What Kind of City Councilperson Should We Elect?

My first requirement for any city council candidate is that they have a genuine desire to find solutions for our on-going city problems. I want someone who has a positive attitude, some one who can inspire hope and someone who is capable of working with others to build a consensus for how we proceed to solve short and long-term problems.

Of course, I will be looking for candidates, for all offices, who have a detailed understanding of the city's major issues: landfill; infrastructure, including our combined sewer system; self-insured employees' health insurance plan; under-funded pension funds and advance knowledge of the city's budget, as it relates to proper staffing levels and budget shortfalls.

We do have problems, but there are solutions. It will take years to correct some of these; others can be taken-on and resolved in the short-term. The key to the next four years of city government is a real desire on the part of officeholders to build a consensus regarding solutions. In short, stop the finger pointing, the "blame game" and the criticism and provide the leadership our city needs.