Editor’s Note: This is part of a series of Cottonwood City Council candidate essays that will be published prior to the election on Tuesday, Aug. 28.
What makes you qualified for a position on the City Council?
I have been a resident of Cottonwood for over three years and live inside the city limits. My service to this community started from the moment I arrived through my work in homeless outreach at Catholic Charities. I have been serving on the Library Advisory Board for one-and-a-half years.
What makes Cottonwood great? Cottonwood is a vibrant community with much potential for growth. The citizens are what make Cottonwood a great community to live, work and play. People are friendly and helpful. The small town feel is very inviting for tourists and future residents.
What would be different if you were on council?
The level of public involvement in local politics is something that I will work hard to encourage, possibly through regular town hall meetings. Council members serve at the pleasure of the citizens and I intend for every citizen’s voice to be heard regarding their concerns and opinions.
What will you do to keep Cottonwood affordable for its residents?
Responsible spending of taxpayer’s dollars is of utmost importance. Reducing the city’s debt and increasing the city’s reserves should be the first priority for spending. Currently the city has a little over $60 million in debt that is being paid for through the entire current 3 percent sales tax and through water user fees according to the tentative Fiscal Year 2019 budget.
What is your position on the proposed 0.5 percent sales tax increase the council will be voting on in August?
My greatest concern regarding any sales tax increase is that this increase also applies to food purchased in grocery stores. My suggestion to the current council was to raise the sales tax on everything except food purchased in grocery stores as the food tax makes it much more difficult for low-income individuals to put food on their family’s tables. I am not in favor of a 0.5 percent sales tax increase, but believe that a 0.25 percent tax increase would have been sufficient at this time to cover the shortfall in the budget and allow some breathing room for the city.
