I have spent the past 6 weeks talking to the people in the city. I have asked and answered many questions. I have done much research to be able to confidentally say I can post my positions. The biggest concerns to the citizens of St. Marys are the following:
Economic Development and Business Retention
These two items must include tourism. All three are crucial to the city. We must be creative with attracting businesses as well as tourists. We need to take inventory of our assets and market all we have to offer. Where but St. Marys? We have a prepared workforce with individuals who want to earn decent wage for a days work. We must take responsibility for recruiting employers who provide more than a minimum wage. It is ok to offer incentives, but not to mortgage the futures of our children and grandchildren. Where but St. Marys? We have som much to offer visitors to our city. Nature, a river, beautiful waterfront, Cumberland Island and Cumberland Beaches, Crooked River State Park etc., etc. There are very few areas as untouched as we are. We present a laid back friendly town. How can visitors not fall in love? Where else but St. Marys? We are an economically viable tourist destination. It is time to take inventory of our assets and with a common vision and common goals we move into the future.
Infrastructure Improvements
Our infrastrucutre pan has not been able to keep up with the needs of our city. We must list all needed improvements, prioritize what is on the list and work throught the list before we add anything else. Priority must be given to the areas force annexed in 2001. No chart or graph is going to remedy this situation. We have to roll up our sleeves and get to work to make progress on completing these projects. I equate what has been to the area force annexed with going to Wal-Mart giving them $100 and leaving with an empty bag year after year. We have collected city taxes from this group of citizens year after year and not given them what was promised. The current council as well as the previous council must take responsibility and not pretend they didn't know. I will make this a priority.
Fair Assessments
We have to learn to become reactive rather than proactive with issues that affect so many citizens. There is no reason for assessments on any home to go up as much as 1000% in one year. No budget can withstand such increases. We need to work with our state legislature to enact laws to limit assessment increases toa maximum of 3% per year. When the property is sold the selling price would become the base for assessment purposes. This will take work, but maybe would could switch all the time and energy being spent on the airport relocation to something that will benefit all of St. Marys.
Airport
I hae been asked literally hundreds of times "What about the airport"? I turn the question around and ask it back. Over and over I have heard "I am tired of hearing about it" "Leave it where it is". I am not convinced we should be giving away this asset. We have had the airport for almost 70 years. Coincidentally, the airport was built as a field for the US Navy before the war. If the Navy wants the airport moved, they will assume responsibility for the project, pay us and move it. This has not happened. The council infighting has to stop. This is diverting attention from more pressing matters.
Our airport is an essential piece of the Economic Development puzzle. We have the ability to expand and open a heliport. The Airport Authority has already adopted a position on expanding our mission by contacting Aviation Units including Reserve Units thast could be based at our airfield.
We have other positive uses for the airport currently. It is the only permanent 24/7 Lifeflight Landing Zone in the city. It is located behind the headquarters of the St. Marys Fire Department. The main reasons patients are flown from the airport is Stroke Protocol and Trauma which can be shootings, stabbings, car accidents etc. :ife or death situations. Stroke Protocol dictates a specific window of opportunity to get the patient to the hospital. In the time it takes to drive to the Winn Dixie parking lot a patient could be almost at Shand's.
Let's work with the Airport Authority to gain a vision of what we all want and expect. Plan the best ways to reach these goals. It is time to think outside the box.
Open Government
We have a responsibility to conduct the people's business in front of the people. Our government must be citizen based and not special interest based. Our Council is set up with 6 members and a Mayor. It is imerative each member think for themselves. It is important to have a council made up of a diverse group with different strengths, talents and ideas. Free Thinkers. I promise to always make common sense decisions based on the facts and to always be a hardworking part of the team. Meetings should not be held outside the public eye to give the perception of anything shady.
We must make every effort to stay out of the courtroom. It is irresponsible to have the attitude of " if they don't like it they can take us to court".
Please vote on November 3rd.
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