Eleven candidates is a win-win for Richmond

Nick Lewis
Register Publisher

February 02, 2008 01:57 pm

— Competition is good and healthy. It makes you better and it creates opportunities. Opportunities create change. That’s why it’s a win-win for the citizens of Richmond when 11 citizens file to seek four seats on the Richmond City Commission.
It shows they are passionate about the health and welfare of the community and that a change is needed.
It should be an interesting race. There still are many issues that need addressed and that’s what this election should be about. Since the last election, the incumbents have had a fairly productive year, but not without drama as with the Sunday alcohol ordinance.
On that particular issue, there was only one city commissioner that stuck to his guns throughout and never budged, while all the rest changed their vote and caused frustrations from their constituents. In the end, the ordinance was approved.
They selected a new police chief. Chief Larry Brock recently spoke at Rotary and I was encouraged with the progress he is making. It appears he is improving morale and restoring the department’s creditability in the community. We will see further improvement as long as he can continue working in an interference-free environment.
This spring the incumbents will finally realize a longtime vision when the aquatic center opens. It’s still up in the air whether this it will end up serving whom it was intended for some 30 years ago, but it will compliment the existing facilities and offer opportunities for tourism if marketed properly. There are sticking issues that remain. Will it really be affordable and accessible for everyone? Will it at least break even financially or end up costing taxpayers more to support it.
Even though the city commission has taken some positive steps, issues such as centralized 911 dispatch, annexation, zoning and infrastructure will surely come up as the campaigning begins.
Richmond City Commission has been very reluctant to consolidate with the Berea and Madison County, the two entities which formed a countywide 911 dispatch. I’m sure there are two candidates that could provide an interesting debate on the pros and cons of consolidation.
Annexation is causing a lot of concern lately. The city commission has not been consistent with its decisions based on the recommendations in the city’s comprehensive plan. Inconsistency creates unfair expectations by developers and property owners alike. Urban sprawl always has been a concern among citizens and the comprehensive plan recommended smart growth through utilizing unused internal land in the city.
But instead, the city annexed land off Barnes Mill Road across from the Richmond Centre site. Now, Three Lakes Development LLC wants its property off Willis Branch annexed into the city to maximize the potential of its investment. Deacon Hills and Idylwild Drive belonging to county already is sandwiched in between city and county and is not exactly a good example of smart growth as recommended in the comprehensive plan.
Annexation and infrastructure go hand in hand. If the city continues to annex property at a breakneck pace, will our infrastructure and city services be overburdened?
We’ve already seen our water system be tested to the limits. The expansion at the water treatment plant will be operational soon and ease the demands of today and projections for the future. The question is will it keep up with future industrial, residential, educational and retail expansion at the pace we are growing. Smart annexation is the key to properly servicing that growth.
These are just a few of issues that are food for thought. I’m sure the challengers have their own strategies for victory or they wouldn’t have filed for office. Congratulations to them for stepping up to the plate and wanting to help shape the future of Richmond. You are to be commended.
Defeating any incumbent in any race is not an easy task, but it also not impossible. No one gave the New York Giants any chance of making it to the Super Bowl. They have. Not many give them a chance against the New England Patriots, but I do.
Like the Giants, not many will give the challengers much of chance, but I do. They each have just as good of a chance as anyone else to win; the challengers will just have to work harder, longer and smarter. And let’s remember, each candidate begins the race with the same amount of votes — zero.
With that said, let the campaigning begin. Play fair, respect each other and have fun. Be positive; negativity does not win many races.
It’s not about what you have done in the past that will give you the edge in this race, but rather what you say you can create and deliver in the future that will matter the most.
Good luck to all the candidates!