1) Downtown Salisbury, ideas or solutions to revitalize our Downtown Plaza?
I feel that in order for the Downtown Plaza to be a successful area, we as a community need to establish a welcoming atmosphere which includes residents feeling safe and secure. Furthermore, in order for the Plaza to generate more business, I feel that we need to attract multiple types of businesses, such as entertainment, restaurants, shops, and a variety of offices. The City can help with this by supporting Chief Duncan and her plan for the “Safety and Security of Downtown.” The City could also look into placing more lights in the area as well as making the plaza more accessible. The citizens of Salisbury and the surrounding areas can also take a stake in this process by taking the time to explore what the Downtown Plaza has to offer and stepping up to the plate. Rehabilitation of the downtown is a complex and difficult issue and requires a concentrated community effort to make it happen.
2) Your thoughts on crime in Salisbury and plans to combat it.
According to the statics provided by the Salisbury Police Department, on their website, part one crimes are down 29.4% from 11/14/10 to 2/13/11 compared to the same period last year. While we are not where we need to be, I believe we are taking a large step in the right direction. I would like to say thank you to all parties involved in making this reduction possible, your efforts are making a difference.
That being said, I believe a three tiered approach to reducing crime is needed. Supporting legislation to provide the Police Chief and her department the resources they need to accomplish their mission, attract business/jobs to attempt to lower the unemployment level to support homeownership and lower crime, and finally involving our community organizations.
The residents of our community must look to becoming more active in crime prevention. We need to get today’s youth involved in various activities. Many have no outlet-they look to gangs for acceptance. The creation of additional outlets and hands-on supervision is more important than ever now that there are cuts to after-school programs. An idle person is a person that will find trouble and we as a community need to work together to get the kids off the street and involved into extracurricular activities.
3) And most important to me can you get along with others? Even if they disagree with you? I want people who can walk in without a tag team with another candidate and discuss the matters professionally.
While I can not control what others do, I will treat everyone with dignity and respect. I will also approach all situations with an open mind. Every person has different life experiences, values, training, education, and ideas. Because of this the best solution can come from anyway even the person or group that disagrees with you. Differences must be pushed aside and the best interest of the city placed ahead of individual pride.
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