Issues...more to come.
Traffic
We Alexandrians must take back our roads! Many of us spend too much time trying to use our own roads in the hours after work and school. We need to synchronize lights on major roads so that if, driving a consistent speed, we will not stop traffic. We need to prioritize use of roads for Alexandrians those who work in Alexandria, not regional commuters who drive through our city on the way out to other counties. We need to consider improving choked intersections with construction. Bad traffic steals precious time away from busy lives.
Taxes
Many constituents have mentioned that their taxes have gone up for 10 years, only to recieve no new services. This year, real estate taxes went up again - with some citizens paying 1,000 or 2,000 more this year. The city needs to freeze real estate taxes to 2008 levels for all citizens during a recession, when families are trying to make ends meet. Determine key priorities, and then create the budget to reflect those priorities without keeping Alexandrians guess how much they will owe in taxes.
Pollution
The current city council supports the continued pollution and industrialization of our city, only 50 yards from a playground and elementary school. We need a new course in our challenges with pollution and how we protect our citizens and students.
Keep Our Commitments
We are cutting school funding for things such as fire alarms, new school buses that won't break down, and laying off 150 city employees, yet we continue to fund massive infrastructure projects that will not offer our citizens any additional security or services. Its time to keep our commitments before we commit ourselves new investments.
Voter Rights
Every voter in Alexandria should have an equal say in how their tax dollars are spent. By having an "all or nothing" at-large system, voters in various sections of the city are dominated by the more populous ones and their concerns are marginalized. Cities and states have been moving away from the at-large system for decades, so that local governments are filled with more geographically diverse representation. It is time for Alexandria to introduce a Ward system so that each part of Alexandria has its own representative to make sure all areas of the city have their interests served and protected.
Results-Driven Schools
I have heard from many voters that there is great concern that our schools are failing our city's children, and that we are not graduating sufficient, well educated students. I want parents to keep their children in public schools. That was how I was raised, and I believe that strong public schools make a strong city. I would listen to parents and teachers and find out what it will take to make improvements in the performance of students. Many have mentioned year-round schools. Others, the International Baccalaurate program. I recommend we work together with the school board to come up with an innovative, "results driven" approach to this issue. The council must stand ready to support students and families with leadership and financial support.
