinances future developments will only enhance Parkville and complement the surrounding neighborhoods.
Setting aside green-space and park land is an important element of a successful development. As an elected official I would encourage those developers to set aside parcels of land for parks, and leave the natural beauty of the landscape whenever possible.
Old oak, walnut, and hickory trees are valuable assets, and should be preserved for future generations.
Infrastructure
City Streets/Sidewalks
The city street department does a remarkable job on snow removal and salting and sanding the streets. We should complement them on a job well done.
The city budget allows for the maintenance of streets and sidewalks. Every year, the city budgets to make those improvements. However, there are streets and sidewalks in Ward 1 that are of a great concern to me. I am particularly concerned about Hamiliton Road, Bell Road, and Crooked Road. A long term plan addressing the those streets should be considered. The city needs to set long term goals on improving those streets. We must be concerned about the residences needs in those particular areas.
Sewer System
Currently, the maintanence of the sewer system is an ongoing concern. Our sewer systems are in desperate need of repair. I will work closely with city staff and elected officials for long-term planning and maintanence of our sewer systems.
echnology Group.