Jeff Quibell’s Blue Springs Newsletter, April 4, 2008 – A Trusted Leader Who Listens
For the past seven months I have been visiting with our citizens at their homes, at their businesses and at neighborhood meetings. I have listened to them at public events I have attended and heard many stories describing how Blue Springs became their home town. In many of those discussions I have been asked, “What makes you different? Why should we choose you over your opponent to lead our city?” The answer is simple. I bring a vision to our city that looks to the future. My opponent brings a vision that is rooted in the past.
The time has come to move beyond the politics of the past and focus our vision on the future. With that in mind, the following will be among my first official acts as Mayor of Blue Springs:
1) As promised, I will form a Commission on Disabilities and Special needs to address the concerns of this segment of our residents.
2) By the end of my first eight weeks in office, I will bring a comprehensive, city wide proposal to the City Council that will address our street rehabilitation and traffic issues.
3) In my first six months, in conjunction with the City Administrator and the Chief of Police, we will develop a strategic plan that will identify solutions to areas of concern in our public safety department, as indicated by the most recent citizen’s survey.
4) I will propose a thorough review of our comprehensive plan to insure that we are clearly defining our citizens’ vision for our city. We will expand job opportunities and encourage quality development and redevelopment in all parts of our city.
5) I will prepare a proposal for the formation of a Citizen’s Academy to facilitate better communication between our citizens and their government.
6) Our citizens are entitled to a fair and ethical local government. It will be my expectation that our city government will act in ways that inspire and retain the trust and confidence of the community we serve. As Mayor, I will propose adoption of an official “code of ethics” that will hold our elected officials to a high standard of conduct.
Our citizens love their city. My vision for Blue Springs is to meet our citizens’ expectations and realize our full potential as a city. Come join me as we look to the future and work positively together to reach our goals for our city! Please remember to vote on April 8th!
On Monday, April 7th, the council will open a public hearing regarding a possible Trash Transfer/Material Recovery Recycling Center. Mayor Reimal of Independence has asked Mayor Steiner to table the hearing for 30 days to allow more time for both Independence and Blue Springs residents to talk with their elected officials regarding the pros and cons of the project. Those who are interested in having input on this type of project should plan on attending the council meeting and voicing their opinion so that we can hear from all of you. If the item is tabled, we will take it up again at a later date.
During my time in office I have had numerous businesses raise the issue of how we might improve our sign codes to allow for more effective signage for their businesses, while still meeting our citizen’s desire for attractive signage. Recently I visited with Marilyn Miller, the owner of Parkside Books, on this important issue for our city. Her business sits back behind Einstein Bros on 7 Highway and is not very visible. While I was there, we discussed possible options for signage for her business. After visiting with Marilyn, I bought a great book that I will enjoy reading following the election. I encourage you to support our local businesses at every opportunity!
In February, the council approved the contract for our new street rehabilitation program. Milling and paving of some of our streets is scheduled to begin next week. In addition, we have begun installation of new sidewalks on the south side of Walnut Street from SW 10th to 7 Highway.
On April 19th the city will host a Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event at Pink Hill Park from 8:00am until 12:00pm. More information is available at http://www.bluespringsgov.com/CurrentEvents.asp?EID=213.
David Cook, Blue Springs own American Idol, has advanced to the next round. Poster’s supporting David are starting to pop up in local business windows, and watch parties are being held throughout town. Congratulations to David and his family. Let’s hope he makes it all the way! For more information, go to http://www.david-cook.org.
After two weeks, no one has been able to correctly guess the names of all three Blue Springs related people in my freshman basketball team photo. They are as follows: I am player #33 on the right. Jim Moran is the coach on the left. Dennis Markley, who lives in independence but his children attended Blue Springs High School, is #13. Congratulations once again to Julie Ammons for being the first to pick me out of the picture!
I hope you will all join me on election night (AFTER YOU VOTE!) at the American Legion Hall, 499 SW 7 Highway. The celebration will begin at 7:00pm.
