Ward 2 Alderman Candidate
Jonathan Duda
City of Spring Hill Alderman - Ward 2
City of Spring Hill Planning Commissioner
Chairman, City of Spring Hill Historic Commission
jonathan.duda@charter.net
http://voteduda.org/
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?
Four years ago, I ran for Alderman with the promise that I would work hard to make our city an even better place to live. I want to continue to be a positive influence on making Spring Hill a better place to live, which is why I decided to run for re-election
2. What are the 3 greatest achievements in our city during the past 4 years? Why?
* Redistricting of the city voting wards - Ensures fair elections with increased participation in all Wards
* Significant progress in addressing financial issues - The current financial condition of our city is now on a solid foundation with effective tools for proper oversight now in place
* Developing significant Planning Tools that promote managed and smart growth - In 2005, our community did not have a Thoroughfare Plan and we did not have a Master Land Use Plan. In short, our city was lacking the basic tools that are the basis for Smart and Managed Growth. We now have these tools in place and have begun the process to complete a Comprehensive Plan for our city.
3. What are the 3 greatest failures of our city during the past 4 years? Why?
* Eliminating property taxes in 2005 without a corresponding reduction in budgeted General Fund expenditures - When we were told that we would have a "surplus" in 2005, the board did take action according to the Taxpayer Bill of Rights to return that "surplus" to the residents in the form of a decrease in the property tax rate. This resulted in the elimination of our property taxes, however the board did not make a corresponding reduction in budgeted General Fund expenditures. Additionally, TABOR effectively "froze" any additional increases to the General Fund Reserves as these funds were obligated by TABOR to be "be returned to the Taxpayers in the next fiscal year by means of a property tax rate reduction" (Reference Source is Resolution 03-24, Taxpayer Bill of Rights).
* Not working effectively with Maury County Schools on the new Middle School site selection - Current location on Cleburne Rd will inject an artificial stimulus for growth in an area of our city that lacks the infrastructure (more specifically, roads) to support it. There are approximately 755 lots approved within 2 miles of the Cleburne Site. Comparatively, there are approximately 7,000 lots approved within 2 miles of the site(s) that were proposed as an alternative.
* Failure to communicate effectively with residents - City Hall must be more effective in communicating how we are working for its citizens and restore confidence from our citizens.
4. Do you support the current HCA hospital coming to our city? Why or why not?
Absolutely. According to the HSDA, the TN State agency that has twice issued a Certificate of Need for Spring Hill Hospital, "no matter whose population projections are accepted, the evidence establishes that there will be a sufficient population in Spring Hill between the years 2010 and 2014 to support a 56 bed hospital."
Spring Hill Hospital would be a substantial economic development stimulus by providing direct and ancillary professional services job opportunities right here in our own community.
5. Do you believe that the Mayor and Aldermen are adequately compensated? If not, what should the compensation package be?
Yes. Although some would say that elected officials should be willing to serve without any form of compensation, I did support raising the compensation of the board in order to attract qualified candidates to run for office.
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?
I believe that this should be the individual choice of each alderman. Although I have chosen to not currently take this coverage, I do think that it is appropriate. I believe that a change to this policy should most appropriately be addressed with the Insurable Interest laws of the State of Tennessee which currently provides for this coverage.
7. In this economic downturn, where do you see additional income streams being generated to keep city services at our current level?
We should consider revisiting the following Municipal Revenue sources to ensure that they are adequate:
Public Utility Property Taxes (T.C.A. 67-5-801)
Payments in Lieu of Taxes from Utilities (T.C.A. 7-52-301, 7-34-115, 7-39-401, 7-53-305)
Room Occupancy Taxes (T.C.A. 67-4-1401)
Finally, we should review the various permitting fees and site review fees to ensure that our professional services that participate in reviewing these plans are congruent.
8. If we need to begin cutting city expenses, where would you plan to trim the budget?
I am proud of the fact that our department heads currently operate efficiently with funds that are available. Should we need to further reduce expenses, I would involve the department heads for their suggestion and strongly consider that recommendation as they are in the best position to identify what the essential services of their departments are.
9. Were you in favor of re-instating our city property tax?
Yes.
10. Do you see an immediate need for a tax increase? If so, to what rate?
No.
11. What executive experience do you have that allows you to be qualified to lead our city?
Ward 2 Alderman since April 2005. Served on the Planning Commission since 2005 and as Chairman of the Historic Commission since its formation in 2007. In October 2006, I was recognized as one of four Individuals Who Exemplified Leadership in Williamson County by Southern Exposure Magazine.
12. How many Board of Mayor and Alderman meetings have you attended in the past 2 years?
In 2 years, all but 1 Voting Meeting
13. How many Planning Commission meetings have you attended in the past 2 years?
In 2 years, all but 1 Voting Meeting
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)?
I believe that my ability and record of working diligently to research and learn about each and every issue before making a decision speaks for itself. I am committed to working with the entire board, which is essential to being effective as an alderman.
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?
* Currently, there is a request before the city to provide financial assistance for a play, "Scathe, A Civil War Incident in Spring Hill, Tennessee". Would you consider this request as a "want", or a "need" and would you support it? My Answer: Yes I would support it at some level because I do believe that unique cultural experiences in a community are a need.
* Do you believe that growth should occur on the East Side of the city along the Port Royal corridor or the West Side of the city along the Beechcroft Road corridor? My Answer: Growth should be concentrated on the East Side where convenient access to Saturn Parkway, Interstate 65, and a 3 lane road (Derryberry Lane) that the city invested in currently does exist. We should learn from the mistakes of Duplex Road by having specific plans to improve Beechcroft Road in place before approving of additional development along the Beechcroft Road corridor.
16. What are your feelings regarding our current city commissions?
-Planning Commission
* Are you interested in drastically changing any aspects of the commission?
I would support possibly increasing the number of members to 7.
* Who would you recommend and support as the representative from Board of Mayor and Alderman to the Planning Commission?
I am interested in continuing to serve the city in this capacity. However, I believe that it is premature to make this recommendation as we do not yet know who the members of the Board of Mayor and Aldermen would be.
* Do you feel that our current Adequate Facilities tax is in fact adequate considering the tough economic times ahead?
Actually, I would consider reducing it. Even as I write this, MTEMC is implementing a substantial fee schedule increase for new development that will most definitely place an additional burden on development in our community. Reducing our current Adequate Facilities tax may be warranted.
* Do you believe that incoming developments should be responsible for road and infrastructure improvements associated with their development?
Yes
* Do you believe that there is a need for apartment buildings in our city? If so, where would you suggest that they be located?
Yes. I believe that we are exposed as a community and under pressure to provide more of these types of developments because we have a higher concentration of medium density single family units approved then most communities.
It is critical that we maintain diversity in housing options in Spring Hill. Diverse housing options accommodate citizens with various skills and lifestyles, and provides a way for people to remain in our city longer.
I believe that apartment developments should be located near our major collector or arterial roads and in the vicinity of commercial districts that are compatible with the densities and intensities of Apartment buildings.
-Economic Development Commission
* What do you believe is the city’s role in economic development?
It is imperative that we communicate effectively and participate fully with both the Williamson County Office of Economic Development and Maury Alliance. Each of these organizations are responsible for their respective counties. I believe that we would be most effective if our Economic Development Commission were to act as a "Bridge" between these two organizations.
* How would you recommend that we attract and recruit businesses and institutions that provide additional services (such as a community college)?
By identifying the community features that these organizations are looking for in a community and effectively communicating the strengths of Spring Hill that make our city stand above others.
-Historic Commission
* The establishment of a Historic Commission was hotly debated in our city. Do you agree with the creation of the Historic Commission?
As the alderman who championed the creation of a Historic Commission, I very much agree with how we did create a Historic Commission for Spring Hill.
* What do you feel is the role of a Historic Commission in our city?
To promote the preservation and protection of our historic assets and to ensure that new development that occurs within the vicinity of these sites compliments and enhances these community assets.
* In your opinion, what are the 3 most significant historical sites in our city?
Fergusson Hall (Tennessee Children's Home)
Oaklawn Mansion
Spring Hill Battlefield
I would most definitely include Rippavilla on this list, but I have not included it as it is not within the city limits.
-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?
Absolutely.
* What do you feel is the most important challenge our city will face in the next year from a financial point of view?
Implementing a realistic 5-Year Capital Improvements Plan. If we can continue to meet our obligations and provide essential services to the community on a sustainable budget, our city will be well positioned to provide capital improvements, especially when substantial income from growth does return.
Jonathan Duda
City of Spring Hill Alderman - Ward 2
City of Spring Hill Planning Commissioner
Chairman, City of Spring Hill Historic Commission
jonathan.duda@charter.net
Monday, December 01, 2008
Jonathan Duda
Posted by Gorilla in the Corner at 12:10 AM
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IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: The information on this website is a series of personal opinions and is not meant to reflect an official position by the City of Spring Hill.
10 comments:
Out of all the people running for Mayor and Aldermen, Jonathan Duda is the most qualified and capable of anyone!!!
He is a true POSITIVE force for the city of Spring Hill. As you drive down Main Street, please notice all the attractive looking BRICK buildings. Charlie Schoenbrodt criticized Jonathan and the planning commission for not letting White Castle bypass the brick requirement. White Castle did not build in Spring Hill…was it because of the all brick requirement? I don’t know, but I do know that White Castle is not known for high quality and high end restaurants.
I guess I have to disagree with a lot of your comments. Driving down Main Street - the beauty must be in the eye of the beholder because I see old, run down buildings with little care taken to improve the city appearance. Oh unless you are talking about the new Campbell Station area. Great - look at all the pretty brick VACANT Buildings - vacant for years.
Maybe Mr. Duda should think about the elimination of the property tax back in 2005. It was $.19 - seriously who would miss that. I still have my postcard from the proud BOMA giving me my $45 back ayear. Wow - now I can go out and eat. Remember it was eliminated on Duda's watch and then also brought back during Duda's watch. No wonder no other incumbent would run. They've destroyed Spring Hill.
Dude, seriously?
It was Duda who rolled up his sleaves and dug deep to find the financial mess that York had buried for years. Just read the memo on the audit site and then come back and talk about who was or wasn't doing the right thing about finances.
Duda's Memo
Seriously did I say anything about the budget. No - read. Eliminated $.19 so everyone would think wow these elected officals are great. They are saving me $45 - now I can go eat at Sopranos.
Most likely it was Leverette making a stand for re-election in two years and the rest of the board just wanted the credit too. They should be ashamed of eliminating a small property tax and then come back and re-instate at triple the original level. Especially when the ecomony is in such great shape.
Talking about sketchy activity- Leverette is one. Wait till all his stuff comes out.
Anyway - why did the BOMA vote to give York a retirement present $$$$$ - usually they'll give you a clock or something insignificant but cash. The BOMA was up to something with that.
You did say something about "HIS WATCH". From what I have seen, there are MANY things that he has addressed on "HIS WATCH". One of which was addressing the budget head on and the bringing back a property tax. All you have to do is OPEN YOUR EYES and you will see who has actually done the work for this city the past 2 years. I have NEVER seen Duda take credit for any of it.
Duda is part of the old regime that put Spring Hill in a bind. He is the first most of the time that
1st the motions of the meeting and if not 1st, he is second following along with the Ex mayor and the other good old boys here in Spring Hill. He is and was part of the problem not the solution. DO SPRING HILL A FAVOR and not vote on those that cause so much money problems.. Duda VOTED FOR the City Property taxes.. He is not for the best interests of this city!
Give me a break Harry. You obviously do not know Duda at all. He is the solution for Spring Hill, not the problem. He is the most dedicated person I know. Would you rather vote for a grumpy old, whiny man to represent our city???
I agree that eliminating the property tax was a mistake. But overall, Duda has made many more positive contributions than mistakes.
As far as the "old run down buildings"...maybe we should tear down all the "OLD" buildings and replace them with strip malls or businesses. Actually Jonathan has worked to prevent that from happening. He was the driving force for creating the Historic commission. His vision was to actually protect the "OLD" buildings from the developers who would tear them down.
You are right, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and a lot of the beauty of Spring Hill is the OLD buildings. Except for the Purple one owned by former Alderman Sharon Cantrell who painted it purple just to spite a former mayor.
Amen Harry. You are right on target. Duda is part of the old regime and the problem. He can spin it anyway he wants - but the facts are the facts. He eliminated a property tax for political purposes and then voted to bring it back for the same purpose. And about the money Spring Hill spent on Miles Johnson Pkwy. Who would build a road, spent so much money, borrow even more to finish and put a bunch of sharp turns in it. To bad the BOMA couldn't hsve designed a straight road - no they were too busy covering all their tracks in relation to the budget.
The last 4 years have been a Black Eye for Spring Hill - lets move on and restore confidence in the city.
Uh, wasn't the Miles Johnson Parkway designed back in 2003 or 2004, and wasn't the Army Corpse of Engineers the reason for the curves as it went through wetlands?
I know for a fact that Duda contacted Ben Cunningham at TN Taxpayers Revolt trying to find a way for TABOR to work. I know because Duda asked me to be on a conference call with him and the CATO Institute, the contact was given to him by Ben Cunningham. Does that honestly sound like somebody doing something for political reasons, or does it sound like the Jonathan Duda who exhausts all options when making a decision?
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