It is important to plan for our future. We all have seen the unprecedented growth in the northwest end of the county on our side of the river. More specifically, everyone is concerned about the growth within our city. Growth is inevitable but can be better managed with the proper planning. For the first time in our history, the city of Soddy Daisy has created the position of City Planner. As many of you know, with a city our size there are other duties assigned to the city planner, but the position will focus on planning to ensure future growth is accomplished in a controlled manner. The city will only be successful if we continue to develop a strong strategic plan that utilizes input from our citizens, businesses, employees, private investors, non-profits, county & state government, and a whole host of additional stakeholders. If given the opportunity to continue serving as your commissioner, I will work tirelessly to continue developing this plan.
Goals for Our Future
Focusing on infrastructure – the biggest concerns are critical bridge maintenance and paving
Continuing our Parks and Rec plan – Seeking input from the Parks & Rec board. Creation of Parks & Rec department – Accomplished by utilizing existing positions. This will help the city qualify for additional funds via grants
Maintaining our unprecedented low crime rate
Continuing to work with the schools in our city to provide safety and support for our children
Continue to partner with the Soddy Daisy Kids Club to provide a positive extra-curricular environment for the children of our community
Continue to manage development through zoning ordinances within our commercial district areas to help existing businesses while controlling the types of new businesses allowed in these areas
Managing our outdoor space locations within the city to enhance our quality of life
Continue the ongoing efforts toward the beautification of the city
Implement a sense of community by demonstrating our support of Soddy High School with “Trojan Country”, “Home of the Trojans”, or the like with these slogans on signage, pole banners, etc.
Continue earmarking funds for our Apparatus Fund – this will help keep the city’s debt load low or non-existent as it allows saving within the budget for big ticket items such as fire apparatus, dump trucks, heavy equipment, etc. These funds will also grow as they will be placed within an interest-bearing account
Continue supporting the accreditation of our police department – this will enhance the professionalism of an already outstanding police department
Continue to pursue advanced training for all city employees – Especially those within emergency response departments
Work with the community and begin a disaster ready plan to help our city or other communities that might be in need due to a natural disaster, chemical spill, etc.
While working on these goals for our future, it is important to continue to be fiscally responsible with the taxpayer’s money. Anyone elected to serve where our tax dollars are spent, must understand the significance of the responsibility entrusted to them in creating our budget and be accountable for the decisions made in the process. Making Soddy-Daisy a safe, clean, friendly, and prosperous city for all our citizens and visitors is my main objective. If you give me the opportunity to continue serving as your commissioner, I will work to maintain the progress of the last four years while pursuing the goals listed above for our community. I thank you in advance for your support and vote.