Platform

Why Am I Running For Office?

I am an unusual candidate. I have no “personal agenda.” When I say this, many people look at me and typically make a weird face and say “oh come on now, everyone has a personal agenda.” However, I can honestly say that I do not, and I am truly here to be the voice of my constituents.

Many people of whom I speak with, tell me that they have an opinion or an idea, but they do not bother to voice this because no one listens anyhow. This bothers me on every level. It can make people feel anxiety and lack of control in regards to things which are most important to them. That is no way to run a city. If I had the time before election day, I would sit down with every person who lived in my district, listen to their dreams and ideas, take these conversations with me when I serve on city council, and do my part to build the type of community my constituents want.

I may not be able to do every single thing on the list, but should I fall short, you will receive an answer as to why. Not just “we can’t do that,” or no answer at all. I am so tired of those in the money positions getting the financial breaks and directing this city to meet their own needs. You have my word, if I am elected, I will bring your voice to the council and we will work together to bring the direction around to a more plausible environment which you want. All it takes is the willingness of the constituents and my determination as well as persistence.

My Stance on the Storm Water Problem:

The absolute first thing I intend to do is roll up my sleeves and dig into this storm water runoff issue. This should have been a work in progress and near completion at this point. Not only have we collected funds awhile ago for this project, but now the EPA is filing a lawsuit against us, and Pueblo is also seeking legal action. In my mind, this is the most serious of issues that needs attention.

This stormwater issue is just not easy. I’m struggling to get past the notion that this could have been avoided. I know we cannot go back and change the past. We can only move forward and do our best to fix the issues without bleeding the citizens dry.

There is an issue on the ballot that will help a bit with this. It allows the mayor to use the money he has already collected, through taxes, to help pay for this mess. Please ask questions before you make your choice. Regardless of my victory or defeat, I will answer your questions and address your concerns when you have an issue to make a decision on.

We can’t make good decisions if we do not know what is asked of us.

Melanie has more information on this issue on the Storm Water Runoff Issue page.

Creating Jobs & A Healthy Economy:

My next priority is to focus on the future through promoting economic growth. One way is to promote small business growth through tax breaks for additional new hires. We have some of these tax break currently in place, but there are no checks and balances associated with them. In the grant world, those who receive grants must provide proof that monies were used as intended. These same methods should be applied when spending taxpayer money. To promote job creation, we must make sure these tax breaks are used as intended.

I’d also like to phase these tax breaks out incrementally as a new businesses grow their revenue. This helps businesses up front when they struggle with start-up costs. My objective is to help a business build a stable foundation on which they can build upon.

Public Safety:

As a child, I was brought up to respect those who protect us. My parens also told me that if I were ever in trouble, I could find a police officer, fireman, or some other public safety person, and ask them to help me. I have never feared those in place who protect our safety and I still do not fear them. At this time our city is growing by leaps and bounds. The crime rate is slowly rising and the city is severely limited on its resources to provide proper protection to our citizens. This must change.

Each day our public safety people go to work, the danger escalates for them. Some do not return home to their families at night. We must do something about this. They need to be paid what they are worth. They need to wear the proper protective gear to keep them as safe as possible. Those in a public relations position need to get the community behind our public safety officials and show the positive side of their efforts. We need to come up with a way to draw in those dedicated to serve so we can be protected as we move about in this city.

I know what some of you are thinking and let me just put that thought out of your head. No matter where you go in life, you will always have a percentage of those who represent “the bad eggs.” It is human nature. But lets honest, 99% of those who sign up to serve and protect are outstanding members of this community and will take a bullet for those they protect. The moral compass for the majority of those in public safety is collaborated to protecting the citizens of this city. I plan to make it my charter to focus in on supporting them and interject a more positive outlook for these men and women.

I’d like to see our citizens get to know our police, fire fighters, first responders, etc. Talk with them, hear their stories. We are one community and I will do everything I can to make sure we are all safe and those protecting us are too.

The Bill of Rights:

The Bill of Rights grants us, the American people, the right to life, liberty, freedom, and the pursuit of happiness. I always remember this when I consider how I make choices for those other than myself.

Martin Drake Power Plant

Please see Melanie’s Page for information about this issue: Martin Drake Power Plant

Banning Lewis Ranch

Please see Melanie’s Page for information about this issue: Banning Lewis Ranch

Adult Use Cannabis Sales

Please see Melanie’s Page for information about this issue: Retail Cannabis Sales

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