I am running on the platform of i) increasing the number of sidewalks in Homewood, ii) hiring a City Manager, and iii) making sure Homewood continues to be in a great financial position.
Sidewalks
I am a huge believer in the concept sidewalks bring a community together. When the stay at home order was put into place, more people than ever were enjoying the outdoors and walking our neighborhoods. For several years now, the City Council has been funding and building sidewalks throughout parts of Homewood. As a member of the Public Works Committee, I plan to continue that program so that most of Homewood will have sidewalks in the next 4-5 years.
City Manager
Today, the City of Homewood is a $50M+ enterprise. With an organization on that level, I believe we need to seriously look into the concept of hiring a professional city manager who would be working every day on a full-time basis to help make our great city even better. In addition to the many other jobs required of a city manager, this individual would take on the role as the city's chief economic developer.
We have seen, first-hand, the success of this approach to governing in Mountain Brook, Vestavia, Hoover, Jefferson County, and Shelby County. I believe Homewood would also benefit from hiring a full-time city manager.
Fiscally Sound
I am also a member of the Finance Committee. Our City Council has done a fantastic job putting Homewood in a great financial position. We may be heading into some difficult economic times in the next 18-24 months, so I want to use my business and financial background to make sure we continue to have a firm financial footing.