Jim Cichoracki

Ward 4 Alderman Candidate

Jim Cichoracki
www.jimchick.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?

The reinstatement of the property tax and the borrowing of 2.5 million dollars for road resurfacing. These two events caused me to start attending the BOMA meetings and eventually inspired me seek office.

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

The overall aesthetics in the development of our community. Tastefully done brick fast food restaurants for example. The convenience and variety of shopping and dining choices in our city. The implementation of regulations requiring amenities like sidewalks in neighborhoods. The forward planning to construct walking trails throughout the city. It's these kinds of decisions that create the hometown feel and pride in our community that makes Spring Hill such a desirable place to reside.

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

Eliminating the property tax completely instead of incrementally. Mismanagement of the budget. Borrowing too much against future income.

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

I absolutely support the Hospital. We have grown as a city and not only need and deserve to have a hospital to service our citizens but it serves as a double blessing by bringing good paying jobs to our community. Having a hospital also is an inducement for manufacturing to relocate to Spring Hill which would provide even more jobs for our citizens.

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

From what I know about the job, I have to believe that the compensation is adequate. I believe that serving on the board of Mayor and Aldermen comes more from of a sense of duty to the community than for financial reasons.

6. 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?

This is a difficult question. I have never before heard of part time employees receiving free medical insurance. At this time our elected officials are part time employees and as such I feel, that at best, this benefit should be available only to the elected official and at a reasonable cost.

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

Unfortunately, the only income I can see is from the sales taxes generated by supporting our local businesses. Our city, like its residents is going to have to tighten its belt. I realize that many sacrifices have already been made and as a private citizen I applaud the sacrifices that various city departments have already made.

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

Without specific knowledge of the resources available and the current actual needs of the city it is impossible to say.

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

This is tough, at first I didn't realize the state of our city's finances so I felt that it was wrong. I also felt that doing away with the property taxes in the first place was a mistake. I personally felt that it should have been reduced two or three cents at a time as had been done in the past. A city needs to have a dedicated source of income in order to operate properly. I am not opposed to a property tax as long as it is reasonable and well managed. I whole heartedly approve of freezing the property tax for our senior citizens.

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

Not being privy to the actual state of our cities finances I am unable to answer this question intelligently. I do realize we are in a lot of debt and do not know the full extent of our finances, but raising taxes should be a last resort. It is my sincere hope that it would not be necessary to further burden our citizens.

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

I have been in business twice, once as a farmer and again as the owner operator of an over the road tractor trailer(semi). Both of these businesses required extensive planing, budgeting, hard work and devotion to details. I also have the life experience of surviving the recessions of the seventies and eighties. During these difficult times being the parent of four growing children you have to learn to economize. Those were difficult times and required much planning.

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

Sixteen BOMA meetings. I began attending the BOMA meetings last July and only missed one due to the prediction of freezing rain.

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

My best guess is 5 or 6 Planning Commission meetings.

14. 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)?

First of all I am wise, discerning, honest, and dedicated. I firmly believe that representing the citizens of Spring Hill is my first and foremost responsibility as an elected official. More importantly I know how to live within a budget and realize that it is not prudent to go into debt beyond your ability to repay. And, since I am retired, I have the time and commitment to devote to serving our community.

15. If you were going to ask 3 questions that all of your opponent(s) would have to answer, what would those questions be, and how would you answer them? I will actually attempt to get those questions answered.

I feel this survey will provide plenty of insight into all of the candidates.

16. What are your feelings regarding our current city commissions?
-Planning Commission

I believe the Planning Commission has stepped up to the challenge and is on the road to providing Spring Hill with the plans to develop our city into an ascetically appealing well planned community.

* Are you interested in drastically changing any aspects of the commission?

No, I would only encourage them to keep up the forward planning and provide the board with acceptable 5,10, 15 and 20 year long range plans. Obviously the long range plans would be less detailed but would provide us with a clear direction for Spring Hill.

* Who would you recommend and support as the representative from Board of Mayor and Alderman to the Planning Commission? Currently that appointment is held by Jonathan Duda.

Mr. Duda has done an admirable job and in my opinion if he were reelected would be my choice for the job. Should Mr. Duda not be reelected I believe his opponent Mr. Schoenbrodt, who is not only experienced but well qualified, would be an excellent choice.

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

Personally, I feel that it is on the low side and an increase should be considered. Every development should be required to shoulder its fair share of the infrastructure cost.

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

Absolutely, in fact I can remember driving down Duplex road in the early 2,000's and remarking to my wife that the city should require adequate easements of the developers so that one day the road could be widened. At the very least they should have been responsible for deceleration lanes making entrance into their developments more convenient. In fact I had thought that eventually this road would require four lanes to handle the increase in traffic from all of the development.

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

Absolutely, but in a way that enhances our city not detracts from it. There are four apartment complexes that immediately come to mind that in my opinion are excellent examples of good planning. The Villages in Town Center and the three on Port Royal road. I do not believe that they should be intermingled with subdivisions but be separate entities. I believe it is the responsibility of the Planning Commission to do due diligence in providing acceptable zoning to accommodate apartment complexes. They have currently designated nine areas as high density residential.

-Economic Development Commission

* What do you believe is the city’s role in economic development?

We need to promote our local workforce as well as our industrial corridor along the Saturn Parkway. If we can provide local jobs for our citizens it will also encourage small businesses to locate here.

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

By providing and promoting those amenities that would attract them. I.e. a large available local workforce, parks, ball fields, shopping, affordable housing, close proximity to major highways and an ascetically pleasing community. And hopefully, a hospital in the not to distant future. What more could you ask for? Spring Hill, a little slice of heaven.

-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

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

To identify historic sites and recommend viable plans to protect them.

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

Rippavilla, Ferguson Hall and Oaklawn, as well as the battlefield on Kedron road. Oops, I guess that's four.

-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?

Somewhat.

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

Keeping the city solvent while paying down the huge debt load we have incured.