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Josette Bailey: 

Redevelopment of Downtown, an effective use of greenspace to counteract the impact of industrialization (Willingham Corridor as an example). 

Barbara Neville:

I envision the city as a pedestrian friendly community with the Beltline Path connecting us to our stakeholders and improving sidewalks and bike lanes by partnering with organizations like Park Pride to help maintain, beautify, and elevate our natural resources in our parks.

We need to continue to concentrate on our zoning from industrial zoning to more residential space that will promote economic growth and protect our health.

We need to continue to leverage our proximity to the airport and major interstates in drawing in businesses and developing our downtown.

With the loss of our hospital, we need to put an emphasis on healthcare needs and access to healthcare.

Nigel Rocourt:

One of the key issues many citizens echoed, was how industrial the city looks. I believe we will begin to see more attention toward cleaning up our downtown, and offering more greenspaces. I suspect there will be many updates made to our zoning requirements. 

Marie Terry:

My vision is to see that the city incorporates more commercial businesses in order to increase revenue for both the city and the residents in this city. The city needs more accessibility to cultural products and services. We need to bring a diversified experience into the city to forge an improved city. 

Josette Bailey: 

I love this challenge. Consider looking at increasing the homestead exemption or creative review such as freezing it for legacy residents, extending the support for seniors from 70 to 65, lowering the millage rate, and building partnerships with businesses to help residents with wealth building.

Barbara Neville:

I would like to increase the homestead exemption for homeowners to offset the rise in taxes and to support the growing needs of the city and our residents. 

Nigel Rocourt:

As a licensed realtor, I know first-hand how hard it can be for someone to afford a home in today's market, especially with the rising cost. I also believe that one of the great things about home ownership is the potential of appreciation. I think we would be doing our residents a disservice by trying to manipulate home values. What we are seeing is a natural process, and the focus should be on eliminating dilapidated homes within our community. As home values rise, homeowners can use the equity in their homes to make improvements to the property and even open local businesses within our community! 

Marie Terry:

Balancing needs are like running a household. We look to the future and the immediate need in order to make a decision. Then ask the questions what's the imminent need of the residents and the city to keep afloat. If revenue is what is needed to keep things maintaining as affordable housing. 

Josette Bailey: 

I have the ability to set workable norms and follow them, enforce Robert's Rules of Order, and build collegial relationships even when there is disagreement regarding an issue. I regard every challenge as a growth opportunity. It is also important to not take matters personally. I follow the rules of the 4 Agreements and encourage others to consider following them as well. 

Barbara Neville:

Terse is a good way to put it.. :) I have the ability to stay calm and develop communication between teams. I have proven leadership skills to keep meetings on track and to produce results without getting personal. 

Nigel Rocourt:

It's always important to remember that the citizens of our community used their vote to elect each council member and mayor, and we must all respect one another. While we may not always agree, we can find common ground reach a solution. My background in real-estate and project management has taught me the valuable skill of negotiation, and managing different perspective.

Marie Terry:

Maintaining dynamics is all about developing a relationship with people in order to find that balance. I would require that the council set up once a month a counseling session to talk and get to know one another. Also, keep the retreats to help build upon the relationships with one another.