Brad Snyder - Platform for City Council
I've always thought that if you're going to do something, do it to the best of your ability. I thrive on working hard, thinking hard, and getting things done. While it's every elected official's responsibility to give people a "voice" in government, elected officials are also responsible for carefully thinking decisions through to ensure that "unintended consequences" are minimized.
My specific campaign "platform" points are:
Business Matters - Sierra Vista must not rely solely on Fort Huachuca. We must attract new businesses and create a positive environment for business migration, as well as retain and grow existing businesses and residents. Economic development in our community is a partnership between the city, developers and business. These partnerships must create positive opportunities for the people of Sierra Vista. I want to use my experience in the business world to help make Sierra Vista an attractive place to start and move businesses. An economically diverse Sierra Vista will be best poised to compete in the modern world.
We Need a Long-term Affordable Housing Policy - I think that few things are as important to Sierra Vista as providing opportunities for people who do not have high paying jobs or a background of wealth. Sierra Vista must do a better job of ensuring that our affordable housing is also acceptable housing, and that it is matched with appropriate support programs to help residents of affordable housing develop the skills and financial ability to move into market rate housing if they wish.
Fiscal Responsibility - Overall, decades of smart fiscal management mean that even in a global recession, Sierra Vista's finances are in pretty good shape compared to other, more short-sighted cities. That didn't happen overnight, but if we're not careful with what we've got, if we don't make wise choices concerning taxpayer's money, it could all disappear overnight.