|
published on 10/03/2006
Paul Hendricks for Town Council
By
Dear Editor,
Since announcing my candidacy for Signal Mountain Town Council I have worked hard to talk with as many citizens as possible. In particular, I have focused on learning as much as I can about the issues affecting our town.
Our town has a clearly stated vision for its future. I fully support that vision. We wish to remain a small town with small town values. We wish to > protect the natural beauty of our town. At the same time, we want to avail ourselves of the best approaches possible to efficient town services and governance and especially to the problems of growth and development. This has led me to several conclusions.
I have stated that I support providing sewer service to the Shackleford Ridge area. I believe this is the responsible thing to do from an environmental viewpoint considering the problems with septic systems on this mountain. I believe that growth will occur in that area and that our best approach to this anticipated growth is to manage it so that it doesn't interfere with our town's vision. Our Town Council has provided several different options for growth in that area. I strongly feel that the best option is one that preserves as much open space and natural features as possible. In addition, provisions for safe bicycle and pedestrian traffic should be included, especially to access Shackleford Ridge Park and the new schools associated with it. The Open Space Option provides for these advantages and I will do all I can to encourage developers to consider and utilize this option for future neighborhoods.
There are other issues for the future council. Safety and security should never be taken for granted. It is through the efforts of our citizens and, especially through our police, fire and EMS personnel that our community continues to be a safe place to live. I will do all I can to support and improve these services.
Finally, one of the most important of our small town values is that of citizenship and, well, neighborliness. I oppose the current recall effort because I believe it is not in keeping with these small town values. I didn't agree with the recall in California and I certainly don't agree with it in Signal Mountain. While the supporters of this effort clearly have the legal right to pursue this course, I don't think it is the best way to express disagreement on one particularly issue. Our charter uniquely provides for a majority of the Town Council to be up for re-election every 2 years, including this year. With no incumbents running, there will definitely be a new majority on the Council. I would urge the citizens of Signal Mountain to analyze the issues, get to know the candidates and vote for the future of our town. I also urge everyone to remember that the responsibilities of citizenship do not end there. I urge all citizens to continue to be informed, attend meetings, serve on town boards and commissions and, most of all to let your elected representatives know your views early and often! I hope I can earn your vote. If anyone wants to communicate with me, they can visit my website at www.paulmhendricks.com.
Sincerely,
Paul M. Hendricks, MD
Candidate for Signal Mountain Town Council
|
