GUEST COLUMN: CARLETTA KNOX-SEYMOUR

By Carletta Knox-Seymour

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I feel it is important to use multiple methods as needed in order to keep residents informed about how the extended local-option sales tax is being used.

One method would be to inform them by holding informational meetings in each council district. It would be important to hold these meetings during the evening hours to afford everyone the opportunity to attend. This would serve as another way to continually meet the citizens. These meetings can be achieved by way of town halls, individuals hosting in their homes and neighborhood associations.

I think another way to keep residents apprised and to maintain a connection to them is to rent a kiosk at Lindale Mall for example, and pass out literature.

Another tool that would be useful to keep residents informed would be the city's website and its public access channel. Along with that, Mayor Ron Corbett has suggested using signage. I would include in the signage the cost of each segment being worked on. I would also support mass mailings, as well as using news releases.

At the completion of major projects, I would have automated phone calls made to residents to announce ribbon-cutting ceremonies.

As for the best way to prioritize completion of the street repairs and reconstruction for which the sales tax is intended, these are my thoughts.

Among the streets that need repair, I think 75 percent of the funding should go first toward those streets that are in very poor condition and 25 percent should go toward other street construction. During the life of the local-option sales tax, these percentages should be altered - meaning, as the streets that are in the poorest condition are removed from the backlog, those funds that are utilized would be transferred to other street construction.

Next, put those priority projects up for bid. Then along with allowing for weather delays and any other unforeseen delays, as a priority in planning, I think it is imperative that contractors who bid have the ability to complete all projects in that construction season.

The last priority is to plan the projects according to a timetable that would minimize disruption to our city life.

Comment: carlettav@gmail.com