Friends & Neighbors,
I’m reflecting on almost 3 years of providing news and information to the residents of Franklin. When I first started writing on FranklinNOW.com, I never expected the many positive things that have occurred since the date of my first post. I learned one significant thing, which is what I always remind people when asked: When the community unites together on an issue -- any issue -- great things happen and everyone involved makes a positive difference for the community.
Upon this reflection, I have decided that it is about time to make it more official. I made the decision to run for 1st District Alderman, and here’s why…:
It has been a longtime desire of the residents in Franklin to have a place where people can connect and support family functions, organizational gatherings, and sporting events. As an alderman, I see that there needs to be a clearer vision on how we can make our city a true community in all aspects. With the most recent changes on the Common Council during the 2008 elections, our community has, for the first time, seen progress in making links between disconnected neighborhoods and subdivisions that have not been acknowledged for years due to poor decision-making and short-sighted planning.
I believe in a community that can support itself and its members, especially during our tough economic times. It is imperative that we seek alternate solutions to the issues we face and move away from the ingrained -- and clearly unsustainable -- attitudes of long-standing council members.
I also believe in…
- Less hodge-podge development
- More areas cultivated for community & family support
- Alternate funding sources other than your hard-earned tax dollars for key projects in the community
- Partnerships between the city and non-governmental entities, foundations, and organizations. Partnerships with other entities are key to building a desirable community that has amenities that serve both young and old.
- Not having every road needing to be a runway, especially with Mitchell International Airport next door!
- Working to build a community with a resident population that feels part of the process and part of making their neighborhoods and commercial areas better and safer for future generations, as well as encouraging enhanced architectural standards and encouraging small businesses to locate in Franklin
- Stopping the trend & habits of our long-standing council members, who seem to believe that Franklin essentially has to be a bypass community that does little to support businesses, residents, public spaces, or keeping your tax bill low
With all of this said, I plan to continue to keep people informed on community issues; nothing will change in that regard if I am fortunate enough to transition from community writer to an elected official representing the desires of the residents of Franklin and its 1st Aldermanic District. For those who don’t live in the 1st District, remember that council votes impact the entire community, not just single districts.
As I'm heading out and talking to those living in the 1st District and working to have your vote on April 6th, I want to thank all of you for your past and continued support.
