Monday, December 01, 2008

Amy Wurth


Ward 1 Alderman Candidate

Amy Wurth

amywurth@yahoo.com

Meet the candidates on video at the following link:
http://www.tennessean.com/section/special0469
Thank you to the Tennessean for taking this initiative for our community.

Spring Hill Alternate Questionnaire

1. What specific event(s) sparked your interest to run for this position, at this time?

There are many reasons why I chose to run for Ward 1 Alderman in Spring Hill, none of which are specific to any one event but rather a set of standards that I feel need to be upheld by each elected official representing the people of Spring Hill, TN. My number one goal as an Alderman will be to:

Serve the citizens of Spring Hill by protecting individual’s rights and provide solutions to citizen(s) concerns in a way that meets the expectations of the people of Spring Hill and the City’s goals and criteria.

In the past 4 years we have seen many changes in our great city by way of vast growth in the development of new homes to new retail and restaurant choices; city finance restructuring and improved recreational amenities. We have experienced from 2000 to 2007 a population burst of 167% which clearly indicates that Spring Hill is on the right track of attracting individuals and families to call Spring Hill their home.

In order to preserve the current state of affairs and to be prepared for the dynamic changes of our global economic climate the new Board of Alderman will need to: prioritize all city spending, evaluate and ensure resources/equipment are readily available to our city departments and attract additional corporations to call Spring Hill their home.

I am committed to upholding the extremely high expectations I have personally placed upon myself to serve the people of Spring Hill by always being honest, loyal and diligent in the advancement of our great city.

2. What are the 3 greatest achievements in our city during the past 4 years?

I believe there have been many great achievements accomplished in the past 4 years carried through by all who have worked to make Spring Hill one of the greatest cities in Tennessee. There have been many successful achievements throughout the past 4 years for our city but below I have named the 3 achievements I believe have had the most positive impact on the well being of our community:

-The growth of new businesses in Spring Hill.
Why? – The retail and restaurant growth has not only created convenience and additional shopping and dining choices to our citizens but it has created more jobs and additional sales tax revenue to our city.

-The decision to have the State of Tennessee conduct a record keeping audit that identified unethical use of department funds, misuse of adequate facility tax, no purchasing policy, poor city management recording keeping just to mention a few of the state’s findings.
Why? -The achievement was not only to have the state audit conducted to show deficiencies in our government policies but when the administration fixed and created new policies for each of the 16 outlined performance failures noted in the investigative State report.

-The enhancement of our parks and recreation amenities offered to the citizens of Spring Hill.
Why? – Our parks and recreational facility has provided a low cost outlet of fun and activity for children and adults throughout our community.

4. What are the 3 greatest failures of our city during the past 4 years? Why?

There have been many challenges that the current administration has been faced in the past 4 years. Many of the challenges were due to lack of communication and clarity to the public and poor decision making.

-Misappropriation of the Water and Sewer funds to the General Fund. The State Law violation of the transfer of $4,057,287 from water and sewer funds to general government accounts.
Why? – This is clearly a violation of state law and was not approved by the Board of Mayor and Alderman. The clear lack of oversight from the Finance Committee and the Board of Mayor and Alderman during the time of the loans is clearly a failure that will cost the citizens of Spring Hill for years to come.

-Termination of City Property Tax. Terminating our City Property Tax was a poor decision on behalf of our administration.
Why? – The Property Tax revenue is critical to sustaining and funding of City projects such as roadway improvements, city payroll etc. The City found out quickly without the source of revenue our deficit grew very quickly which made the decision to terminate a .19 cent per every $1000,00 in a mortgage a very poor long term decision for our city.

-Communication to Citizens. I believe the City has had challenges of communicating planning initiatives to citizens.
Why? – I feel that it is an Alderman’s duty to keep citizens informed of changes to our city that directly impacts their lives. Success for a city cannot be achieved if the citizens of the city are displeased.

5. Do you support the current HCA hospital coming to our city? Why or why not?

I do support bringing a hospital to Spring Hill.
Why? – As we continue to discuss infrastructure needs for Spring Hill, a hospital is necessary and vital for the 23K individuals whom live in Spring Hill. As we continue to evaluate and proactively seek services that are essential for a city the size of Spring Hill a hospital has become an important need to those who seek emergency and inpatient services.

6. Do you believe that the Mayor and Aldermen are adequately compensated? If not, what should the compensation package be?

I feel that we need to provide compensation for the Alderman for the work they are providing to the City. As the new members of the Board of Alderman take office, the entire boards needs to continue to review and evaluate all spends and the 2008/2009 budget which includes payroll costs for all City employees and elected officials to ensure payroll costs are in line with overall City revenue.

7. What are your feelings regarding the eligibility of elected officials to be included in the City of Spring Hill’s medical insurance plan free of charge?

I also feel as referenced above that as the new administration continues to evaluate the 2008/2009 budget the City Medical Insurance Plan that is offered to all City employees and elected officials needs to be evaluated to overall spending and total revenue.

8. In this economic downturn, where do you see additional income streams being generated to keep city services at our current level?

A municipality’s sources of revenue in the State of Tennessee are generated through various types of city taxes. The City of Spring Hill will continue to benefit from local sales taxes generated from our retailers and restaurants. The Board of Mayor and Alderman need to effectively market our city to employers to relocate their business to Spring Hill, TN. By bringing in new corporations to employ the citizens of Spring Hill there will be an increase in sales tax revenue given that more individuals will stay in Spring Hill to work and spend money at our local businesses throughout the work week.

A second and perhaps the largest source of revenue for any particular city is that of property taxes. Since re-implementing the City Property Tax in 2008 the city will have a steady flow of revenue coming into our city finance stream.

Lastly, as Spring Hill continues to experience growth in this economic downturn through urban development projects and construction the city will continue to see a revenue flow through building permits which last year equated in a revenue stream of $954, 5000.

9. If we need to begin cutting city expenses, where would you plan to trim the budget?

As a City of Spring Hill Alderman, I will work to immediately look at ways to cut our city expenses in a proactive way to elevate any wasteful spending. I believe that an evaluation of all city contracts from development, phone, and consultants should be reviewed to ensure that we are receiving the most competitive pricing for the goods or services being provided to our city.

10. Were you in favor of re-instating our city property tax?

City Property Tax is one of the most important forms of revenue for a city. Due to the termination of the property tax it caused the tax payer 3x the original tax due to local assessment and appraisal of personal property throughout our growing city. In short, I was in favor of re-instating the city property tax but felt it was unfortunate increase for homeowners given that a new appraisal of all property had to be completed in order to determine the new property tax or certified tax rate.

11. Do you see an immediate need for a tax increase? If so, to what rate?

I do not believe in committing to any such gesture without all the necessary information to make a critical decision like tax increases. Once I have had the opportunity to sit down with the board to ask my specific budget questions and review additional detail of the budget then I will assess the financial needs of our city.

12. What executive experience do you have that allows you to be qualified to lead our city?

Throughout my career I have had the opportunity to work for a large municipality (City of Chicago), planning consulting firm as well as manage multi-million dollar customer accounts. While working for the City of Chicago I was able to gain experience in understanding city/state revenue sources- tax laws, fiscal budget analysis, city department responsibilities, infrastructure needs, contracts and procurement policies and marketing and communication outreach programs.

I have also had the privilege to gain experience in preparing Master Development Plans, Environmental Assessments and Financial Feasibility Studies as a consultant to City Departments. Being able to understand a land use and development plan I believe will help me provide additional insight and ideas to our board as we continue to work to create a City Master Development Plan.

Lastly, I currently work with key executives where I manage national accounts by providing excellent customer service, communication, budget analysis, process analysis and transportation analysis of their supply chain and logistics.

I am looking forward to being able to provide my skills sets to the Board of Mayor and Alderman with an individual that understands city planning, municipality budgets, city procurement processes, and overall municipality operation management.

13. How many Board of Mayor and Alderman meetings have you attended in the past 2 years?

I have attended 8 Board of Mayor and Alderman meetings and have viewed 12 additional meetings via on-line.

14. How many Planning Commission meetings have you attended in the past 2 years?

I have been able to attend 1 Planning Commission meeting and have viewed 12 additional meetings on-line.

15. What specific qualities and ideas do you bring to the table that make you most qualified for this position (feel free to elaborate in at least a paragraph or two)?

I believe one of the most important qualities that I will bring to the Board of Mayor and Alderman will be my dedication and commitment to provide citizens an Alderman who will listen to all of their concerns, be honest and communicate on their behalf to the governing body. I will also provide clear communication to our citizens on planning processes, city vision and clear explanations of issues facing our city. My core principals as an individual is to always be honest, loyal and hard working which I believe are what we all seek in any elected official.

I am prepared to present and seek council from my colleagues on many new initiatives. I specifically would like to present my experience and ideas on the development of a 15 year City Master Development Plan. I also would like to share my ideas on the development of a city record management keeping process.

As an Alderman, I will actively share my ideas regarding the city finances, planning, procurement, and specific departmental enhancements with the Board of Alderman and Mayor and our citizens throughout my 4 year term as Alderman of Ward 1.

16. What are your feelings regarding our current city commissions?
-Planning Commission
* Are you interested in drastically changing any aspects of the commission?

The planning commission is an important governing body of our city. I will work with the entire Board of Alderman in assessing any changes if needed for the planning commission.

* Who would you recommend and support as the representative from Board of Mayor and Alderman to the Planning Commission?

Upon conclusion of the Board of Alderman election and each Alderman nominee for Wards 1-4 have been elected the evaluation of appointing the Alderman Representative to the planning commission will be decided. I will provide recommendations for this position once the official Board of Alderman have taken office.

* Do you feel that our current Adequate Facilities tax is in fact adequate considering the tough economic times ahead?

I do believe that the Board of Mayor and Alderman need to review the current Impact Fees and Adequate Facilities tax. In order to facilitate a change in the current tax rate, the Board of Mayor and Alderman will need to evaluate the current rate of development and construction activity within our city to ensure that a change in the current Adequate Facilities tax will have a positive impact to our city’s revenue stream.

* Do you believe that incoming developments should be responsible for road and infrastructure improvements associated with their development?

I believe that the City needs to work with the developers for all roads and infrastructure improvements needed associated with a development. The City can assist with road improvements by utilizing revenue received by the State of Tennessee through the State Street Aid tax revenue as well as working with the developer on overall road and infrastructure needs.

* Do you believe that there is a need for apartment buildings in our city? If so, where would you suggest that they be located?

I do believe that there is a need for apartment buildings in Spring Hill however the R5 (Residential High Density) zoning needs to be carefully planned out with input from our citizens.

-Economic Development Commission
* What do you believe is the city’s role in economic development?

To work with the Economic Develop Commission on brining new businesses to relocate to Spring Hill.

* How would you recommend that we attract and recruit businesses and institutions that provide additional services (such as a community college)?

Our city has a beautiful story to tell based on growth, amenities, parks and recreation, new affordable homes for sale, excellent K-12 schools and a safe community. All of the aforementioned reasons is why our city has experienced 167% growth since 2000 and is a story that we need to continue to tell.

-Historic Commission
* The establishment of a Historic Commission was hotly debated in our city. Do you agree with the creation of the Historic Commission?

Yes, I believe this is a very important commission that we as a City must retain in order to preserve the rich history of our great town of Spring Hill.

* What do you feel is the role of a Historic Commission in our city?

To preserve and showcase the important historical events, people and antiques of our great city.

* In your opinion, what are the 3 most significant historical sites in our city?

There are many historical sites within our city that are all significant to the rich history of our town. Below are certainly important historical sites within our city:
1. Rippavilla Plantation
2. The Spring Hill Civil War Battlefield
3. The Spring Hill Cemetery

-Budget and Finance Committee
* Have you been pleased with the progress made during the past year to bring transparency to our city’s financial problems?

The City of Spring Hill Board of Mayor and Alderman have had many challenges in understanding specific State Mandated laws when managing our city’s finances. I commend the current administration for implementing corrective actions to poor decisions made under the current Mayor and administration prior. The goal will be to continue to seek guidance and research all finance laws mandated to all municipalities to ensure mistakes made in the past are never repeated.

* What do you feel is the most important challenge our city will face in the next year from a financial point of view?

Due to the current economic downturn, the city will see decreased revenue through building permits, impact fees and adequate facilities taxes and depending on the duration of the current recession sales tax could decline over time. It will be very important to pursue additional business to relocate to Spring Hill by marketing our desirable city so additional jobs will be created, homes will be sold and sales tax revenue will continue to thrive.

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