Election filing for the April 5th election opened this past Tuesday morning, and I waited eagerly for the doors at City Hall to open. It was good to see familiar faces, people that I had worked closely with during my prior service on the council. Kathy Richardson, the city clerk, verified that I had provided all the proper documentation: voter registration, declaration of candidacy, financial disclosures, and proof of payment of taxes and fees. I am officially a candidate for City Council District 1.
Serving as a councilman is an important part of our local government, as the council sets policy for the city. The economy is showing some signs of improvement in certain areas, but our leaders need to continue to set good policies to keep our city one of the most desirable to live, work, play and raise our families.
One Issue that the council will be addressing in the near future includes primary job creation through efforts like the Missouri Innovation Park. This project will bring more high paying jobs to the community and directly impact other developments in our city. More jobs means more people, more people means new quality homes to be built. The resulting growth of our city will draw attention to our business districts and create opportunities to fill empty buildings and refurbish old existing structures along our business corridors.
The council will also soon address a pressing need created by a mandate of the federal government. It is way past time for the modernization of our public safety communications system. We are blessed to have a great police department in Blue Springs, but we must upgrade our radio systems from analog to digital or our officers will be unable to communicate with dispatch or each other after December 31st, 2012.
Working to solve these issues and helping our city progress in positive ways is very important and my goal will be to work together with the Mayor and the other members of the city council to further the core values of our community.
I will work hard for the residents of District 1 and I am hopeful that they will once again honor me with the opportunity to be of service to them and our entire city. You can reach me by email at jeffq@cprosinc.com or by phone at 816-228-1831.