To the Citizens of East Ridge,
My name is Brian Williams and I am seeking one of the two open seats on the East Ridge City Council. I feel I am well qualified to represent the community as a candidate for this office. I have been a resident of East Ridge for the last 18 years. While I would be a newcomer to elected office, I am not a stranger to the needs of our community. I have served on the East Ridge Beer Board for several years and as the chairman during that time. My professional background includes 30+ years in software development with added experience in project management and overseeing departmental budgets. Managing the different needs and personalities of dynamic groups is not new to me as I have supervised large staffs.
I feel that my involvement in the City Council is important as we have reached a pivotal time in the growth of our city. Clearly, East Ridge is a city that is moving in a positive direction. This positive growth is the result of hard work by some members of the city council, city staff and many more concerned citizens. I want to help this progress continue by sharing my knowledge and skills to best serve the needs of the community.
I am a strong advocate for the growth of our local business community. It is imperative that our existing businesses continue to be successful and prosper. Established businesses can utilize an existing business grant to make property improvements. Then by utilizing the Border Regions Act we can draw additional businesses. This Act allows for the apportionment of the state sales and use taxes to recover costs of economic development projects, retail or tourism facilities within our district.
With the combined growth and existing and new businesses we would increase sales tax revenues and should prevent additional homeowner tax burden.
I strongly believe in:
Supporting our first responders (fire and police)
I am committed 100 percent in providing the equipment and resources to ensure the safety of our fire and police personnel and citizens. Crime is up the upswing in East Ridge and we need to address this quickly and swiftly by engaging our police department to develop and put in place a crime and drug task force to combat these issues. Then engage citizens watch groups that work closely with the police department. We need all the eyes and ears on the ground to prevent these issues before they happen.
Transparency
I open to any/all viewpoints, ideas and suggestions. I have no preset agendas or preordained results other than to make East Ridge a better city for us, our kids and grandkids. I will fully abide by the Sunshine law.
Accountability
I will vote for the best interest of the majority of our community regardless - even if I have a different viewpoint
Community Involvement
Community involvement/engagement is a must and not an afterthought or ignored. I welcome ideas from citizens and businesses. We are all in this together and together we will make it a better place.
Updating our City Codes to accommodate future growth
We as a council cannot mandate whether a business can operate or not. However, we can oversee and inspect these properties to ensure they are meeting the requirements set forth in our city codes. Clearly we need to revisit our city codes. By doing this it will allow us to place well needed restrictions in specific areas that would enforce and clean up current issues. In addition, with the expected existing and new business growth we need to request the city manager to evaluate the city code department staffing to ensure we have enough resources to address existing violations reported and all improvements and new business growth.
The community must be allowed to help drive solutions and not be satisfied with per-ordained results. Representing the best interest of the majority of our community is the responsibility of all council members. I would work closely with current and future council members, staff and the community. Community engagement must be a process, not an afterthought. With that in mind, I also feel that “giving-back” to our community is very important. If elected, I would “give-back” 100 percent of the monies I receive as a city council member to deserving East Ridge organizations and charities. This commitment is not an election novelty that will “go away” but instead, my desire to make a difference. Being elected to represent you, the community, is a privilege. The first year of service I would donate to three charities that are important to me.
Those charities are:
East Ridge Needy Child Fund
East Ridge Parks and Recreation (athletic scholarships, registration fees and equipment)
Friends of East Ridge Animal Services
The following year, others charities or the same, would be assessed by need. Again, this is not a gimmick but a heart-felt desire to serve. While not every member of the council may be in my position to donate their time and monies to this level, we can all “give-back” something to make our community a better place to live.
I respectfully ask for your support and vote for the East Ridge City Council.
Brian Williams
Brian4EastRidge@gmail.com