Interview with City Council Zone 1 Candidate Nick Ibarra

This is number 3 in a series of email interviews with Mayoral and Council Candidates.

1. Please rate the following core services in the order in which you, personally, feel they should be prioritized (Ibarra's answers follow the listed core services):

> capital improvements (3)
> public safety (1)
> quality of life, as in entertainment; parks; sport events; the arts; etc. (4)
> road and bridge maintenance and infrastructure (2)

2. Do you support a 1 percent sales tax to fund the police and fire pension plan?

Ibarra: While I have the utmost respect for our men and women who keep us safe, and while I believe that our community’s safety needs to be the priority, I did not vote for the one percent sales tax on February 3rd. There were three primary reasons that I did not vote yes on the measure: (1) Many of the cuts that the city manager stated were going to be made in his worst case scenario are cuts that need to be made; (2) it was made clear to the city and its police and fire departments that the cuts that were going to be made if the tax failed were to ensure that the pension was given the full actuarial recommendation; (3) because of the situation we are in economically, both locally and nationally, an increase of the burden on the taxpayer is not appropriate. Furthermore, I do believe that the tax failed because of these reasons, as well as the reason that many citizens in our community are truly concerned that our municipal government has been irresponsible regarding the fiscal program that it has taken part in over the course of many years.

3. Do you support a sales tax of some amount less than 1 percent but equal to or more than 1/8-cent? If so, what would you consider the ideal amount within that range?

Ibarra: I do. The media has given much attention to the idea brought forth that the next City Council should allow the Capital Improvement Program ¼% tax to expire, and to replace it with a ¼% pension tax. While this may not completely fund the pension at the full 100%, it would allow the fund to hold at the state mandated 60%, which is considered adequate. While we are getting to that 60%, we as a community will have the breathing room – approximately 5 years, if not more – to find a long term/permanent solution.

From the beginning of this issue’s discussion, I have stated that what needs to happen is that the community needs to have a dialogue and consider what taxes are currently on the books that are not absolutely necessary, and look at replacing one of them (if not more) with a tax for the police/fire pension. This would allow the pension fund to have a designated tax, and at the same time not increase the burden of the tax payer.

With all of this said, I do support the greatly publicized idea of replacing the CIP tax with a pension tax.

4. Describe, in your opinion, what are "core city services."

Ibarra: I consider the core services of a city government to be public safety and infrastructure. In order to keep our community safe, we need to have a strong police and fire department with appropriate staffing levels, equipment, and logistical support that ensures that when we need them they are there and readily equipped to help us in times of need. Infrastructure: streets, waterways, sewers, etc. In addition to our police and fire, our infrastructure is a large part of public safety. We, as citizens, expect our infrastructure to be constantly updated and serviced in a manner to ensure a clean environment is what surrounds us and that we have a sense of security as we live our day-to-day lives in Springfield.

Additionally, these core services are very important to a strong economy. When potential business owners come to Springfield, they want to feel safe, and they want to be surrounded by an environment that is pleasing to the eye. While non-essential aesthetics may arguably be part of that, basic infrastructure is a larger part, and needs to be given priority.

5. If forced to cut areas of the budget which include the core city services you listed or indicated in #4, list the order in which you would cut the services from the most to the least amount.

Ibarra: Difficult question, because what are to be considered core services are the services that only the government has the ability to provide by law. Likewise, I understand this question to be asking what services I would be willing to cut completely, which I don’t believe can be done without extremely detrimental consequences.

With this said, I do believe that the most responsible way to go about an issue like this would be to trim budgets in a manner that all non-essential services in the departments that provide core services are considered. Because I do believe that community safety should be first, I do believe that infrastructure would have cuts made before our police and fire.

I do want to point out, however, that if we have a City Council that understands that the core services come first, we will not have to participate in such activities. If, when the Council sits down to budget annually, they begin and finish the process with the philosophy that police, fire, and infrastructure come first and foremost, and all else is secondary, we will not have to be put in this position.

6. Are there any core city services listed in #4 that you would simply refuse to support cutting? If so, why would you refuse to cut those services?

Ibarra: Yes. The essentials of the core services: the emergency response and investigation aspects of our first responders, and the upkeep of the infrastructure that we have. We must have police and fire that respond to our emergencies; we must have investigating units that consider criminal action (police department) and cause of events (structural emergencies, for instance, which would be done by the fire department). Second, while infrastructure projects that we have planned may need to be put on hold at times, we need to continuously care for the infrastructure that we currently have. For instance, the industry I work in has been directly affected by the economy; while in better times a complete replacement of equipment is an option, in tougher economic times many businesses are requiring more maintenance on already owned equipment. This philosophy should be carried to the public sector.

7. When funding capital improvement projects how would you set priorities among the projects eligible for funding in the current and upcoming voter approved capital improvement project lists?

Ibarra: Infrastructure should be a priority. Streets, waterways, and sewers must come first. For instance, we can consider some of the current projects that are planned as capital improvements. Ones that should be at the top of the list: storm-water drainage projects, drainage improvements, and intersection projects. Items that should be secondary, if they should exist at all: streetscapes, parks, and other projects that are not mandatory or already have a designated budget. For instance, I don’t think it is responsible practice to make a habit of sending general revenue funds to projects in which the department that oversees it has taxes earmarked for them already. In short, what is mandatory, such as infrastructure, should be the priority; all else is optional and should be done with restraint where it is done at all.

8. How would you stay in touch with your constituents to insure you were properly representing them?

Ibarra: As I have campaigned over the past year, I have found many ways to stay in continuous contact with the community that – if I am elected to City Council – I can continue to do regularly. I have attended neighborhood association meetings and other similar gatherings regularly; I have met with people on their doorsteps and taken countless calls over the phone; I have responded to e-mails on every possible occasion. In short, I have intentionally made myself as available as possible over the past year because I truly believe that to be an effective public servant an individual must be available to those he or she serves; I have this philosophy as a candidate, and will have it as a councilman. One thing that will be added to these basic duties is that I fully intend to ask management that whenever a citizen of Zone 1 makes an inquiry, complaint, or simply contacts the municipal government for any reason, that I be notified as to make direct contact with that citizen to ensure that the effort has been made to address the issue at hand and/or inquire if there is anything that I can personally do to further address the situation. People want to be heard, and people deserve to be heard; the citizens of Springfield, and in particular Zone 1, will get this with Nicholas Ibarra as a councilman.

9. Explain why you want to serve on the City Council.

Ibarra: It is the responsibility of each and every citizen to find a way to play a role in the world around them. While there are many ways to do this, I have always been of the mind that I wanted to help and serve in a place that I could be of value. Whether it was joining the Marines, volunteering for service in Iraq, or something such as being a youth coach for baseball and football teams in the community, I have always found fulfillment in being a part of something that I feel is greater than myself.

With that in mind, I plan to go to City Council with the mindset of finding solutions. Whether it concerns the ‘black and white’ issues such as the pension fund or more ‘gray’ areas such as how to work towards the restoration of trust and confidence that the community needs to have with their local government, I firmly believe that the next several years are going to be very defining for our community. Many of the issues that we as a community are facing and will face are going to take strong minds and good ideas in order to make decisive decisions that will produce positive results. As somebody who has both the will and desire to serve, and is healthy in mind and body, I believe that this is the best way that I can serve our community at this point in time.

10. If elected to City Council, will you read the background information on every bill proposed for passage before you enter the Council Chambers to hear first reading of a bill and before casting your vote to either support or oppose the bill?

Ibarra: Absolutely. To begin, for about the past year I have read as much information that has been given to the public regarding council bills as I possibly could to gain a better understanding of the language and structure of the bills themselves.

Additionally, having attended Council meetings regularly for over the past year and a half, I have come to believe that reading the bill before first reading is of great importance, and for two reasons. The first is to have an understanding of what is actually being discussed for passage, rather than simply listening to the overview that is given during the meeting. The second is that in order to ask the appropriate questions in a direct manner and to know what you are looking for in an answer, you must know what it is that is being proposed.

Lastly, it is an absolute duty of every council person to read every bill in its entirety. The citizens have elected them to do a certain job, and this is a duty in that job description.

11. In your opinion, do current events effect past votes of the public on any given sales tax?

Ibarra: Yes… and the way finding sign’s issue is a prime example. It is hard to foresee – in a definitive manner – events that are going to happen in the future, and we have all been introduced to this idea in the recent months. We can forecast and theorize as much as we’d like, but the truth of the matter is that we are not in as much control as we’d like to be. So, when it comes to making decisions that are going to affect issues and actions years down the road, it needs to be understood that there may need to be flexibility regarding those decisions. Likewise, when that future time comes, the decision makers at the time need to understand the context of both the past and present, and how changes in times may determine that something considered to be a good idea several years ago may not be a wise decision presently.

12. In your opinion, would it ever be beneficial to poll registered Springfield voters or your zone constituency, by some method you might determine yourself, regarding controversial issues before making a decision as to whether you would support a particular bill?

Ibarra: I’m not sure that I would use the word “poll”, but I do believe it is extremely important to stay in touch with the citizens and their opinions on the issues of the day. Over the course of the past year and a half, one of the biggest criticisms I have heard about the way that City Council has operated in the past is that many times it doesn’t seem as though the elected representatives at City Hall listen to the every day citizen. While the 2007 City Council election brought about a certain degree of change for the better, the general sentiment remains.

In somewhat of a reiteration to question eight, as a councilman I will consider it part of the job to constantly be in contact with the citizens of the community, and in particular Zone 1. By doing this consistently, it will give me a constant sense of the issues of importance to the community, as well as insight that may not have been considered when deciding issues.

13. Do you consider yourself to have a conservative philosophy or a liberal philosophy, or perhaps, somewhere in between? Explain.

Ibarra: My philosophy, when it comes to the role of government, defaults to what our founders prescribed: life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. While government at any level does have a role to play, it is a limited one. In that, I am a conservative. Each one of us has a right to life, and to be given due protection to ensure that our life is not endangered by others. I believe that by natural law we are all given liberty, and that liberty can be defined as the ability for each individual to pursue his or her own self interest as long as it is not impeding on the ability for another individual to pursue theirs. And the pursuit – not the guarantee – of happiness… it is up to each and every one of us to clearly define to ourselves what ‘happiness’ entails, prescribe the appropriate path in order to achieve it, and to work with discipline and determination to get to that place.

14. What personal philosophy(ies) do you hold which might effect the way you vote on future issues of the City?

Ibarra: When it comes to my role if elected to City Council, I will ask questions of basic philosophy when it comes to deciding each and every vote: how will my vote affect the safety of others; how will my vote affect the freedom of others; how will my vote affect the government’s role; will my vote put more or less government in the life of the citizen? These are just a few, but it is about asking basic questions, under the guise of a basic philosophy, but one that is in keeping with what our nation is built upon.

15. Do you recycle? If not, why not?

Ibarra: Yes… paper mainly.

16. When was the last time you visited a Springfield area park? When and if you visited a Springfield area park, did you attend a special event or just decide to go to the park?

Ibarra: The last time I visited a Springfield park was when it was warm! Seriously, I coach youth baseball and football, both with games taking place at various parks in Springfield; I helped with the Grant Beach Neighborhood Kids Softball program, which was at Grant Beach Park; in the summer, Zack and Hailey (the kids) love going to the pool. In short, I spend an adequate amount of time at City Parks.

17. What is your favorite color?

Ibarra: Green… has always been green since I was a child. When it comes to clothes, though, I like to wear red and blue.

18. What is your favorite item of clothing and why?

Ibarra: Not sure I can answer that one piece of clothing is my “favorite”… but I will say that there is nothing more pleasing to me than being in a pair of jeans, a t-shirt, and a pair of running shoes… although it has become more and more rare these days.

19. What is your favorite genre of music?

Ibarra: I like all music, and at different times I am in different moods. Lately I have been in the mood for rock and R&B. Favorite songs right now: “Fool in the Rain” by Led Zepplin, “September” by Earth, Wind, and Fire, and “Where the Stars and Stripes, and the Eagles Fly” by Aaron Tippin.

20. What is your favorite book?

Ibarra: Right now I am reading the Heritage Guide to the Constitution, which is very intriguing… but 1984 is an all time favorite – scary, in a very real way.

21. Do you have any pets? Cat(s)? Dog(s)? Are you a "cat person" or a "dog person" and why?

Ibarra: I am a dog person… I used to be allergic to cats. Though that allergy went away, and although I don’t mind cats, I will always be a dog person. Our family dog, Gunner (boxer), was a dog we got when we first moved into our home. A little over three weeks ago, he passed away. While my son and I are looking at the possibility of another dog in the future, the “Queen” says that she is not ready, and may not be for a while.

22. Do you attend a church regularly? If so, what faith would you associate yourself with?

Ibarra: Not as regularly as I should. When we do, though, we go between Northpoint and Mt. Pleasant Baptist (which is where my father-in-law is the pastor, and is between Willard and Ash Grove). I would consider myself a Christian… not any one denomination, though.

23. What is your favorite kind of food?

Ibarra: To be very honest, my favorite kind of food is the kind you eat! But, if I had to choose, it would have to be pizza – pepperoni and jalapenos.

24. What is your favorite kind of pie?

Ibarra: My favorite pie is undoubtedly my Granny Mary’s cherry cheese cake… NO DOUBTS! While all food that comes from her kitchen is wonderful, that is the best.

Candy?

Ibarra: Almond Joy.

Previous: "Interview with Mayoral Candidate Christopher Donegan"
"Interview with City Council General Seat A Candidate Tom Martz"

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Interview with City Council General Seat A Candidate Tom Martz

This is number 2 in a series of email interviews with Mayoral and Council Candidates.

1. Please rate the following core services in the order in which you, personally, feel they should be prioritized (Martz's answers precede the listed core services):

3. capital improvements
1. public safety
4. quality of life, as in entertainment; parks; sport events; the arts; etc.
2. road and bridge maintenance and infrastructure

2. Do you support a 1 percent sales tax to fund the police and fire pension plan?

Martz: NO

3. Do you support a sales tax of some amount less than 1 percent but equal to or more than 1/8-cent? If so, what would you consider the ideal amount within that range?

Martz: I have signed onto the SOS citizen coalition plan to redirect the 1/4% CIP tax which is going to sunset in FEB

4. Describe, in your opinion, what are "core city services."

Martz: Police, Fire, storm water drainage, traffic control devices, infrastructure.

5. If forced to cut areas of the budget which include the core city services you listed or indicated in #4, list the order in which you would cut the services from the most to the least amount.

Martz: quality of life issues, followed by capitol improvements, then followed up by reductions in workforce. Public safety is NOT an area that will see cuts if I'm elected to city council at least not by my voting.

6. Are there any core city services listed in #4 that you would simply refuse to support cutting? If so, why would you refuse to cut those services?

Martz: Areas of public safety

7. When funding capital improvement projects how would you set priorities among the projects eligible for funding in the current and upcoming voter approved capital improvement project lists?

Martz: Every project will be put through rigorous cost benefit analysis before being funded.

8. How would you stay in touch with your constituents to insure you were properly representing them?

Martz: e-mails, phone, town hall type meetings and going into there place of business to discuss the issues which concern them.

9. Explain why you want to serve on the City Council.

Martz: At some point the people of an area have to take responsibility for the abuse, wasteful spending, and lack of involvement of local government in dealing with issues that concern the greater good of the community. These people have a choice to try to change the misdirection from the floor of the council chambers by talking to the elected members or to become involved in the day to day running of city government. I have chosen the day to day aspect to bring about REAL change to the city of Springfield.

10. If elected to City Council, will you read the background information on every bill proposed for passage before you enter the Council Chambers to hear first reading of a bill and before casting your vote to either support or oppose the bill?

Martz: I currently do this now and would not change that aspect upon my election to represent the people of this city. It takes an involved informed person to know and understand how city government operates. I have done this actively for the past three years.

11. In your opinion, do current events effect past votes of the public on any given sales tax?

Martz: In times of economic prosperity you could probably say YES, if the voters were truly informed on what they were voting on. In economic downturns it becomes a priority of the city council to spend money only on projects which will return the investment outlay.

12. In your opinion, would it ever be beneficial to poll registered Springfield voters or your zone constituency, by some method you might determine yourself, regarding controversial issues before making a decision as to whether you would support a particular bill?

Martz: I would hope that with my election that I can get more people involved in the process and educate them in a manner that they themselves will want to become more informed. I want to hold workshops so people can come out and learn how to understand the council process, council agenda, and quite possibly change the manner in which legislation is placed on the agenda and the time frame of which it is on the agenda.

13. Do you consider yourself to have a conservative philosophy or a liberal philosophy, or perhaps, somewhere in between? Explain.

Martz: In the General Seat "A" race I am clearly the most conservative candidate in terms of fiscal responsibility, government transparency, taxation, government growth. There are clearly areas that Springfield should NOT be involved in and I want to see to it that tax dollars are spent on core essential services.

14. What personal philosophy(ies) do you hold which might effect the way you vote on future issues of the City?

Martz: My first question will always be is this the position of government and should government be involved in this??

15. Do you recycle? If not, why not?

Martz: I own an environmental company so we recycle everything we possibly can

16. When was the last time you visited a Springfield area park? When and if you visited a Springfield area park, did you attend a special event or just decide to go to the park?

Martz: I am a regular visitor to Doling Park either to feed the geese, walk the dog, or just out for a leisurely stroll.

17. What is your favorite color?

Martz: purple

18. What is your favorite item of clothing and why?

Martz: I don't have a favorite item of clothing, unless it would be my loud pink tie, however I don't wear ties that often

19. What is your favorite genre of music?

Martz: I listen to rock, jazz, country, R & B

20. What is your favorite book?

Martz: Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand or the Left Behind series by Tim LaHaye

21. Do you have any pets? Cat(s)? Dog(s)? Are you a "cat person" or a "dog person" and why?

Martz: We have two dogs and two cats, I'm the dog person because I do not like the sneakiness of cats

22. Do you attend a church regularly? If so, what faith would you associate yourself with?

Martz: Up until I was affected with this vertigo problem we attended every Sunday, currently the patterns on the wall coverings and in the carpet of my church makes me extremely dizzy and sick. We attended the LDS church off of Ingram Mill Road when we were attending regularily.

23. What is your favorite kind of food?

Martz: Lasagna

24. What is your favorite kind of pie?

Martz: cheesecake

Candy?

Martz: butterscotch or butter rum

Previous: "Interview with Mayoral Candidate Christopher Donegan"

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Interview with Mayoral Candidate Christopher Donegan

Because we can never learn too much about our representative candidates

This is number 1 in a series of email interviews with Mayoral and Council Candidates.

1. Please rate the following core services in the order in which you, personally, feel they should be prioritized (Donegan's answers precede the listed core services):

3 capital improvements
1 public safety
4 quality of life, as in entertainment; parks; sport events; the arts; etc.
2 road and bridge maintenance and infrastructure

2. Do you support a 1 percent sales tax to fund the police and fire pension plan?

Donegan: No I did not. I support the SOS ¼ cent sunset, ¼ cent pension fund tax plan. This proposal will result in a no net tax increase. I would entertain other tax increase proposals only after exercising all other available options.

3. Do you support a sales tax of some amount less than 1 percent but equal to or more than 1/8-cent? If so, what would you consider the ideal amount within that range?

Donegan: I think Mr. Burris’ tax proposal would have passed if he had only asked for a ¼ to 3/8 % sales tax increase. I still like the idea of reallocating general fund revenue before increasing the total sales tax in Springfield above 6.85%.

4. Describe, in your opinion, what are "core city services."

Donegan: The Springfield Police Department, Springfield Fire Department, Springfield Public Works Department, and the City Clerk’s Office. There are other departments that support the core city services, and I understand their need to be funded. I would strive as Mayor to make sure core city services are funded first.

5. If forced to cut areas of the budget which include the core city services you listed or indicated in #4, list the order in which you would cut the services from the most to the least amount.

Donegan: City Clerk’s Office, Public Works, Police Department, Fire Department

6. Are there any core city services listed in #4 that you would simply refuse to support cutting? If so, why would you refuse to cut those services?

Donegan: I would not want to cut the already emaciated Police and Fire Departments. As a member of the business community, though, I understand that expenses must stay below revenues to keep an organization solvent.

7. When funding capital improvement projects how would you set priorities among the projects eligible for funding in the current and upcoming voter approved capital improvement project lists?

Donegan: The wording of the CIP tax passed by voters in 2007 states “High Priority” projects. I would push for a discussion at the first City Council meeting with new members on a possible priority number for the projects. I also would stress that the priorities may change if economic conditions and constituent attitude towards the project change. This was definitely the case with the Wayfinding Sign program.

8. How would you stay in touch with your constituents to insure you were properly representing them?

Donegan: I am good at answering emails. I would make myself available to local radio, print, Internet, and television media. I would knock doors and attend public forums whenever possible.

9. Explain why you want to serve on the City Council.

Donegan: I want to see a City Council that will start representing the conservative majority in Springfield again.

10. If elected to City Council, will you read the background information on every bill proposed for passage before you enter the Council Chambers to hear first reading of a bill and before casting your vote to either support or oppose the bill?

Donegan: Yes. The only way the Mayor is going to provide leadership is by knowing his stuff. I can also admit when I am ill prepared to cast a vote, and would move to table the bill if others are in the same situation, if appropriate.

11. In your opinion, do current events effect past votes of the public on any given sales tax?

Donegan: Yes. We are in an ever changing world. Also, the residents who choose to make their voice known to their elected official changes with every election cycle. In the end, the person who is elected to Council by the voters chooses whether to make decisions based on personal conviction, public opinion, or a combination.

12. In your opinion, would it ever be beneficial to poll registered Springfield voters or your zone constituency, by some method you might determine yourself, regarding controversial issues before making a decision as to whether you would support a particular bill?

Donegan: There are some bills where you will have a strong personal conviction, and I think you must go with your values system regarding that decision. Other bills allow you to poll public opinion, listen to both sides of an issue, and analyze data before voting.

13. Do you consider yourself to have a conservative philosophy or a liberal philosophy, or perhaps, somewhere in between? Explain.

Donegan: Conservative

I believe in the Right to Life for the Unborn, regardless of how the pregnancy came about. I believe the government should not tax someone based on production of wealth. I believe every law-abiding American has the right to own and carry any firearm, especially in Springfield, Missouri parks.

14. What personal philosophy(ies) do you hold which might effect the way you vote on future issues of the City?

Donegan: If a bill does not promote some personal responsibility, or seeks to tear down some residents’ interests in the name of building up other residents’ interests, I cannot support it.

15. Do you recycle? If not, why not?

Donegan: I have in the past by taking materials to the Lone Pine Recycling Center. We don’t have room in the garage currently to store the recycle-eligible materials. While I like the idea of curbside recycling, I don’t think a City of Springfield mandate through franchising is the way to get this accomplished. The waste agreement just signed does not promote recycling; it increases revenue for the City.

16. When was the last time you visited a Springfield area park?

Donegan: It has been a few weeks since the campaign started.

When and if you visited a Springfield area park, did you attend a special event or just decide to go to the park?

Donegan: I play racquetball on the tennis courts at a number of parks on the North Side of Springfield. I hope to play Softball at Killian and Ewing in April.

17. What is your favorite color?

Donegan: Blue

18. What is your favorite item of clothing and why?

Donegan: My belt. I will actually turn around and come back to the house if I forget to put it on, even if my pants are snug and I don’t really need it.

19. What is your favorite genre of music?

Donegan: Country. I am originally from Nashville, TN. Growing up, I listened to WSM 650-AM.

20. What is your favorite book?

Donegan: I really liked the book, Manning, by Archie and Peyton Manning. I never knew much about Archie. I am a huge Tennessee Volunteers fan, and I enjoyed hearing about Peyton’s time in college.

21. Do you have any pets? Cat(s)? Dog(s)? Are you a "cat person" or a "dog person" and why?

Donegan: I have one dog, Rosco. I am a dog person because I like the interaction between man and man’s best friend.

22. Do you attend a church regularly? If so, what faith would you associate yourself with?

Donegan: Yes. I attend Springfield Community Church. I grew up in a Southern Baptist Church, and my beliefs match up with most Baptists.

23. What is your favorite kind of food?

Donegan: It’s American, but I am starting to lean toward Mexican and Chinese.

24. What is your favorite kind of pie?

Donegan: Pumpkin Pie (My wife’s is the best)

Candy?

Donegan: Snickers Bars

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...On the Job Hunt and Some Other Stuff...

It's very exciting!

On the one hand looking for work can be discouraging. On the other hand, it's like the sky's the limit!

I can do anything I want to do!

I can write about anything I want to write about or nothing at all!

Woo hoo!

By the way, the new City Council Agenda is out for Monday's meetin,' and candidate for City Council General Seat B, Fred Ellison, sure got a glowing endorsement from the News-Leader today. Good for him!

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Council Candidate Officially Endorses SOS Pledge Initiative

City Council General Seat A candidate Tom Martz has officially announced his endorsement of the Save Our Springfield (SOS) Citizen Coalition's "Rescue the Vision Initiative."

From the press release:

In keeping with my political philosophy I as a candidate for City Council for General Seat A, pledge to support the proposal put fourth by the Save Our Springfield Citizens Coalition:

As previously indicated, as your member of the City Council for general Seat A, I will support the sun setting of the 1/4 cent CIP sale tax in 2010 with a new voter approved sales tax in the same amount dedicated to the Police and Firefighter pension fund. I will also ensure that the City continues to contribute its required portion in addition.

The recent "Rescue the Vision Initiative" of the Save Our Springfield Citizens Coalition has also developed a set of pledges for mayoral and city council candidates to consider. I have pledged my support without exception to the seven pledges.

Click this to read more about the SOS' initiative.

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SOS Establishes the Rest of their Platform

With the Rescue the Vision Initiative; Four Council candidates sign pledge

The evening of March 9, while some City Council candidates were at the regularly scheduled Monday night meeting in the Council Chambers, others were attending another meeting at the Knights of Columbus Hall.

The Save Our Springfield Citizens Coalition (SOS) held the meeting to explain their alternative solution to funding the police and firefighters pension plan.

SOS also passed out a "Rescue the Vision Initiative," which established the rest of their platform.

The initiative is made up of a series of pledges SOS would like Springfield's City Council candidates to sign.

Though all the Council candidates were invited to attend, the only candidates who attended the meeting were Mayor candidate Christopher Donegan; General Seat A candidate, Tom Martz; General Seat B candidate, Fred Ellison; and Zone 1 candidate Nicholas Ibarra.

This morning, SOS Spokesman Darin Chappell appeared on the Vincent David Jericho Program. Chappell confirmed the four candidates who were in attendance at last night's meeting had signed the pledges.

Following is the Initiative as presented by SOS:



Rescue the Vision Initiative

as presented by:

The Save Our Springfield Citizens Coalition

Pledge not to raise taxes unless absolutely necessary

As the fragile state of our nation's economy is of great concern to the citizens of Springfield, and the voters having rejected the notion that government's first reaction to a difficulty should be to 'raise more taxes,' both of which can be seen by the rejection of the 1% Pension Sales Tax by the voters of Springfield earlier this year, we believe that other alternatives must be sought by responsible government representation. The elected representatives of the citizens must always resist the temptation to increase taxes unless diligent inquiry determines that to be the only remaining option available; it should always be seen as the option of last resort. As a member of City Council, I pledge not to support any proposal that will require the citizens of Springfield to pay higher tax rates, unless all other options have been explored in an objective manner, public input has been duly considered, and diligent investigation has determined that there are no other viable alternatives.

Pledge to address the issues identified in the State Audits

Based upon the Audit of the City of Springfield and City Utilities by State Auditor Susan Montee, the citizens of Springfield have learned that there have been many shortcomings and a great degree of irresponsibility in the conduct of the daily affairs of the City and the control of the expenditures of citizens' tax dollars. From ambiguous contracts, to overpriced services, the City of Springfield and City Utilities have not implemented fiscally responsible management controls nor good accounting procedures to protect against wasteful expenditures and to assure efficient use of resources. Furthermore, City Management assurances that the issues raised by the audit have been addressed, without corroboration from our new internal auditor, is insufficient. As a member of City Council, I pledge to be familiar with the findings of the State Auditor and to strive to see that all of the recommendations in the report be implemented or acceptable alternatives be developed.

Pledge to oppose renewal of red-light camera contract

The use of red-light cameras for traffic enforcement has been the subject of considerable citizen controversy, and the failure of fines assessed to fully offset the associated expenses of their use indicates that the decision to utilize this methodology should be reconsidered. The $50,000 per year, per location cost associated with this program could be better used in the employment of additional police officers. As a member of City Council, I pledge to oppose the renewal of the contract to continue the use of red-light cameras.

Pledge of accountability for City assets

Recently, the topic of assets owned by the City of Springfield has been discussed. Because there is not a clear and precise listing that describes in detail, the assets the City owns, the purpose for which they are held, and the source of funds used for their acquisition, there has been much confusion regarding these assets, their values, their marketability, and the uses that can be made of the proceeds of any sale. In the interest of clarity and transparency, there should be a listing available for citizen review, and for City Council's use for the purpose of considering assets for liquidation when the need arises, or if they are no longer needed. As a City Council member, I pledge to support the compilation and publication of this information.

Pledge to open police officer and firefighter training academies as soon as possible

The fundamental responsibility of municipal government being to provide for the public safety of the citizens of our community, City management must provide leadership to assure that the core services of police and fire protection are fully staffed, funded and equipped in order to ensure that citizens' lives and properties are secure. Further delay in the opening of Police Officer and Firefighter training academies is unacceptable and contributes to the understaffing of these essential services. As a member of City Council, I pledge that the importance of opening both departments' academies will be communicated to the City Manager.

Pledge to review the City Charter to improve City Government

As a City in the year 2009, we must understand that the City Charter undoubtedly has some provisions that are outdated and/or fail to address changes that naturally occur over the course of time. As such, a periodic review of the City Charter is advisable and necessary to ensure that the City Charter is a transparent, adequate, and reasonable foundational document of local governmental structure for the protection and benefit of the citizens of Springfield. As a member of City Council, I pledge to support a systematic review of the City Charter with public input, and provide citizens the opportunity to vote on viable changes to the Springfield City Charter where inadequacies are identified.

Pledge to adhere to the charter's recommendation on employee qualifications

City Council has been justly criticized for not adhering to the City Charter's direction that applicants for, and those employed as, City Manager should have previous City Manager experience. When those who legislate choose to violate the very foundational document upon which their authority to govern lies, there can be no expectation of respect or acceptance from those citizens who elected them. As a member of City Council, I pledge to adhere to all of the provisions of the City Charter, thereby setting an example for the citizens of this community, and for all future members of City Council.

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Council Candidate Support Continues to Grow for Alternative Pension Funding Plan

City Council Candidate Fred Ellison announced in a press release, he will support the police and firefighter pension funding plan offered as an alternative solution to the City of Springfield's recently failed 1 percent sales tax. Ellison is running for the City Council General Seat B position.

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Fred B. Ellison
City Council Candidate
General Seat B

N E W S R E L E A S E
March 9,2009


For Immediate Release



Fred B. Ellison, City Council Seat General B Candidate, is pleased to announce his support of the ‘Save Our Springfield’ Citizens Coalition proposal to stabilize the Police and Fire Retirement Plan. This proposal would require the City of Springfield to allow the ¼ percent Capital Improvement Program sales tax to sunset in 2010 and request from the voters authorization for a ¼ percent sales tax for the exclusive purpose of funding the Police and Fire Retirement Plan.

This proposal would not require any tax rate increase and would assure that the City of Springfield is able to make the actuary required contribution to the plan over the next five years. The amount of funding provided by the ¼ percent Pension Sales Tax would be approximately $10,000,000 per year.

This proposal will provide the time needed to develop a comprehensive solution to the financial problems of the Police and Fire Retirement Plan, allow the values of the investments in the Plan to stabilize, and provide time for settlement of the telecommunications sales tax litigation which should be contributed to the Plan.





Contact: Fred B. Ellison
City Council Candidate, Seat General B
417-234-4437

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JackeHammer is pleased to publish news releases on behalf of any Council or Mayoral candidate who makes them available.

Council Candidate Endorses Group's Alternative Plan for Funding the Police and Firefighters Pension Plan

I received a press release from Tom Martz earlier today. Martz is a candidate for City Council General Seat A. As always, any City Council member or candidate, or Mayor or Mayor candidate may send press releases to me for posting, my email address is posted under my personal profile at this blog.

Following is Mr. Martz's release:

TOM MARTZ for CITY COUNCIL - GENERAL A

March 2, 2009

P R E S S R E L E A S E

For Immediate Release

I am pleased to announce my full support of the “Save Our Springfield” citizens coalition proposal to allow the voters to decide if the current ¼ cent CIP Sales Tax should be allowed to sunset in 2010, and be replaced by a new ¼ cent Sales Tax to go directly to the Police and Fire Retirement Pension Plan.

This tax neutral proposal would ensure that the City meets its legal obligations as required by the State of Missouri, while still forcing the City to reduce expenses and spending to fully fund the Pension Plan.

Springfield is blessed to have citizens who will step up to find real alternatives to the City’s failed tax increase solution. The Save Our Springfield citizens group, which drew up this proposal, gave their own time, energy and effort to find a workable solution to this problem, and I support their efforts and their proposal.


Tom Martz, Candidate for City Council – General Seat A

Contact: Tom Martz, Tele: 417-894-4322

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Election Results as Certified by the City Council on February 9, 2009

According to City Clerk Brenda Cirtin, the agenda for the February 9, City Council meeting may not ever be published at the City Web site (the City has been fighting a computer virus).

Since Council Bill 2009-032, certifying the February 3, election is still not available in a bill search at the City's Web site, I thought I would go ahead and post those certified results as a community service. I did not verify whether any of the other bills which were passed at the February 9, meeting have been made available through a bill search at the site.

Following are the the election results as certified by the City Council at the February 9, City Council meeting:

For the office of Mayor:

Jim O'Neal 10,967
Sandra Queen Noble 1,507
Christopher M. Donegan 3,689
Tamara Finocchiaro 1,725

For General Council Seat A

Robert L. "Bob" Stephens 7,814
Lyle Q. Foster 3,819
Tom Martz 4,165

For General Council Seat B

John Rush 8,178
Jason P. Lillard 2,730
Fred B. Ellison 4,811

For Council Zone 1

Nicholas Ibarra 1,413
Denny Whayne 1,191
Cameron Eaton 602

Question 1:

"Shall the City of Springfield impose a sales tax at a rate of one percent solely for the purpose of providing revenues for the Springfield Police and Firefighters Pension System with said tax to sunset upon the earlier of A) Five (5) years from the date of the commencement of collection of this tax or B) the Pension System fund reaching a fully-funded (100%) status as determined by an independent actuarial study conducted for the Pension System Board of Trustees?"

Yes 9,160
No 10,041

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The two candidates who received the majority of votes were certified as eligible for the General Municipal Election in April 2009.

Those candidates were: For Mayor, John O'Neal and Christopher M. Donegan; for General Council Seat A, "Bob" Stephens and Tom Martz; for General Council Seat B, John Rush and Fred B. Ellison; for Council Zone 1, Nicholas Ibarra and Denny Whayne.

It was also declared that Question 1 failed to pass.

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Mayor and Council Candidates have been Certified

Candidates except for Zone 4 will face a primary run off in the February 3 election because there are more than two candidates in every other category.

For Mayor: Jim O’Neal, Sandra Queen Noble, Christopher Donegan, Tamara Finocchiaro

For Zone 1: Nick Ibarra, Denny Whayne, Cameron Eaton

For Zone 4: Scott Bailes

For General Seat A: Robert Stephens, Lyle Foster, Tom Martz

For General Seat B: John Rush, Jason Lillard, Fred Ellison

I guess we know who will fill one of the seats. Scott Bailes will take the seat currently filled by Councilman John Wylie since no one filed to run against him in the general election.

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City Council Candidate for Zone 1

Interviewed by Vince Jericho this morning

Wow, Kourtney made this easy:

"Why is one Springfield resident running for council- zone 1 and what is his three step solution to fixing the Springfield pension problem? Click here to listen to Nick Ibarra's interview with Vincent David Jericho. Click here to learn more about Nick Ibarra and click here to view his proposal on the pension." - Source: KSGF

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City Council and Mayor Candidates as of September 26

The Springfield News-Leader published the list of names of those who had picked up petitions to run for the City Council and Mayor as of Friday, September 26:

Candidates for city positions

People who have taken out petitions to run as of Friday:

General A
Robert Stephens
Tom Martz
Jeff Paul

General B
Frank Howey
Scott Bailes
Fred Ellison
Jason Lillard

Zone 1
Denny Whayne
Nick Ibarra
Cameron Eaton

Zone 4
Scott Bailes

Mayor
James O'Neal
Sandra Queen Noble
Christopher Donegan
Derek White
Jack Bresee

(Thanks, Wes!)