From: Sitzes, Rebecca
Sent: Wednesday, February 14, 2024 4:29 PM
To: raw@shelby.net
Subject: The Star- Candidate questions
Hi,
I am sending out questions to all candidates running for county commissioner so voters can get to know you before the elections. Responses will run in The Star. I have three questions and the response must be kept to 150 words or less. I will need this back by Wednesday at noon. Please include a headshot as well.
Thank you, if you have any questions don’t hesitate to call or email.
The questions are as follow:
- Zoning is one of the most important things commissioners do on the board. When addressing zoning changes, what does/will guide you in making decisions to deny or approve requests?
- Do you think the county is handling recent housing growth and development in a responsible manner – why or why not?
- What do you think should be commissioner’s top three priorities going forward?
Rebecca Sitzes
The Star
Robert A’s first thoughts were
- “How foolish it was that anybody could think that such complex questions as this subject of Cleveland County Zoning Change Requests could be adequately explained 150 Words or less?”
- “The answers would be published the Next Thursday at the earliest. Which was well over half-way through the early voting process.”
- Then, Robert Arealized that the Real Estate lobby that were funding most to all of the Big Sign and Billboard campaigning presently going on in Cleveland County as well as keeping the Shelby Star afloat with their advertising, had put the Shelby Star up to this line of limited questioning. Perhaps thinking they would limit Robert A’s message to the people that there were lots of major issues whose resolution depended on the results of these 2024 Elections. That they must have thought that Zoning issues were NOT on Robert A’s “radar scope” and his answers would be weak and therefore cost him votes. Also thinking that most of Robert A’s writings are always filed with facts figures, explanations on how things work, etc. and that a 150-word limit would throw Robert A off track.
So, here is what Robert A submitted to the Shelby Star two and a half days early and with less than 150 words. The outline of a plan that a town in Kansas, whose population in 1990 was similar to Cleveland County and how that Town in Kansas has been very successful due to their Planning and Zoning processes. While Cleveland County has stagnated.
- That Overland Park, Kansas has doubled in population, while Cleveland County has stagnated.
- That the present-day median income in Overland Park, Kansas is more than doubled the median income in Cleveland County.
- That the Poverty rate in Overland Park, Kansas is only 4% while the poverty rate in Cleveland County is over 18%
- That the average property value of a home in Overland Park, Kansas is over double the average property value of a home in Cleveland County. And it goes on and on.
- All because of a successful Planning and Zoning program in Overland Park, Kansas. And an unsuccessful Planning and Zoning program in Cleveland County.
Folks, Robert A has listed the Shelby Star’s questions again for your reading convenience. As well as Robert A’s answers. In less than 150 words
The ‘Star’s Question No 1:
Zoning is one of the most important things commissioners do on the board. When addressing zoning changes, what does/will guide you in making decisions to deny or approve requests?
Robert A’s Answer No 1:
Overland Park, Kansas has grown 30% and doubled in population since 2000. Largely due to successful Planning and Zoning programs that brought major increases in property values, job creation and overall economic development. While Cleveland County growth has been stagnant over this same period. As a CC Commissioner, I would send a delegation to Overland Park, Kansas to learn how Overland Park, Kansas developed a successful Planning and Zoning program and bring that knowledge back to Cleveland County.
The Star’s Question No 2:
Do you think the county is handling recent housing growth and development in a responsible manner – why or why not?
Robert A’s Answer No 2:
- Because Cleveland County is without a comprehensive and effective Plan for housing growth. Also, see the answer to Question No. 1 above.
The Star’s Question No 3:
What do you think should be commissioner’s top three priorities going forward?
Robert A’s Answer No 3:
- Fair and honest representation for all.
- Maximize Citizens Participation.
- No property tax bill or sales tax increases, Link Cleveland County Government growth to the growth of the population. Live within our means!
Folks, Making things better by:
- Thinking smart,
- Learning from the successes (and failures) of others,
- Always acting in a responsible manner and
- Watching the details closely and
- Controlling the costs
Has always been the way that Robert A operates. When Elected to the Cleveland County Board of Commissioners, all y’all citizens will be able to benefit from when a successful leader is in charge.
Also, note that these are Robert A’s Top-Ten (of many) Goals as a Cleveland County Commissioner:
Robert A. Williams’ Top-Ten Goals as Commissioner
- Fair & Honest Representation
- Maximize Citizens Involvement
- No Property Tax Bill increases
- No Sales Tax Increases
- Cut Waste / Improve Efficiency
- Improve Pet Spay-Neuter programs
- Assist Parents with School Choice
- Build better Schools, NOT More Jails
- Maximize Teacher In-Class Learning
- Reduce Crime and Fight Drug Use