Zone 4 candidates

Growth, quality of life

Jim Moore: Coming off one of the most prosperous decades in Springfield history, I believe our biggest challenge is to sustain the growth we've realized over the last 10 years.

Proper planning and coordination with Vision 20/20 goals, combined with the commitment and involvement of Spring-field's private sector, public sector and the Springfield citizens, will assure growth does not come at the expense of quality of life.

I also contend that Springfield's quality of life is directly attributed to the positive business success this city has experienced.

John Wylie: Explosive growth is coming and everyone wants quality of life. For six and one-half years on the city Planning and Zoning Commission, which I chaired, I tried to balance those elements. I personally visited the site of each case and intend to continue to do so, if elected to council.

I wonder if somehow contentious cases can be handled with mediation to find areas of agreement before the cases reach council. For my part, I plan to have quarterly meetings in Zone 4 to be available to businesses and residents.

Crime

Moore: We need to do a better job of retaining our quality police officers.

We are currently adding officers. This, combined with better retention efforts, will go along way to reducing crime because of their presence acting as a deterrent.

Also, let's use technology and the Internet to show citizens where police calls are occurring in real time.

Wylie: Growing up in Springfield, I am particularly not happy to see the crime rate rise as our city grows.

We need to see what other communities are doing and determine if their success may be implemented here. We need to support our police and firefighters for that matter which will require finding resources.

One solution can be obtaining the efficiencies that (business to business) software may offer. Way2Bid, a local company, is a national leader in their type of technology which can achieve dramatic cost savings.

Business attraction

Moore: We must offer businesses quality employees, affordable housing and an improved transportation system, all within an environment of a positive and proactive business climate. Let's support our local chamber's efforts as part of a regional organizational effort to sell the Ozarks.

(On) types of business to attract, like everyone I will say high-paying jobs which complement Springfield's quality of life while protecting our environment. Our goal within the next several years in lieu of a softening national economy combined with the shortage of a labor force will be to attract businesses and industries that offer the type of jobs that are consistent with the type of work force Springfield offers.

Wylie: We need a diverse and dynamic economy. We need to play to our strengths and keep the talented students our local universities are producing in Springfield by attracting companies willing to have a long-term investment in our city.

If Jack Henry Company can thrive in Monett, certainly Springfield should work as well.

We ought to draw on the tourist traffic that drives through Springfield and get more of the revenue that goes to Branson.

Urban redevelopment

Moore: The focus of economic development must be center city ... specifically Springfield deserves the same economic TIF benefits that Kansas City and St. Louis have realized.

We must be relentless in our pursuit of our fair share of TIF financing from the state.

Wylie: We need to get the Jordan Valley Creek project completed, while keeping the private sector involved.

That really will show the success when the private sector is competing to get into the mix.

I like what Indianapolis did in their downtown and how they have an amateur sports Mecca.

Look what economic impact the big local soccer tournaments are providing. That took the Cooper family and the Parks Department and Youth Soccer to do it. I want to encourage them to help show other sports groups to do the same thing.

Transportation

Moore: The key to a successful transportation system is adopting a transportation strategy.

Key is support of the MPO, Metropolitan Planning Organization, as a key player in defining strategy, priorities and execution.

Wylie: I agree with all of the surveys that traffic is a top problem along with stormwater runoff.

In my zone, the intersection of James River Expressway and Glenstone has already been identified by council as a major concern.

Unfortunately, that is not the only concern.

To avoid such costly corrections in the future, we must identify where the growth is likely to occur and map it out. My experience on Planning and Zoning will help me in this area.