GUEST COLUMN: RALPH RUSSELL

By Ralph Russell

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During the campaign, I have heard numerous complaints from residents regarding the lack of communication on how the local-option sales tax money, intended for flood recovery, was being spent. Citizens' concerns are in the areas of accountability and communication.

The LOST Oversight Committee was a good idea to address accountability, but was poorly implemented. The committee was asked to comment on use of the LOST revenue after the Council had made decisions on the use of the funds.

We need to keep the LOST Oversight Committee concept with one major change. The committee should provide input to the City Council prior to any City Council decision on how the money is spent.

The method of keeping residents apprised of how the money is spent must involve multiple methods of communication, including use of the City's website, use of written communications such as Our CR Magazine and regular news releases and new conferences. These communications must be frequent and concise.

As for prioritizing completion of street repairs and reconstruction:

My method of operating as the head of a local consulting engineering firm was to build consensus after gathering input from a number of key, respected individuals within the organization and then make a firm decision. As a city councilman, I plan to use this method of operation again, utilizing input from citizens.

Citizen input on prioritization of street repairs is a touchy issue. Who doesn't want the street in front of their house fixed? My method of prioritizing the repairs involves multiple steps.

1. Technical design issues must be considered first. The Public Works and Engineering Department must provide a recommended prioritization based solely on technical design issues. The streets most in need of repair must be ranked highest. With all due respect, citizens will be hard pressed to provide this analysis and recommendation. These recommendations must go to the city manager, who will provide his analysis and input and then forward a recommendation to the City Council.

2. A public forum shall take place at least three months in advance of the city budgeting process to hear input from citizens on the proposed street repair program for the upcoming fiscal year. The forum will begin with a presentation from staff regarding the basis of their recommendations. Following the presentation, citizens will be given an opportunity to comment on the proposed program.

3. The City Council will review the recommendations from staff, consider input from citizens and make the final decision on the street program for the upcoming fiscal year.

Finally, I am the only candidate for City Council who has worked with cities on these issues for over four decades. I can bring sound policy, technical oversight and fiscal responsibility to the repair and reconstruction of our streets.

Comments: ralph@ralph-russell.com