A thorough discussion of committee recommendations should be afforded each member to gain understanding of the issues and alternatives. The council by its makeup represents various portions of the city and through its elected representative each ward should have a voice in the governance of our city. I have not seen the findings of the task force and would reserve judgment at this point. However, as I drive the streets of Tupelo it is quite evident that street maintenance needs to be given a higher priority in the budgeting process. Because of the amount of work to be done each year I would favor a minimum budget for street paving, I would seek the findings of the task force and staff input on the appropriate funding level.
Annexation is almost certain to be an issue facing the next council and mayor.
I favor expansion as a means to maintain the vitality of the city. We can't rest on past accomplishments, but must insure a healthy tax base for the future. Although the City of Tupelo is blessed with a substantial source of revenue from sales taxes, we must maintain a vibrant tax base within our city limits. Too many cities have died on the vine because of the inability to grow or the refusal to expand their boundaries. The mayor has identified moderate income housing as a need within the city which I fully support.