Two years ago when I ran for the Henderson City Council, I promised to work hard and to be available to all citizens of our city. I have kept this promise and I intend to make you the same promise again.
We have made significant progress during the past two years, but much remains to be done. The financial position of the city has been greatly improved. We have avoided a property tax increase for two straight years. Our city is cleaner. We just passed a certificate of occupancy which will help insure decent and safe rental units. The Beacon Lights Apartments were closed and all residents have been relocated.
During my term in office, we have hired a new City Manager, a new Chief of Police and a full-time City Attorney. The staff of our city is providing outstanding service and I am proud of them. I have been instrumental in organizing a steering committee to develop a Comprehensive Land Use Plan which should serve as a road map for the future.
We do have our share of challenges in Henderson. We must provide adequate sewer service to every citizen of Henderson. I am determined that this be done. Crime in our city is appalling and the city council must address this problem immediately. Abandoned and dilapidated structures must be removed. These challenges require funding and our property tax rate is too high already. That is one reason that we must see that city residents pay only their fair share of jointly funded programs. By reducing this tax burden, we can allocate funds to meet the challenges facing us without increasing our property tax.
In closing let me say that I do support our library, our Recreation Department, the airport and 911. They are vital to our future. It has been my pleasure to work with our County Commissioners. The exchange of ideas has been interesting and enlightening, but we all agree that economic development is paramount to our future.
If you see fit to elect me to another term on the Henderson City Council, I promise to do my best for every citizen. Your vote will be appreciated. I hope to see you at the polls on Tuesday October 9.