Zone 1 incumbent emphasizes growth among challenges

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In an area targeted for future growth, issues related to development and infrastructure top the list of challenges incumbent Zone 1 Councilman Bob Vanaman sees ahead for the next Zone 1 representative.|ret||ret||tab|

Vanaman, who owns his own general contracting company, began his council experience by serving out the last six months in the term of Councilman John Wilson, who was recalled in 1995. |ret||ret||tab|

Vanaman was reelected to the Zone 1 post in 1996, but he said he knew then that he would not seek reelection in 2001. |ret||ret||tab|

Instead, Vanaman said, he chose to focus his efforts on accomplishing as much as possible for Zone 1 during his four-year term. |ret||ret||tab|

Zone 1 comprises Springfield's northwest quadrant, bordered by Sunshine on the south, Glenstone on the east, and the city limits on the north and west. |ret||ret||tab|

Vanaman said the next person to fill the Zone 1 seat should make sewer issues and the continued growth of north Springfield a top priority.|ret||ret||tab|

"They'll need to try to get sewer extended on West Kearney and West Bypass if there's going to be any growth in those areas," Vanaman said. "In most of those areas, the water, gas and other infrastructure are in place, there's just no sewer." |ret||ret||tab|

Vanaman listed the Partnership Industrial Center, Jordan Valley Park and police response time as additional issues the next Zone 1 representative should pursue. |ret||ret||tab|

"Response time hasn't improved, although the largest growth in the number of city employees has been in the police department," Vanaman said. "I think response time is still a concern among citizens, as well as law enforcement in general."|ret||ret||tab|

Vanaman said he's been pleased with the growth the north side has experienced during the last few years, and he attributes that growth to the willingness of chain operations such as Lowe's, Staples and Walgreens to locate on the north side, prompting local companies to follow suit. |ret||ret||tab|

"It's an untapped market that a lot of retailers have been overlooking," Vanaman said. "I think the next area of growth will be along West Bypass, with the four-lanes."|ret||ret||tab|

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