It hardly seems possible that just two short years ago I was standing at this very podium asking for your support in the 2008 election for city council ward 1. Serving the residents and businesses of Fernley on the City Council has been a great honor and a privilege.
I chose to run two years ago, because like many people in Fernley, I was dissatisfied with the way things were going, and the decisions that were being made. My desire to be a part of the city council came from a genuine love of Fernley and the people who live here. I didn't come with any agendas; I just wanted to serve my constituents. I ran two years ago because I was committed to Fernley, and I am running again because I am committed to continue moving our community in the well-planned direction it's going.
I am committed to Public Safety. My husband and I are raising our family of 6 boys here in Fernley, and I understand the expectations of parents for a safe, active, and caring community.
During the last election I told you that I was committed to taking a pro-active stance with NDOT advocating for safer travel in our community. They did not think that a traffic light was warranted on Fremont, but I live here and KNEW it was. Just like many of you, I have held my breath, said a quick prayer, and darted across Main Street after a quick stop at Starbuck’s, I wanted to take action before a tragedy occurred. I persevered, and right now construction has started on the much needed traffic light and because of my efforts, it has been 100% developer funded.
During my time in office, I worked to bring the ambulance service under the North Lyon Fire Protection District, which has allowed for better service for all, but particularly those Ward 1 residents out in the golf course who now have an ambulance stationed much closer to them – any minutes saved in a life threatening situation can make all the difference in the world.
I am committed to Economic Development and Growth.
The most immediate issues facing Fernley are water and a sustainable economy. The cost of water is eroding our way of life. Our green spaces are on the verge of disappearing for lack of affordable water. Many residents are leaving their lawns to die when faced with $400 per month water bills. We need to explore every possible avenue to conserve and lower the cost of water, and I am committed to finding those solutions. One of those solutions is to focus on economic development and growth.
Fernley’s Economic Climate Affects Everyone -
From our housing market to competitive wages and local food prices: Fernley’s economic health should be a concern for everyone who calls this community home. I believe the city needs to have a sensible plan for economic development that will provide the means by which we will pay for community improvements. Having a strong base of retail and service businesses increases employment opportunities and also contributes to a growing community wealth, but we also need to encourage companies looking for skilled jobs to relocate or locate in Fernley. More skilled jobs mean better salaries, greater disposable income that can be spent locally. We need to make an effort to bring more money in to the community than leaves the community. The money that stays in the community is invested in homes, businesses, public works, and is available for lending. It also circulates through local businesses increasing opportunity for more and more citizens. Just as a good savings account makes you individually more prosperous, economic development success will make our community more prosperous. Economic Development for the city must begin with the lead of the City Council. The City Council needs to play an active role in economic development by partnering with the Chamber of Commerce, local builders, Lyon County government, and regional and state entities to assure continued, desirable, and manageable economic growth. The health and stability of our economy directly helps in reducing blight, keeping our community safe, and providing recreation opportunities such as our annual 4th of July celebration, rodeos, raceway, and hopefully more events in the future.I will work to improve our local economy by:
* supporting updates of our codes and review processes to reflect a city that views businesses as our partners rather than our adversaries.
* Fixing the roads and bridges that local businesses depend on.* Partnering with our schools and colleges, working with State Legislators, School Boards, businesses, and community partners to provide a well-educated workforce.
I am committed to The City Council and the Residents of Fernley.
Since the day I declared my candidacy in May of 2008, I have NEVER missed a council meeting. I am the only council member or candidate who can make that statement. Since being elected, I have made it a point to ensure that my campaign
promises have been more than just words. I promised that if elected I would be committed to building the best city staff possible, and I believe that many personnel changes have been made that are pointing us in that direction. I approach each and every decision I make by putting the families of Fernley first because I was elected to represent their values and priorities.
I believe that a councilmember should ensure openness; invite public input; demand fair and thorough deliberations and hearings; avoid conflicts; continuously conduct independent research and exercise due diligence that would keep him/her fully informed and prepared regarding items coming before the City Council.
As your councilmember, I have been available, I have listened, and I have treated the public with respect. I am willing to listen to all views and to stand up to protect the residents of Fernley. I speak my mind and vote my conscience.
I am committed to funding Basic Services First, and spending Taxpayers’ money wisely.
I believe we should pay for the things we need, before we start shopping for things that might be nice but aren't essential. In our household, we pay for the kid’s shoes before we spend money on Disneyland. I believe that the city also needs to prioritize our budget in a similar way.
Using my background in accounting, I scrutinize the budget, and ask the questions that Fernley residents want answered: What is the true cost of this project? Who is going to pay for it, who benefits, and is that fair?
There is money in the City budget that if spent more frugally and carefully could and should pay for necessary infrastructure and services, such as public safety, safe streets, and sidewalks. I work hard to make sure taxpayers' money is spent wisely. I have asked the staff to increase efficiency while maintaining and improving services to citizens.
Even in a tough economy, Fernley is a wonderful place to live. Let us work together, in common purpose, to make Fernley the great city it can and should be.
This election is your chance to help build on the strong foundation we have started and to ensure that Fernley never again slips backwards, or sells its future short. This is your chance to re-elect someone that has the experience, vision, resolve and know-how to lead our city forward. I respectfully ask for your support and your vote in the 2010 election, to make Fernley the best it can be! Let us work together with a commitment to community.
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