COUNCILMAN’S CORNER
Throughout the year I receive lots of emails and telephone calls from citizens concerned about the condition of their sidewalks, streets, and other city infrastructure. These are often valid complaints that need logical solutions. If you have requests for improvements of this type now is the time to act. This fall your neighborhood association will receive a request form for CEDIT (County Economic Development Income Tax) funded improvements to be completed in the future. If you have specific concerns talk with the leadership of your association and ask that the necessary improvements be included in the request submitted to the city late this year. All CEDIT requests will be reviewed by the city engineers for possible funding and completion during the coming months.
Progress continues on the planning for construction of the $30 million plus Public Safety Training Center at Southtown Centre (the former Southtown Mall). Many local, state, and even national agencies and educational institutions have signed up for training at the new center. This facility will create many new jobs and improve post 9/11 coordination between departments and organizations responsible for public safety. Now is also the time to patronize the businesses that have made major commitments to Southtown to help assure the future growth of the rejuvenated shopping center.
One major round of elections is now over and candidates for the city election of 2007 have begun to announce their intentions. I am a great fan of the concept of a citizen legislator as well as Fort Wayne’s system of community oriented government. If you are interested in running for city office and would like to discuss the possibility with me give me a call or send me an email and I’ll be glad to give you a few tips regarding the election and local government service.
There is a consistent effort at the state and federal level to pass unfunded mandates on to local government. This process continues to place more and more economic burden on the backs of local property tax payers. This means that the elderly, retirees, and those on fixed incomes will share an increasing tax burden compared to others in the future. In other words, if you want to make the tax system more fair tell me your opinion but also let your state and federal representatives know your thoughts.
Give me a call with any concerns or constructive suggestions regarding our community.
Tom Hayhurst
City Councilman
4th District
432-8418
tom.hayhurst@verizon.net
> Read More Information About Us
> More Articles Written By Our Staff
- Community Invited To Paint Rocks For Urban League Project - April 26, 2024
- The “Bad Guys” In Your Garden & What To Do About Them - April 26, 2024
- Why Voting In The Primary Election Matters - April 26, 2024