Issues

Candidate Scott Ehrlich on the Issues

General Issues

Check out Scott's 12 Objectives for 2012. Here are the 12 specific things you can expect if you choose Scott Ehrlich to represent you this year. Each of these will be spelled out in more detail this week.

Taxes

Taxes: Even if franchise fees appear to cover our entire first year’s budget, Scott believes we should set taxes at a rate to target 125-150% of first year’s revenue so we have a small cushion to protect against another recession or lawsuits. Scott will never vote to raise taxes above the promised one mil and would push a cut in council before ever allowing a vote to raise taxes.

Code Enforcement

Code Enforcement: Scott wants to know what codes are affecting people and businesses, putting unnecessary burdens on them that cause more issues and time in compliance than they provide in benefit to the city. Scott will always put the burden on the city council to show why a new code should be added, and always default to reducing the amount and complexity of existing codes, to allow more personal freedom and less government control over your life.

Zoning

Zoning:

Scott understands the need for good city planning to keep the value of properties high. However, he also believes that businesses should be given the right to do what they wish with their own property unless it would significantly hurt the town. Making this town attractive to new business keeps our taxes low while keeping our employment and property value high.

Communication

Communication:

Scott believes every citizen should have the right to both talk to and hear their elected officials as much as possible. He promises to always be accessible through personal appearances, tele-townhalls, social media, and email. His job is to represent and that means getting as much constituent input as possible. He will make city council meetings as open, accessible, and transparent as possible.

Governing

Governing: Scott believes in the concept of a citizen legislator and that an effective government is the one closest to the people. To that end, if elected, Scott will NEVER run for reelection to any city position as he believes representatives should be changed often to reduce their power. He also opposes increases in perks for council members during his term including salary, vehicles, insurance, pensions, and building a City Hall.

Resources For Issues

Here are a variety of resources that I used to research the various issues positions I have taken above.