Dear St. Marys Voters,
I have had the privilege of serving on the St. Marys City Council for the last 8 years. Together we have experienced good times and weathered some extremely difficult times.
St. Marys needs a new mayor to lead us into the future. I have the experience and vision to best guide our city.
I have been the chair of the council finance committee for the past 8 years. During that time we have worked to reduce the millage rate from 7.5 to its current 5.6, which is the lowest in the county.
I will be an inclusive leader who keeps all council members informed about city business. I will keep them posted on the mayor’s activities and seek their input on all issues.
I will work to bring water and sewer to annexed areas, support efforts to establish a fair and equitable tax digest, enhance our waterfront and promote initiatives to support our local businesses.
These are realistic goals that will bring about positive change in St. Marys. Working together we can protect our heritage as our city grows and still maintain a fiscally sound future.
I need your vote on November 3rd.
Thanks,
Bill
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Airport Relocation
I support the referendum passed by the city and county to relocate the airport. Two independent studies state that the airport should not be in its present location because it can’t grow and reach its full potential. I have it in writing that Kings Bay Naval Base, our largest employer, also supports the relocation for safety concerns. It is in the long term best interest of the city to move the airport. I have fought for several years to retain title to the property. We have an opportunity now to move it and still retain the property, currently appraised at $10 million. This property will eventually return to the tax role and start to generate revenue for the city and county. The airport can grow in its new location and make significant contributions to the local economy. Litter Control Work with the code enforcement officer and police to develop a plan to crack down on illegal trash dumping. Work with the court to sentence violators to perform community service picking up litter. Work with volunteers such as Earthkeepers and the Citizens Advisory Board to educate citizens about city pick up of special items and develop new and better ways to enhance our city's image. |
Economic Development
As Mayor, I wlll look for opportunities outside of St. Marys and the county for ways to work together to generate local economic development. We can promote our city to surrounding areas to increase customers for our local businesses. I personally have been supporting local initiatives like Keep It in Camden and Pick 3 and encourage all of you to do the same. These programs will help stem the losses currently being experienced in our local business community. Property Taxes/Budget I will continue to work to reduce the millage rate while maintaining service levels. Together with the council and employees, I will look for ways to reduce the budget through better utilization of employee skills and city equipment. I would like to see us come up with incentives and reward employees for savings they produce. Communication The key to open city government is communication. As mayor, I will make communication a priority. I will keep council members informed as to specifics about the Mayor's activities. I will keep the citizens informed via the city website and press releases about St. Marys business activities. I will establish a Mayor's e-mail newsletter for interested citizens. |