Moving Forward - Unfinished Business

It is important to reflect on recent accomplishments; however, the real question in this campaign should be, "What is our plan for the future?". The challenges facing our community and city government require strong and effective leadership to achieve the goal of preserving the history of Edwardsville, retaining its charm and character, and continuing to make Edwardsville an even better community.

His record of public service is the result of a strong personal commitment to his hometown and our community. The following is Gary’s Ten-Point Plan for his priorities for the future:

1. Provide strong and effective leadership while maintaining city government’s commitment to inclusiveness and the delivery of quality public services.
2. Maintain the City’s record of 15 years of balanced budgets during Mayor Niebur’s tenure in office.
3. Continue and enhance high quality police protection, community policing programs, fire, and emergency medical response services as part of the City’s Safe Streets, Safe Neighborhoods program.
4. Continue an aggressive neighborhood street and sidewalk improvement program including expanding efforts to upgrade oil and chip streets with curbs and permanent pavement.
5. Improve the quality of existing parks, expand park and green space through land acquisition; expand recreation, arts, and cultural opportunities through the adoption of a Parks Comprehensive Plan.
6. Enhance Smart Growth and green development initiatives to ensure that Edwardsville remains a clean, aesthetically attractive and vibrant community.
7. Diversify the City’s tax base and continue the City’s 15 years of reduction of the residential property tax rate.
8. Support local community organizations that contribute to the quality of life in Edwardsville.
9. Work with County, State, and Federal officials to make sure Edwardsville gets its share of grant and enhancement funds.
10. Develop a plan to connect neighborhoods, sidewalks, and schools to the bike trail system.