Tomorrow, voters in Salisbury have an opportunity to take the first step in bringing out real change. The choices are simple:
Mayor -
Both Bob Caldwell and Jim Ireton represent a clean break from the broken policies of the current administration. Both gentlemen would use tax increases as a last resort rather than the first choice (when politically expedient) to fund city services. Both candidates offer a more thoughtful and fiscally responsible approach to city spending. Both men also represent accountability and transparency versus the current state of city government. Neither candidate would force citizens to file a PIA (public information act) request and pay a fee in order to find out the most mundane information about city government.
With all due respect to candidate Michael Della Penna, the lack of a public record and an issues platform that veers more towards platitude than substance does not warrant thoughtful consideration.
Incumbent councilman Gary Comegys should be a slam dunk for the office of Mayor. With almost six years of experience on council, innate political savvy, and intelligence (DO NOT allow the Bubba remarks to fool you), Comegys has much to offer Salisbury. Unfortunately, his record on council has been one of complete disdain for the city's taxpayers and residents. To the best of my knowledge, Comegys has cast only one vote in opposition to the Mayor's many ill-conceived policies. This one vote was a flip-flop on a water/sewer increase AFTER Councilwomen Campbell and Cohen demonstrated that the city was basing the increase on a fund balance that was almost a year old and grossly inaccurate. Comegys has voted in favor of almost every (if not all) developer subsidy put before him. Comegys pushed for a form of city budgeting that is little more than a series of money pots which can be spent in almost any way the Mayor chooses. Comegys also supports establishment of a CDC (community development corporation) which Mayor Tilghman has already stated would be run by former councilman Mike Dunn, and which would serve as little more than a taxpayer sponsored slush fund to funnel money to selected friends and their pet projects.
It is important for voters to remember that they have two vote for Mayor on Tuesday. They should exercise them both.
Council, District 1 -
District 1 voters have an easy choice on Tuesday. Incumbent Shanie Shields has done little for the citizens of her district since her election. She has, however, been a consistent vote against safe and affordable housing in her district. If landlords issued a report card, Shields would receive an "A" rating. While the North Prong plan will (if brought to fruition) lead to the ultimate displacement of hundreds (possibly thousands) of her constituents, Shields has remained a consistent vote for developers.
Neither Tim Chaney nor Cynthia Polk have a public record to put before the public. However, both represent the chance for change from the current policies of Salisbury government. I apologize for not being better informed on Ms. Polk's position on many key issues. Chaney has a demonstrated record of organizing his community, for the better, while facing stiff opposition and even attacks by the current administration. Chaney has demonstrated the ability, and willingness, to stand up for what is right. It is our hope that Ms. Polk would do the same.
Do you want to continue paying higher property tax rates (or higher rents)?If you answered no to these questions, then your choices are clear. You need to go to the polls on Tuesday and vote for Bob Caldwell and Jim Ireton for Mayor. If you live in District 1, you need to vote for Tim Chaney and Cynthia Polk for city council. (Remember, there is no District 2 primary. Voters will choose between Muir Boda and Debbie Campbell on April 7.)
Do you want Salisbury to continue its current path of bureaucracy run amok?
Do you want Salisbury to continue subsidizing the privilege few at the expense of its citizens?
Mayor -
Both Bob Caldwell and Jim Ireton represent a clean break from the broken policies of the current administration. Both gentlemen would use tax increases as a last resort rather than the first choice (when politically expedient) to fund city services. Both candidates offer a more thoughtful and fiscally responsible approach to city spending. Both men also represent accountability and transparency versus the current state of city government. Neither candidate would force citizens to file a PIA (public information act) request and pay a fee in order to find out the most mundane information about city government.
With all due respect to candidate Michael Della Penna, the lack of a public record and an issues platform that veers more towards platitude than substance does not warrant thoughtful consideration.
Incumbent councilman Gary Comegys should be a slam dunk for the office of Mayor. With almost six years of experience on council, innate political savvy, and intelligence (DO NOT allow the Bubba remarks to fool you), Comegys has much to offer Salisbury. Unfortunately, his record on council has been one of complete disdain for the city's taxpayers and residents. To the best of my knowledge, Comegys has cast only one vote in opposition to the Mayor's many ill-conceived policies. This one vote was a flip-flop on a water/sewer increase AFTER Councilwomen Campbell and Cohen demonstrated that the city was basing the increase on a fund balance that was almost a year old and grossly inaccurate. Comegys has voted in favor of almost every (if not all) developer subsidy put before him. Comegys pushed for a form of city budgeting that is little more than a series of money pots which can be spent in almost any way the Mayor chooses. Comegys also supports establishment of a CDC (community development corporation) which Mayor Tilghman has already stated would be run by former councilman Mike Dunn, and which would serve as little more than a taxpayer sponsored slush fund to funnel money to selected friends and their pet projects.
It is important for voters to remember that they have two vote for Mayor on Tuesday. They should exercise them both.
Council, District 1 -
District 1 voters have an easy choice on Tuesday. Incumbent Shanie Shields has done little for the citizens of her district since her election. She has, however, been a consistent vote against safe and affordable housing in her district. If landlords issued a report card, Shields would receive an "A" rating. While the North Prong plan will (if brought to fruition) lead to the ultimate displacement of hundreds (possibly thousands) of her constituents, Shields has remained a consistent vote for developers.
Neither Tim Chaney nor Cynthia Polk have a public record to put before the public. However, both represent the chance for change from the current policies of Salisbury government. I apologize for not being better informed on Ms. Polk's position on many key issues. Chaney has a demonstrated record of organizing his community, for the better, while facing stiff opposition and even attacks by the current administration. Chaney has demonstrated the ability, and willingness, to stand up for what is right. It is our hope that Ms. Polk would do the same.
3 comments:
I bet the roads don't get cleaned up because they only want their chosen to vote!
If Comegys had actually not been bought and paid for from the start in 2003, things might have been much different. But they are what they are, having painted himself into the corner with the noose and flimsy chair in it. But then, Comegys seems the type to walk on wet paint then say that the footprints weren't his.
This town needs and enema
Post a Comment