Editor,
In response to citizen concerns of Noblesville, regarding the details of the candidate’s vision and commitment, I would like to present my position for the upcoming election and beyond. Remember a seat on the council is only as good as the leadership from the administration.
My hope is that new leadership from both the executive and legislative branches of government will be elected to bring together the best ideas for the best results for everyone in the community.
What would I do?
1. Open a citizen forum to create a “Noblesville Vision” for all to follow for the next four years and beyond.
2. Reinstate all citizen committees and opportunities for citizens to add to the Vision. Many attempts to include the citizens have been dropped over the years by the current administration. Groups such as the “Downtown Strategic Action Committee” to implement the Strategic Plan, Benchmarking, reviewing elected officials for their accomplishments and do those accomplishment meet the Vision, and the Historic Preservation Commission that has been dropped also. If we consider Noblesville to be a historic center, than we need the citizen driven commission. The commission can receive grant money to go toward Old Town improvement. There are more but these would be my top three committees and commission to reactive immediately.
3. The city has the tools for revitalization efforts in the Historic Downtown and the corridors into the city. Several years ago the entire Noblesville chamber membership voted the top priority was improving the corridors into the city. Nothing has been done. Revitalization of the Historic Downtown and improving the corridors leading to the downtown are a priority.
4. It is vital to immediately review and create a plan for the Historic Downtown center using the existing “shelved” Downtown Master Plan. The Historic center is the jewel of the community and remaining vital, well-kept, clean and thriving affects economic development, tourism and general quality of life for our citizens and visitors and businesses. The Downtown Master Plan covers all elements.
5. Let’s open the doors to city hall. In order to be a dynamic city in a dynamic county, all citizens must be included not just a few who have the most to gain.
6. Build a Historic designed Civic Center with meeting, banquet, theatre space and classrooms available to all to replace the one torn down in 1959. The city has the tools and opportunity to create a center for the community and visitors alike. Historic related tourism could bring big dollars into the community and could fill jobs attracting millions of dollars into the economy. Tourism is the second largest industry in the world. Noblesville should be take advantage of tourism as an economic development tool.
7. Build the best Economic Development city department in the mid-west. Experienced and forward thinking aggressive professionals could move the 3600 acre Corporate Campus into a mega tax base ( lowering property tax rate – currently 2nd highest rate in the county after Sheridan) open opportunity for jobs and collecting resources for parks, recreation and quality of life for citizens. Limit tax abatements and give away of millions of dollars to development and developers.
8. Always keep the cost of services low and never pass onto citizens the cost of services. For years during budget time, it is suggested by the administration to pass along to citizens the cost of trash collection and yard waste. The money now paying for trash collection and yard waste is coming from property tax and offered back as a service. The money saved by passing costs to the citizens would then go into the general fund for who knows what? I will never vote for such a proposition.
9. Put the citizen first in all ways. Encourage and take advantage of every opportunity to make the community the best it can be. Make Noblesville exciting, beautiful, vital with opportunity for everyone. Open the doors to city hall for citizen input and treat everyone equally and fairly.
If all nine suggestions were moved forward, Noblesville will be a better place at the end of four years, and have a sustainable plan for the future. It is time to roll up our sleeves and get to work. This is my pledge to the voters and citizens.
Mary Sue Rowland
Candidate for Common Council At-Large