Specific Areas Within City Government Need Immediate Attention
by Craig George
When my wife and I retired five years ago, we looked for a community in Eastern Washington that "spoke" to us. Dayton was that community. The close proximity to Walla Walla, the restored tree-lined Main Street and the beautiful Victorian homes first caught our eye. But, it was only after moving here that we discovered the real "heart" of Dayton – its people.
A community of diverse people who went out of their way to welcome newcomers was unique to this retired military couple. We sensed our way of giving back was to become active in the community. Having been involved with youth for over 25 years, I became active in Kiwanis and sports officiating on the high school, college, and semi-pro levels. Driving a bus for Columbia County Transit was another way for me to help our community.
As a result of a lifelong interest in City government, I began observing City Council meetings. I then ran for, and was elected to, the Dayton City Council. I have served on the Finance, Public Works, Public Safety, and Emergency Planning Committees during my four years on the City Council, and I was elected to serve as Mayor pro-tem for the last two years. From this experience, I have been able to clearly identify four specific areas which need immediate attention.
My first area of concern is our city streets. Currently we have very little reserves to undertake our street projects as well as the problems under the streets. Sewer lines may need to be repaired and/or replaced as we rebuild our streets. The way to fund these projects is to establish a citizens' group willing to search out, and write for, grant money. The City will need to come up with matching funds for these projects. Streets are my number one priority.
My second priority is open communication between City Hall and the citizens of Dayton. I will establish regular office hours at City Hall where all citizens are encouraged to come and communicate their concerns, thoughts, ideas, etc. to the Mayor. I also encourage citizens to attend and address City Council with their concerns. This will help promote better communication between you and your elected officials. It will be my goal to establish a quarterly news letter to keep the citizens of Dayton informed about the actions of Dayton's city government.
My third area of concern is planned growth. Dayton is growing and our goal needs to be "smart growth zoning" which clearly delineates urban from rural properties and which establishes clear commercial and manufacturing areas. We need to work toward making Dayton more attractive to the residents and visitors. Strengthening and adhering to our current ordinances is a step in the right direction.
The fourth area needing attention is our parks and recreation. We have extensive recreational facilities (e.g. swimming pool, golf, skiing, hunting and fishing, snowmobiling) in our area. We need to work together to enhance and improve what we have and work toward offering more (e.g. tennis courts, skate board park, and a multi-generational activities center).
It is time to look towards the future. I feel I have gained the knowledge and experience necessary to lead the City for the next four years. I am asking for your vote in the November election.
Copyright (c) 2007, Blue Mountain News