Campaign Phone
423-361-9556
More involvement is needed from our citizens, which begins with our youth. Mr. Cross has had success with his government students from Tennessee High School attending local meetings. I would like to extend this idea to our Communiversity, a program at our high school, to work on a forum concerning our growing non-housed population. Working with local colleges, such as the Changemakers at ETSU, to brainstorm solutions to problems within our city is pivotal. Promoting opportunities for our residents to volunteer fosters a strong sense of contributing to our community and would enhance our local government. Bristol's future depends on sustainability, innovation, and community engagement.
Due to past errors concerning taxes, our budget is not optimal. We must stop spending money we do not have. For every dollar spent, a percentage of the budget would need to be cut to offset that amount. Looking into billboard charges, city fee charges, and other small tokens for the city to make extra revenue could be beneficial. While we want to encourage tourism, we can look for small ways to impose fees to improve the budget. Even though I do not think like a typical politician, I hope to bring a fresh approach to the council.
Making sure there is adequate cash flow to fund our city employees and pay competitive wages is my top priority. Valuing our employees and their dedication to our city is paramount to our success. I would like to curb purchasing real estate while having definite plans in place for projects such as 515 Melrose Street. The community needs to be guaranteed that projects will meet the standards they set forth. I would like to honor previous support for Skate Bristol and see them flourish in a permanent setting. Encouraging youth to be outdoors, active, and participating are crucial to our success as a community.
While serving on a grant proposal committee, we received a grant proposal from a teacher that was similar to one proposed the previous year. I originally voted no for this reason, but upon hearing other committee members share their insights, I decided to vote yes. The proposal was to purchase books to encourage students to read. I pivoted my response after realizing my decision was made in haste and I am passionate about students reading. We came together as a committee and the proposal was granted. Hopefully many students are reading, and sharing, their books with one another.
With three children in the school system (past and present), I have spent 15 years supporting teachers and faculty. This led to my becoming a member of the BTCS Foundation, where I am on the grant proposal committee. I work with graduating seniors at Tennessee High School as a TN Achieves mentor. I am currently serving as Bristol Juvenile Court Clerk. I focus on community outreach through my job at Akard Funeral Home and love playing Bingo at assisted living facilities.
Some schools need major repairs and improvements. I would like to implement strategies to make repairs along the way before they fall in total disrepair. I fully support the elderly, youth, and our school system.
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