Mount Vernon City Council: Scott Rose

My name is Scott Rose and I'm running for a seat on the Mount Vernon City Council. Since I was 8 years old I've considered Mount Vernon home. I graduated from Mount Vernon High School in 1993 and from Loras College in 1997. Since moving back in 2006 I've been active on various boards and committees including chairing the Parks and Recreation Board for the past six years, chairing the Chalk the Walk committee for the past five years and serving as a committee member on the Community Center Task Group and the Community Visioning Project to name a few.

Our community is at a critical point in its evolution. In January we will potentially have a new mayor, four new city councilors, a new City Administrator and a recently appointed Police Chief. In addition to these changes in leadership we'll also be finalizing the new Comprehensive Plan which is a 20 year blueprint for our town.

Along with changes in leadership and planning we are also facing several challenges as a community; the highway 30 bypass, stagnant residential development, ongoing infrastructure needs, and an ongoing conversation about a Wellness Center in our community. In January our next generation of city leaders will have the choice to approach these challenges in a reactive or proactive manner. If we remain on the reactive path we've been on the past several years we will continue to bounce from one crisis to the next. If, on the other hand, we take a proactive approach these challenges can easily become opportunities. With proper planning and budgeting the bypass can increase our tax base and provide for residential and business expansion to the south; our infrastructure needs can allow for growth and an expansion of our streets and trails not to mention our water and sewer systems; and a properly sized and budgeted for Wellness Center can help keep Mount Vernon at the top of the list of bedroom communities in the Corridor.

Mount Vernon has an infinite number of things going for it from a vibrant Uptown to residents willing to lend their time and talent. I would truly appreciate your vote in November so that I can be a part of our city leadership and help move our community forward through the challenges and opportunities that we are sure to face.

' More information: scottbrose@gmail.com; Facebook