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Every year is important, but 2025 has a special significance. Due to changes in the municipal election cycle, it is now five years since we in the Shoals had the chance to bring about change in our city governments.
We know that some simply don't care, but for those of you who do want better governance for your hometowns, you need to begin to put in an effort now to bring that about. At least three of the Quad-Cities desperately need new leadership, but let's make it the right leadership.
Whether it's a yard sign or a letter to the editor of the TimesDaily, you can contribute. We at Shoalanda will be making recommendations, but we are happy to publish any campaign material or endorsements that readers wish to send.
In the meantime, enjoy your ball games; you deserve some quiet time for yourself before the inauguration.
The Staff at Shoalanda Speaks
As of right now, I am still waiting on a candidate for mayor in Florence who can at least make an attempt to answer a few questions regarding what I consider important topics. I have a friend who has already made up her mind that she is firmly in Bill Griffin's camp. My main problem with him is he has sat on this council and as I can recall voted yes on every project proposed that eventually got this city into the $100 million bond market debt we are in. This is my post to my friend but I am hoping perhaps Mr. Griffin himself will see this and give answers for me and the public to see. This is the post........................ I am curious: other than his support of the Florence Lauderdale Animal shelter what plans for accomplishments while in office or proposals for resolutions has Bill Griffin given you that he would achieve as mayor that has gotten your support? Has he promised to try to lower the retail sales tax? Has he pledged to not give tax abatements to developers who will only employ workers earning low wages? Has he vowed to get traffic cameras on the school buses he was stopping traffic for with the oversized stop sign in front of Mr. Culwells house? What is his plan to address the rising cost of housing in Florence? What are some of the first companies he plans to visit to attempt to get higher paying jobs in Florence and start the process to boost the 20% of our residents who live below the national poverty level out of poverty. Has he presented any plans to try to work with Hull property management to get something done about the Florence Mall? What are Bill Griffins specific plans and proposals for the many areas of traffic congestion and bad roads which need to be addressed in the city of Florence? What are his plans to address the deteriorated sewer system and drainage pipe issues all over town? What about the electrical grid, the city engineer stated it would be beyond capacity in another 5 years. What is his plan to reroute lines and transformers? How is he planning to pay off the $100 million bond debt this mayor and the council he is currently a member of borrowed without raising taxes and rates? Is he going to review each department and cut jobs and salaries in each one of the many duplications that are currently on the city payroll? Can he get by with ONE assistant instead of THREE as is currently on the city payroll in the mayor's office? Would he be willing to work as mayor for the median salary in Florence Al of $48,989 which is in line with other cities our size in the state and not the current salary, passed while Dick Jordan was mayor on a side note, of $126,894 which is the THIRD highest mayor salary IN THE STATE! So far, I have only seen platitudes and "circles of trust"; "lines in the sand"I have asked the same questions of him with no answers, maybe you can get answers. Please enlighten me.
ReplyDeleteWell... Florence residents can always 'recruit' a mayoral candidate from Canada.
ReplyDelete