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Why am I running for Mayor? |
Because...
Mint Hill is a nice town in desperate need of a new government.
Because...
There is a lack of transparency and responsiveness in the operation of our current government.
The prime example of this is, of course, last November's Bonds. The government was less than honest in its communication with the residents regarding a huge (and tremendously expensive) change to the design that had originally been proposed in 2015. Updated plans were only shared with residents after an enormous public outcry demanding the town hold an informational meeting.
Even more recently, the town authorized the construction of a fountain in front of Town Hall at a preliminary cost of more than a quarter of a million dollars ($300,000+). This is despite heavy criticism from town residents, who feel the money could be better spent elsewhere (perhaps to RETAIN OUR TOWN'S AMBULANCE SERVICE?).
I would have asked local gardeners, scouts, landscapers and more to design and tend to a lovely display in this off-the-beaten-path roundabout instead, at a tiny, tiny fraction of the cost.
Because...
Mint Hill's administration has not kept pace with the times.
The town has grown rapidly in the last decade but the government has not adequately adjusted to the increase in population, crime, and infrastructure.
We need to add an official Parks and Recreation Department, increase our police force, and reconsider our permitting and zoning processes for both residential and commercial properties.
Mint Hill's administration has not kept pace with the times.
The town has grown rapidly in the last decade but the government has not adequately adjusted to the increase in population, crime, and infrastructure.
We need to add an official Parks and Recreation Department, increase our police force, and reconsider our permitting and zoning processes for both residential and commercial properties.
Because...
When the Government takes pride in not raising taxes for 20 years...that's not necessarily a good thing.
Please note: this does NOT mean I would raise taxes now...I have no idea, at this point, if such a thing would be necessary or not. I'm simply saying, it should have been done in the past. Had it been, there's a chance we'd have enough money to entice First Responders...or perhaps enough to pay for the Fields on Brief Road without the need to float a bond...or maybe, retain our town's ambulance service.
Small tax increases once or twice over the last two decades would have been appropriate and should have been assessed in order to keep up with the costs of running and providing for a growing town.
When the Government takes pride in not raising taxes for 20 years...that's not necessarily a good thing.
Please note: this does NOT mean I would raise taxes now...I have no idea, at this point, if such a thing would be necessary or not. I'm simply saying, it should have been done in the past. Had it been, there's a chance we'd have enough money to entice First Responders...or perhaps enough to pay for the Fields on Brief Road without the need to float a bond...or maybe, retain our town's ambulance service.
Small tax increases once or twice over the last two decades would have been appropriate and should have been assessed in order to keep up with the costs of running and providing for a growing town.
Because...
A Master Downtown Plan outlining a lovely downtown Mint Hill area was drawn up and paid for about 20 years ago, but very little of that plan has actually been implemented. Instead of working toward a town center that would be appealing and attractive to both residents and potential business owners, individual permits and variances are approved with no consideration of how they work together to build a comprehensive whole.
A town's government can and should place guidelines and conditions upon businesses that want to locate here, and builders who want to construct neighborhoods here.
It is the responsibility of the town's leaders to direct and manage growth in such a way that it benefits the community as a whole, and this should be one of the town's top priorities.
A Master Downtown Plan outlining a lovely downtown Mint Hill area was drawn up and paid for about 20 years ago, but very little of that plan has actually been implemented. Instead of working toward a town center that would be appealing and attractive to both residents and potential business owners, individual permits and variances are approved with no consideration of how they work together to build a comprehensive whole.
A town's government can and should place guidelines and conditions upon businesses that want to locate here, and builders who want to construct neighborhoods here.
It is the responsibility of the town's leaders to direct and manage growth in such a way that it benefits the community as a whole, and this should be one of the town's top priorities.
Because...
In 2018 the Board voted unanimously on EVERY.SINGLE.ISSUE that went before them.
How can five people always be in total agreement? The vote count doesn't need to be unanimous in order for the item in question to pass or fail; they just need a majority vote.
Even if they've debated the issue before voting, how is it possible that no one is willing to vote 'against the pack'?
In 2018 the Board voted unanimously on EVERY.SINGLE.ISSUE that went before them.
How can five people always be in total agreement? The vote count doesn't need to be unanimous in order for the item in question to pass or fail; they just need a majority vote.
Even if they've debated the issue before voting, how is it possible that no one is willing to vote 'against the pack'?
Because...
The Board meets once a month. Most meetings last less than 1/2 an hour.
It just doesn't seem like they're working as hard as they should to do the right things for this town.
Is this the way our government should operate?
The Board meets once a month. Most meetings last less than 1/2 an hour.
It just doesn't seem like they're working as hard as they should to do the right things for this town.
Is this the way our government should operate?
Is the Government working for the people?These are some of the things the residents want:Sidewalks
Dog Park Splash Park Public Pool YMCA-type Facility Basketball Courts Food Truck Rallies More Police & First Responders |
This is what the residents got:Sidewalks
New Town Hall Town Clock $305,000+ Decorative Fountain at Town Hall Loss of town-based ambulance service due to lack of funding |
This is where you live, where you raise your children, where you pay your taxes. Your opinions matter. Your vote matters.
I understand that local politics probably isn't at the forefront of most people's interests. It sure wasn't at the top of mine, until a lengthening list of the government's poor decisions forced me into action. So now here I am, running for Mayor, hoping to make a change for the better.
I invite you to read through this website and see my thoughts about the town's administration, and my vision for Mint Hill's future.
I'd love to hear your ideas about how we can take Mint Hill forward. Please don't hesitate to email me at Karen@KarenTraunerForMintHill.com.
I invite you to read through this website and see my thoughts about the town's administration, and my vision for Mint Hill's future.
I'd love to hear your ideas about how we can take Mint Hill forward. Please don't hesitate to email me at Karen@KarenTraunerForMintHill.com.