Beyond running City Council meetings, what are the most important tasks of a Chesapeake mayor?
One of the major tasks of the mayor should be to facilitate communication among City Council members. The Mayor should exercise leadership to include the public and members of Council in setting the vision for the city’s future and in the decision-making process. The Mayor should be a good listener and consensus builder. The Mayor should represent the city with dignity on the local, regional, state, and national levels.
What makes you the best person to lead the city?
My life, both in my professional career and in a variety of civic groups, has been one of leadership in the areas of personnel, finance, and planning. These are skills critical in the role of Mayor. Having worked in several different boroughs and been involved in citywide groups, I have extensive knowledge of the diverse needs in our city. I am analytical and have an even temperament that would be useful in times of emergency.
What should be the city’s top priority now, and how can it be achieved?
The top priority should be to protect and enhance the quality of life for all citizens. That would mean protecting our safe streets and excellent education system. It also means having an equitable financial plan that provides needed services. We must address our infrastructure issues (roads and bridges, water and sewer, drainage, parks and recreation). The future is a time we can change with today’s decisions.
What do you think will be the city’s most pressing issue in 10 years, and how can the city prepare for it?
Unless a long-range program is initiated, transportation issues will impact the entire region in the next ten years. State money for new projects will be diverted to road maintenance instead. Chesapeake must intentionally take care of smaller road and bridge projects through city funds. We must look at expanding public transportation and light rail possibilities. We must follow our comprehensive land use plan and avoid leap-frog development.
How do you respond to complaints that city leaders put developers’ interests ahead of residents’ needs?
Most people who enter public service do so out of a desire to improve their community. When they analyze a project, they try to see the impact it will have both short term and long term. Government must be about balance. Projects must support the “public good.” Government cannot provide everything. We do need developers who are willing to take the risk to provide projects that will enhance the quality of life for our city.
Should the city and state raise more money to pay for transportation projects? If yes, how?
The city has already had to shoulder increased responsibility for the state function of transportation. It is time for a state solution. I would support a small increase in the state gasoline tax only if the money were earmarked for projects in the municipalities and regions where it was collected. Regional municipalities must work together to solve complex transportation issues. These problems do not stop at a city line.
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Talk is cheap Pablo!
Cite your resources and the specific dates and subjects of the votes that you write about. Alan votes with the taxpayers in mind and is not swayed by the status quo, PACS, or other special interest groups. If anybody wants proof, I have it! If anybody wants to see the proof from the voting record, I can provide it! Adams has approved rezoning of land several times from business or agricultural to residential resulting in the over development that has overcrowded our schools, as well as stressed our first responders and infrastructure. 5/15/07-project R(C)-07-02; 6/19/2007-project GB(M)-07-01; 7/17/2007-project R(C)-07-06; 10/16/2007-project R(C)-07-18; 1/19/2008-project R(C)-07-32; 1/19/2008-project R(C)-07-36; 1/22/2008-project R(PUD)-05-02. There are seven examples. Look them up!! By the way, "got2win1" came about 4 years ago as my son's little league team was 0-7. They won their next game after I adopted that user name.
Adams is the 'Best Choice'
Once again we have a comment that is blinded by what was fed to the individual. Yes, let's look at both records. Adams voted for projects that are best for the community and city as a whole, PERIOD! Krasnoff, when he is there or not sleeping during council meetings, has voted against projects that he thought wasn't good for the city and the community as a whole. Rather, he voted with tunnel vision isntead of seeing the whole picture. For instance, the biodiesel plant, did he see the entire picture, no! Why, oh you do the investigation! Why don't you ask Krasnoff about the incident with Lawrence Pharmacy in Deep Creek. Oh, you do the investigation. Before you speak 'got2win1', perhaps you should do your homework and not fall prey to Krasnoff's political games and you may actually win one! Or are you trying to win one? You may find that by not taking things at face value without doing some homework, you will have a different opinion and do it with an open mind while using some common sense.
Mrs. Adams, with all due respect.....
...your comments are not supported by your voting record. Citizen voters, please scrutinize both mayoral candidates' voting records and then decide where to cast your vote. Words can be cheap and hollow, but the voting record speaks for itself. Past behavior predicts future behavior. Beware of the tax and spend histories of Adams, Hayes, Parker, and Willis. They have been in our pockets long enough!