Laurie Sterling

Ward 1 Alderman Candidate

Laurie Sterling
laurie.sterling@live.com
(615) 513-4958

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?

Without a doubt, the recent presidential election confirmed to me how important it is for people to be involved in their local government. It is amazing to me that people will vote for someone or some legislation that they have not bothered to research completely.

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

Number one would have to be my wonderful family and I moving here!!! More seriously though, the growth has been amazing. All of the single family homes that have been built help to keep Spring Hill a family friendly city. Bringing major retailers to our city is an added convenience and job creator. The new businesses help to keep sales tax dollars in our town and not diverted to Franklin or Columbia. The recreation center has given families and community a healthy place to go to connect.

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

One of our greatest achievements has also, unfortunately, been one of our greatest failures. That is the infrastructure falling behind the growth. Homes were being built so quickly that roads were not able to accommodate traffic. Certain roads, like Duplex need widening and that work is just beginning. We still need more traffic lights at dangerous intersections. I know that many citizens are concerned with the way the city’s finances were not properly accounted for. This obviously needs to change. The people deserve full accountability from their elected officials. While supporting growth, it saddens me to see much of our farms being sold to build homes. I think we tend to forget that the rural aspect of our town is part of its charm. I want to see some of the open space that we have left preserved either with parks, nature preserves, or community gardens.

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

I think a hospital will be a wonderful addition to our city. It will provide many jobs, but more importantly, it will give our residents peace of mind that emergency health care is close by.

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

I think that the compensation should be commensurate with hours put into the positions. On paper, it looks like the aldermen attend a couple of meetings per month and therefore, their current compensation is adequate. I haven’t served as an alderman yet, but judging by even a campaign, I’ve put many hours into preparation. If the board decides that the mayor or alderman should be turned into full time positions and the money is there for that, then we should reconsider compensation at that time.

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?

Based on my former answer, it all depends on the amount of time one puts into the job. If one puts in full time work, I don’t see a problem with receiving full time benefits.

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

We need to work with UAW to keep our current GM plant open and operating. We need to work with state officials to ensure that those jobs stay here. The hospital will bring more families and jobs into our community. I would encourage people to spend their money in our town, to eat at our local restaurants and shop at our local stores. This will build sales tax revenue.

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

I would have to work with the budget and finance committee and look at each expenditure, then break down each one to find more affordable alternatives.
9. Were you in favor of re-instating our city property tax?

I am in favor of the people having more of an input on that issue. I would like to see the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights, which was passed in 2003 be brought back and upheld by city officials.
10. Do you see an immediate need for a tax increase? If so, to what rate?

I hope we don’t have to increase taxes. If we do, however, it should be a decision supported by a majority of the city’s voters.

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

I am a licensed teacher in the states of Tennessee and California. As a first grade teacher, I successfully managed my class as their chief executive officer. To be a successful teacher, one must be able to multi-task and understand each students’ needs, all while being accountable to the administration and parents. In California, I taught in a low performing school district which allowed me to work in a Title One school. This enabled me to understand the role that government can have in our educational system, for better or worse. My teaching experience gives me unique insight into our educational system. I will bring that experience into my position as alderman if I am elected. Working as a realtor has given me the opportunity to talk to the people of Spring Hill and understand what concerns they have about the community.

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

Fewer than I will if I am elected. If elected, I will attend all of them.

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

Same as above.

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 am a very opinionated person that some may call passionate. I fight for what I believe in and I believe in people. I am very outgoing and people know me wherever I go. People feel comfortable around me and I do my best to convey to them that I care. I love politics and keep up with what’s happening, not just on a local level, but on the national and international level.

Most importantly, I love the City of Spring Hill. That may sound like a cliché but it’s true. I see a town with incredible people and incredible potential. I see a town rich in history and community. I plan to represent this town with honor and dignity. I won’t sell our town to the highest bidder. I will do what’s best for the town and its people.

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?

Why were some of you not forthcoming in your involvement with the ReFS, especially with regard to the event at Longview? My answer: As a candidate in this election, I found it perplexing that others were not transparent with regard to their affiliations with this and associated groups (i.e. fixspringhillnow.com, gorillainthecorner, etc,.) While I have agreed to speak at the Longview forum, I feel that I have been put into somewhat of an uncomfortable position of having to offer a disclaimer. I think that the candidates who are affiliated with any of these groups or any sponsors of this event, need to come forward and disclose their affiliations. I don’t think we should be running our city’s elections with any type of anonymity. At the very least, this situation has caused confusion and voters (and candidates) need clarity.

What are your political affiliations? My answer: I don’t belong to any PAC’s or any of the above mentioned groups.

Are there any conflicts of interests or perceived conflicts of interests that may interfere with your representation of the people? My answer: Some may think that my real estate background might cause me to be more sympathetic to builders, etc,. I assure you, I will always put my community’s needs before my own.

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

When plans are made for building projects, I would hope that the aesthetics of the city are preserved, especially regarding the natural beauty of our town. It is important that the planning commission work closely with the historical commission to ensure preservation of our historical monuments.

· 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.

I have heard Alderman Duda speak at meetings and I am very impressed with his knowledge of the city. He is very detailed and doesn’t seem to let anything slip through the cracks. I support Jonathan Duda for Alderman and for the board.

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

That could be something looked into in the future. We may have to consider a proposal to raise it if things worsen economically.

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

If their developments directly affect roads and infrastructure they should be at least partially responsible for those needed improvements.

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

We currently have some near Port Royal and there are current proposals to build more. I am not opposed to building some apartments, as long as infrastructure supports them. I would have to look at the city’s master plan to give you a more detailed answer of where they should be. I like the idea of keeping our city focused on single family residences, but a few more apartment buildings would undoubtedly provide for a growing need, especially in these tough economic times.

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

The city plays an important role in economic development. We need to work to bring commerce into our city and keep it here. Our citizens can help in this role by patronizing our local businesses.

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

Once we rebuild our reserves, I would love to see a community college in Spring Hill. As far as attracting businesses, we can start at home by taking care of our local fire and police departments. We need to set an example by taking care of our own first and then others will be more confident about bringing their businesses to Spring Hill.

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

Definitely. We need to preserve our historical monuments and civil war battlefield. Our history is part of the integrity of our town. We need to have ample buffer zones around historical sites and build accordingly. I am not opposed to possibly opening some of them up as tourist sites in the future.

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

As stated above, the role of the Historic Commission should be to preserve the integrity of these sites.

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

The Civil War Battlefield is on the list of endangered battlefields. The Civil War is an important part of our city’s history. Rippavilla is a very important part of our history. Part of the land around Rippavilla is currently under consideration for building and rezoning. I think that the planning commission should work closely with the historic commission to maintain the beauty and character of Rippavilla should they proceed with building plans. White House and other historical homes need to be preserved.

-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?

I am pleased that the city’s financial problems are being addressed. It would have been great if it happened sooner, but we have to work with what we have.

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

Obviously, this slow economy will be our biggest challenge. Building has slowed almost to a halt and maybe that will present a good opportunity to re-evaluate the infrastructure. People’s homes are going into foreclosure and that’s not good for any of us. I am a fiscal conservative and I don’t think raising taxes in a recession is ever a good idea. We will have to work together to come up with solutions. If that means holding off on improvements to roads than so be it. We will have to look closely at the budget and see where we can cut back. If we work together as a community, we can get through these tough times.