Wilson kicks off campaign for mayor Wilson says promoting economic growth is at the top of her agenda as she campaigns for mayor. News staff photo by MELISSA SANDFORD Ward 2City Councilor Christine Wilson says promoting economic growth is at the top of her agenda as she campaigns for mayor. Melissa Sandford News Staff Writer GARDNER — City Councilor Christine Wilson advocated for big industry, better jobs, long-term economic development plans and increased accountability for department heads during the official launch of her mayoral campaign Wednesday at Williams Restaurant on Pearson Boulevard. “The biggest issue I think Gardner has right now is lack of industry,” Ms. Wilson said, calling for increased marketing and outreach efforts to draw interest from prospective developers. According to Ms. Wilson, while several new businesses have made their home within city limits over the past few years, the number of jobs added has remained low and available wages have left many residents “living paycheck to paycheck.” If elected, she said, her intentions are to seek out companies offering more lucrative employment options and a sustainable lifestyle. The councilor also called for strategic, five-year economic development plans and the use of stabilization savings accounts for large, impending projects. “I would like to create a financial committee to do studies and report back to me while involving the city council. We need to devise a good plan to keep taxes low and maintain a successful budget,” she said. “Right now, we have $1.8 million certifiable in free cash. With that amount of money, we have to ask ourselves if we are over budgeting or under estimating expenses. It has to be one of the two.” Historically, she added, the city has not opted to utilize available free cash to ease the tax burden on citizens, but she said it is a feasible option and one she would consider. “A mayor can designate a certain amount for the sole purpose of reducing taxes for the people of Gardner,” she said. In terms of increasing accountability within city departments, Ms. Wilson said she believes goals need to be set for department heads, and monthly meetings are imperative to tracking targets and maintaining budgets. “I think any mayor is only as good as the people working with them. Ultimately, we are all on the same team. We all want the same things — business, jobs and a filled uptown,” she continued. “We can give Gardner a fresh start.” At present, Ms. Wilson is wrapping up her first term on the council, having defeated incumbent David Boudreau to represent Ward 2 in 2011. Prior to taking on the role of councilor, Ms. Wilson served for six years as a member of the School Committee. The mayoral seat will appear on the November ballot, along with 11 council seats — five ward and six at-large positions. Forms are available at the City Clerk’s office in room 121 at City Hall. The certified signatures of 50 registered Gardner voters are needed to qualify for candidacy, with the nomination submission deadline set for 5 p.m. Aug. 20. A preliminary election will be held Oct. 8 if needed. The general election is set for Nov. 5.
Posted on: Thu, 18 Jul 2013 11:10:39 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015