A Plan for Residents, by a Resident.
Road Infrastructure
In Liz’s opinion, there have been multiple instances of miscommunication, and non-communication, from the current Mayor. Regardless of residents voting record on millages, they deserve and require far more communication than has been given regarding current roadwork being completed with the Lindenwood and West Rolston Projects.
Liz routinely canvasses residents, and regarding the Lindenwood and Rolston projects she voted with the majority of residents’ needs (51%). The Mayor of Linden has a due responsibility to accurately and promptly inform residents of project timeline, and as Mayor, Liz will continue to keep communication lines open as she has done on City Council.
To keep costs as low as possible even with a special assessment, Liz seconded the motion to extend the payment period for the Rolston Road Project from 10 years to 15 years per residents’ request. The motion carried. She voted no on the Lindenwood assessment, and only voted yes on the Rolston Rd. assessment when the majority of residents were comfortable with the project going forward.
Water Infrastructure
Before becoming a City Council member, Linden City Council and the current Mayor made the decision against the plurality of resident’s wishes to become part of the county water system rather than fixing the well system in place today.
Water rates in Linden have been increased four times since Liz took office in 2022. Each time, Liz voted no to keep water rates affordable to Linden residents city-wide. In keeping with Liz’s promise to bring full transparency, she canvassed residents that had city water and voted no at resident’s request, as well as notified them that the increase was coming. The most recent rate increase is the largest of the four, and is expected to take effect on resident’s December water bills.
Liz has a proven track record voting in the best interest of residents and their wallets. She will continue to champion lower costs for residents as Mayor.
Linden Mill
For decades, City Council and the current Mayor neglected her responsibility to set aside funds to maintain and restore Linden’s most iconic historical landmark that is on the National Historic Register.
Liz believes that saving for the future is the best way to preserve the past. Thats why, in conjunction with hard work to secure funds to restore the mill, she believes that there should also be a city fund set aside to maintain and operate such an important asset that does not increase taxes for residents.
Additionally, there has not been a city-wide survey completed to get the input of Linden residents on what should be done with Linden Mill. The last survey was completed two years ago, and less than 175 people out of the census reported 4,125 residents responded - far below what Liz believes is adequate. A new survey must be completed, and a course of action can be taken after that survey has been finished while the building is being restored.
Budget Management
There are several proposed plans for new projects that have been considered by City Council and the current Mayor in the past term. Liz believes that before spending any additional funds that the city doesn’t currently have, the budget needs to be managed appropriately to address concerns with City Hall maintenance and water damage, successfully maintaining and completing restoration of the Linden Mill, current road infrastructure projects, current water infrastructure projects, and any other ongoing municipal needs currently underway.
In Liz’s opinion, until our current assets are adequately managed and paid for without raising taxes on residents, new projects and wish-list items should be put on hold until revenue streams are set up accordingly.
