District 1: Jim Martin
1. platform: a. No utilities expansion at this time. Re-bid in approximately 2 years with fixed, firm prices. No contractor at risk contracts.
b. No new taxes (and sunset the existing communication tax ASAP)
c. Fiscal responsibility and accountability to the citizens. Resume the Kessler audit.
d. Let the citizens know exactly how and what the city is doing
e. Re-establish trust of the citizens and earn their respect
2. Top three issues: a. Economy
b. Utility expansion
c. Wasteful, out-of-control spending
3. Leadership roles: a. Lead and control council meetings
b. Represent the city as appropriate with other local agencies
c. Serve as local good-will ambassador
Leadership roles of council members:
a. Set policy for City Manager
b. Serve on or act as liaison to appropriate local boards and agencies
c. Communicate with and listen to citizens’ input
d. Be aware of and promote the needs and well-being of the citizens of his or her council district
4. UEP: My views on the UEP have remained consistent: a. No UEP at this time
b. Construction manager at risk contracts should be abolished
c. All contracts should be competitively bid on a firm, fixed price basis
d. When possible, local firms should be favored
e. Assessment methodology and impact fees should be reviewed and re=evaluated to make sure the interest rate(s) and handling fees and all add-on fees are relevant
5. budget priorities: Budget priorities include reduction of poublic works projects that are not essential at this time. The budget should be adjusted to the 2004 or 2005 basis, adjusted to COL increase and population growth. I would table, for a minimum of 4 years, the tax diversification base, and “sunset” the communication tax immediately.
6. potential conflicts: I have no conflict of interest, affiliations, and am not affiliated or associated with any group or organization that would influence my decisions on Council.