Economic Opportunities
We have smart, skilled workers in Woodford County, and I assume they would be thrilled to work on a variety of opportunities close to home. Let’s create a “Plant It Here - Build It Here - Process It Here” strategy that would generate jobs in agribusiness, the union trades, to include technology and the energy sectors. Solar energy and biofuels can provide us with great union jobs as well as sustainable energy.
Woodford County excels at crop production. Now let's create the facilities that process those crops, build the energy infrastructure that supports our future, and train local residents for skilled careers so our young folks can find good-paying jobs without leaving home.
Effective Management
As I’ve worked with state and local governments, I’ve seen government leaders get the most value out of their resources using technology and efficient processes. Here are a few thoughts.
Consolidate information systems
Rather than pay for multiple systems that do not talk to each other, let’s create one system of record that allows all County departments to use the same data in real time, with multiple security layers added. Such a system could pay for itself in a few years.
Consolidate purchasing
A central purchasing manager can create efficiencies across departments by using the data from a consolidated system to negotiate the best deals for the County with approved vendors. And, let’s include requirements that contracts call for skilled union labor (ie, project labor agreements) to ensure the work gets done right the first time.
Create a 3 year technology strategy
Rather than react to technology needs as they occur, let’s create a strategy with an eye on future needs. This strategy would guide the procurement and operational management of technology and user support. Countywide broadband service would also help generate economic opportunities.
Expand grant applications
I realize many Woodford County residents may not like everything that comes out of Springfield, but there are grants available to us from state agencies that could fund our evolving technology needs, planned capital projects, and aging infrastructure. Consider a full time grant writer who has the talent and skill to bring home millions of dollars in grant funds for Woodford County. We’ve earned it!
Property Tax Transparency
I’ve heard friends and neighbors say they have been a bit more than shocked by their property tax bill, and not just this year. As a communications expert I completely understand how residents feel when they see their tax bill and not know how, or why, their taxes increased, especially if they do not see any additional services added in the previous year.
My pledge is to communicate the property tax bill process to county residents. I would be happy to meet with residents at least quarterly if not monthly to talk about the budget and taxing process. And remember, your local school board is involved in this conversation as well.
Support for Working Families
Many of our friends and neighbors enjoy a decent living but based on statistics from The State of ALICE in Illinois, approximately 30% of our friends and neighbors are living either at or below the poverty line (7%) or are considered “working poor” (23%). We can do better than that. We can work together to create opportunities that enhance long term economic mobility but we can also create options for these families today.
Let’s work to provide some tax relief such as commuter credit, provide quality healthcare, and affordable child care.