Our residents deserve a City Hall that embraces democracy, strong fiscal management and transparency

 1. Raise Accountability to Residents. For example:

• Increase accountability and transparency to residents regarding long term planning and financial management. 
• Expand opportunities for residents to dialogue with city council via public forums and social events (e.g., post council meeting social events).
• Form at large resident groups to tackle issues (e.g., Shorewood Community Center utilization, zoning code improvement, coordinating with neighboring cities, etc.).
• Use new sources of technology to identify solutions for the community.
• Create and implement a conflict resolution process for residents and the city to develop positive solutions.
• Streamline the city code to remove unnecessary regulations and eliminate ambiguity.

2. Strengthen the City's Fiscal Management - Residents want us to use taxpayer / city resources more effectively and efficiently. For example:

• Complete independent consultant or qualified resident reviews to thoroughly vet major design and budget recommendations prior to council approval. 
• Gather and utilize data (e.g. surveys) to understand what residents want the city to invest in.   
• Identify opportunities to reduce costs to invest in the infrastructure of our community (e.g., roads, water quality, environment, etc.).
• Ensure city fund financial plans do not generate budgeted shortfalls or surpluses.

3. Preserve the Natural Character of our Community 

• Teach residents about the importance of a healthy ecosystem.
• Abide by the city's existing bee safe policies and procedures. 
• Update the city's tree preservation and replacement policy into a tree management program.
• Work with the community to identify creative approaches to preserve the city's healthy, mature trees and remove hazardous trees and invasive species.

I've spoken to many residents living along the border of Shorewood who say they do not feel heard by the City. This is a city street in Shorewood and illustrates the work that is needed to be done to consistently represent all citizens of Shorewood at City Hall.

This is Birch Bluff Road. The City plans to spend $5.5 million+ to widen the street and install curb and gutter and City water. The residents in the area I've spoken to are overwhelmingly against widening the street and only a few have indicated they would connect to City water. 

Birch Bluff Road was resurfaced less than three years ago. As the picture shows, the road is in pristine condition and is rated a perfect 10 according to the City's own street condition rating system. There are no potholes or cracks. Tearing up a perfectly good street for no good reason is a complete waste of taxpayer dollars. The council has approved the project despite 28 letters in opposition expressed in the June 13 council meeting packet.

The council has a fiduciary duty to spend our taxpayer money wisely. The City should reallocate the $5.5 million to repair the many dilapidated streets in Shorewood.