The proper use of committees would utilize a broader spectrum of Tupelo residents. Each committee would be comprised of those council members and citizens with the greatest knowledge and expertise in the committee's area of responsibility. Records of the meetings should identify the problems and identify solutions and later be presented to the mayor and council members and made available to the public prior to the official council meetings. The improvement and upkeep of city streets is a priority with me. The city should commit itself to a yearly minimum budget for street paving and upkeep with the amount floating each year based on gross revenues for that year.
Annexation is almost certain to be an issue facing the next council and mayor.
It is imperative that a strong partnership be maintained between the city and county. Areas considered for annexation should be studied with both city and county involved for a win-win situation. Annexation efforts should be compatible with regional growth and development. I would favor expansion of the city boundaries only if the tax revenue from the annexed areas could support the city services that annexed area would be entitled to receive. Annexation should not be considered unless previously annexed areas have received all city offered services.