VISION
Protect the city's charm and sense of community as we continue to grow, together. Parkville's historic downtown is a gem and I will work to keep it shining. As we continue to grow, we must embrace the newer neighborhoods, build the bonds between all areas, and retain our strong sense of community.
Enhance and increase our green spaces, along the riverfront and throughout the city. Our parks and other green spaces are an integral part of the city's character. I will work to add and enhance green space throughout Parkville. Through cooperation with Platte County and the federal government, Parkville can leverage investment and add valuable green space at lower, or no, cost.
Improve the train crossings and reduce the noise problems; beginning now. Many citizens and businesses are concerned about the railroad crossing safety, traffic congestion and train whistle noise. The challenge is big, with no miracle cure in sight, but now is the time to act.
Attract quality development AND benefit the taxpayers too. We can enhance city services by building the Parkville economy and increasing our sales tax base. But we must be strategic. Some cities seem willing to give excessive tax abatements to all comers. Parkville should focus first on growing hometown successes, and second on cost conscious incentives that will attract new businesses AND reward the taxpayers with needed public improvements.
Take the national economy "lemons" and make lemonade. Parkville has a healthy and growing economy, but the national economy continues to slow. In a downturn, the construction market is hit first and hardest as some developers and governments panic; they cut back on everything. In these times, competition for construction projects becomes intense and construction prices fall. Parkville can benefit by moving forward with important projects such as sewer line replacement, bridge and road improvements, rail crossing improvements, etc. while contractors are "hungry" and prices are lowest. With steady leadership and a long term view, Parkville gets improved infrastructure at the lowest possible cost.
ISSUES
PUBLIC SAFETY: I fully support the financial commitment that is necessary to maintain a high quality, community minded, police force. Parkville citizens really appreciate, and take comfort in, a high level of public safety. Where else but Parkville do the patrolmen stop to remind you that your garage door is open at midnight? Let's keep the high level of public safety and the security that results.
PARKS & TRAILS: As stated in my "Vision", parks and trails are a centerpiece of Parkville character. They are heavily used by residents and clearly are one of the most visible and appreciated benefits of living in Parkville. Let's continue to improve them and, even add to them, when cost effective opportunities arise.
SPEND CAREFULLY: Taxpayer dollars should be spent at least as carefully and wisely as we spend our own money. I am a fiscal conservative and will control spending to get as much value as possible for the taxpayers.
STRONG CITY SERVICES: Residents recognize and appreciate high quality city services and the increased property values that result. I will continue to support the financial commitment that is necessary to keep our city services strong.
