 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Economic Development
Sharp lines of demarcation between economic expansion and economic growth; we must get better, not necessarily bigger. The globalization nature of the economy requires cutting edge approaches to become more succussful as a world class city. Pressing budget issues are tied to the 2% circuit breaker, we will have to do more with less while maintaining services. This will force better use of performance based budgeting.
Public Safety
Citizens perception of Public Safety (PS) is too often negative. I think we must review existing quality of life legislation and find ways to better enforce them. We must maintain well-trained PS professionals, despite attrition and budget issues, to assure our residents the city is a safe and secure community. We must increase minority recruitment and motivate PS personnel to live in the city.
Circuit Breaker
As a legislator and Circuit Breaker task force member, I know that we must not rely as heavily on property taxes. I will work to enlarge income based tax reforms and focus even more on economic development and expansion for city based jobs and employment.
|
Win-Win Solutions to Nagging Problems
I believe that most of the solutions to troubling issues in South Bend will be found in paradigm shifts from the proverbial “blame game” to coming together to manage our city. Take the case of student rental housing for instance. Rather than respond to loud parties, drunken students and debris all over the neighborhood, the city can require parties over xx number of people to attain a special events permit, which would contain specific requirements to insure order and decorum during and after the event.
The paradigm shift to manage rather than respond will motivate an environment that is more effective and efficient, which in turn will greatly increase the quality of life in South Bend. In short, South Bend will become a 21st century world class city when we focus on proactive rather than reactive attitudes and policies.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
