For your last minute consideration, a summary of my approach to various city issues is listed below. It's also available for download or viewing as an MS Word document in the DOCUMENT LIBRARY. I ask for your support and votes tomorrow to enable me to start work for you and our city immediately. We need to redirect our efforts in many areas, and what you'll read below are some things I'll work on when I become your elected representative on our City Council. Thanks for your help. It's been a great ride! Bob
INTEGRITY, EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
working for you
ROBERT FELTS for District 5 EG City Council on Nov 4th
Integrity
Integrity in government is not an oxymoron; it’s a necessity. I’m proud of my tradition of integrity in my Air Force career and my personal life. I promise to bring no-nonsense integrity to the council and to always abide by the City Code of Ethics.
Economic stability
As promised three months ago before anyone else voiced concern, I’ll immediately begin a budget watch to monitor our revenues and ensure our planned expenditures are justified. I’ll apply my business, planning and financial knowledge and experience to all council activities to ensure financial liabilities are minimized and reduced.
Support Our Seniors
Every effort must be made to ensure our seniors are always included in our city’s planning efforts. An aging population means more seniors will be retiring in Elk Grove in the future. We must plan for their welcome and their welfare in our community.
Support Our Veterans
Our existing and returning veterans deserve the full patriotic support of our city and should also be addressed in all our planning efforts. Elk Grove should aim to become well known for its patriotic support of our service members and veterans.
City Charter, Term Limits & such
Unlike current council members, I believe it’s our council’s responsibility to ensure our Charter Commission considers all public ideas for our new city charter. For example, many residents favor term limits, and they should be addressed by the Commission.
Expansion and Annexation
As part of my economic stability effort and for as long as our economic future demands caution, I’ll assume a “NO” stance on city expansion or annexation if it will bring additional financial liability to our budget in any form.
Support Law Enforcement
Our Police Department requires our city’s full support. Departmental efficiency will need tuning to ensure maximum effectiveness with no additional funds. Our current budget percentage of 56% for public safety is unlikely to improve soon. However, we should explore possibilities for state and federal funds to support our department’s efforts. Public safety will always take precedence during any expenditure reductions.
Enforcement of Local Statutes
Citizens have a right to the safety and quiet enjoyment of their home and personal property. Areas in our Municipal, Nuisance and Community Enhancement codes concerned with these rights should be rigorously enforced. We should also consider noise reduction as a specific goal for our city.
Elk Grove Promenade
Options available in our contract with General Growth Properties should be examined to see if it’s feasible and beneficial for the city to condemn or claim the property. By doing so, we could establish city control prior to a GGP declaration of bankruptcy or sale.
Crime Reduction and Education
Our Police Department has excellent teen educational programs to deter street racing and gang participation. I support new programs along the same lines, and fully encourage our Youth Services division’s collaboration with nearby agencies for youth support.
Business Friendly Environment
A top city priority should be a program to help our local businesses stay in operation. I propose an ad hoc committee of business owners, the EGEDC, the EG Chamber, our Planning dept., our Financial Dept and an overseer from the city council to address owner problems, solicit solutions & implement city-sponsored planning.
A Clean Elk Grove
City problems of cleanliness along our streets, on our vacant lots and on vacated home properties must be addressed. Statutes regarding litter, graffiti and trash should be enforced, and owners of vacant lots and homes should be accountable for their upkeep.
Community Pride and Involvement
Within the limits imposed by our budget during our economic stability efforts, we should continue, and even try to increase, community functions that serve to bring our citizens together as neighbors and friends. These functions are vital to enhance community pride and camaraderie among citizens.
Bring Jobs to Elk Grove
Our EGEDC has an important task, and we should ensure the $750,000 five-year program stays on the right track to encourage and obtain high caliber jobs for Elk Grove. We must move past an emphasis on real estate and aim for long-range solutions such as a business, research, medical, industrial or educational park, a state worker division or a college branch (CSUEG?) for our city.
Communications
An effective open door policy will be a main agenda item for me. I’ll always communicate with the voters to ensure their concerns are addressed and to get their opinions on my job performance. Feedback will be an important part of my office term, enabled by community forums, surveys, email, web site and telephone.
THANKS FOR YOUR VOTE!
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How can I help you? What can I do for you? As your elected representative, you will hear these two questions from me often. You'll be the one I represent--not special interests, not monied interests, not outside residents. You have my promise it'll be this way when I'm elected. Isn't it time for honesty like this?
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Also, click on the FAQs & ANSWERS button at the left to see short questions and answers.
Finally, there are documents available for download in the DOCUMENT LIBRARY. Check it out.
Aren't you ready for new leaders for this fine city? Don't you think 8 years in office is enough?
Let's reclaim integrity on our City Council, and let's choose a new direction for Elk Grove! Give me your vote, and I'll do my best to make it happen. You have my word.
Bob Felts