Jordan Valley Park, revitalization, cell phones among issues

Councilman Tom Carlson said the greatest challenge for all the new council members is to acquaint themselves with the issues that lie ahead for the city of Springfield.

"The first thing they're going to have to do is become familiar with all the issues; until you understand the issues and how we gotwhere we are, I don't think you can make truly informed decisions," Carlson said.

The candidates for Carlson's seat on council are Billy D. Tharp, John Murphy and Mary Collette.

Murphy, a sales manager for Prime Inc., said he is doing his homework to familiarize himself with citywide issues.

"It is a challenge there's a lot to learn ... this city's growing a lot and I have to get up to speed just like anyone else. I'm making the time to do that," Murphy said. He said management at Prime, including President Robert Low, is supportive of Murphy's bid for General Seat A.

Murphy said he is particularly concerned with the future of Jordan Valley Park, especially traffic and security.

"Jordan Valley Park is a great project ... but there are logistical things to think about. There has to be more police officers down there to patrol it if we're going to have major events down there. Parking is also going to be an issue," Murphy said. "It's not only about just building something, but you have to plan on what will happen after you build it. I don't know if that's been thought out or not, but it needs to be addressed."

Murphy grew up in Arkansas and has lived in Springfield for three years. Running for City Council is Murphy's first attempt at civic involvement in Springfield. He has served as a captain in the Army National Guard.

Murphy, 31, said what sets him apart from the other candidates is his youth and enthusiasm "This is something I've always wanted to do, really. I think I'll be good because I don't have a certain group behind me and I won't be a puppet for anybody," Murphy said. "I think I'll bring a sense of youth and energy and openness to the council."

Longtime center city advocate Mary Collette is the second candidate running for General Seat A. Collette lives and works in center city and is a founding member of the Urban Districts Alliance, past president of the Commercial Club of Springfield and has been involved with the city's Vision 20/20 planning process, the Downtown Springfield Association and the Walnut Street Merchants Association. She also serves on the board of directors of the Midtown Neighborhood Association.

"I'm very supportive of the center city revitalization ... I'm also very concerned about neighborhoods, and I think the neighborhoods issues need more attention. I'd really like to see better communication among neighborhood associations and government and private industry," Collette said.

Collette said she is also concerned with the issue of preservation for Springfield's historic properties, as well as with greenspace and urban sprawl.

Collette said her experience in working with the community and city government are her strong points as a candidate, adding that she has seen both sides of many issues.

"I think sometimes the middle ground is overlooked. We get very territorial about what we think," Collette said. "Nobody wins all of the time."

Billy D. Tharp, a stay-at-home dad and former military policeman, is the third candidate seeking General Seat A. Tharp also lives in center city and said he has the time to dedicate himself to serving on City Council. Tharp grew up in West Plains and has lived in Springfield since the early '80s.

He said he became interested in running for City Council because he wants a decent place in which his two children can grow up and because he is dissatisfied with the current council.

"Several people I've talked to have said whenever I call (council members) it's like it's an inconvenience for them.' Public service means you're a servant, and I feel like I can do a better job," Tharp said.

Tharp's civic involvement includes representing the fifth ward of the Greene County Republican Central Committee.

He said his goals if elected to the seat are to create an ordinance prohibiting the use of cellular phones while driving and encouraging better enforcement of Springfield-Greene County Health Department policies on housing.