Asked and Answered: Jesse P. Solis
Candidates for Emporia City Commission respond to The Gazette’s questions
By The Emporia Gazette (Contact)
Saturday, March 24, 2007
Name: Jesse P. Solis
Age: 66 years young
Occupation: Entrepreneur
Education: Emporia High and Emporia State University
Personal: Wife, Diana, 5 children, 9 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren, and a black German shepherd (Major)
1. Why are you running for this office?
To be a public servant is one of the highest and most honorable tasks that a citizen can undertake. I want to rise to the challenge of leadership, the City Commission is where government is closest to the people. I will be a true gatekeeper of democracy.
2. If elected, what are your goals?
I want to help lead the city into financial soundness, now and in the future. Good personnel management is essential, in achieving the city’s goals and policies. We need to continue to work closely with the Chamber of Commerce/RDA to bring good, clean, well paying jobs to Emporia. To give the citizens of Emporia a say in economic conditions and proper expenditures. To be available and address citizen’s concerns.
3. How will the city commission be better with you as a member?
I respect the people of Emporia. I am in touch with the citizens of Emporia. Having traveled extensively and resided in other parts of the world, I have the ability and knowledge to communicate with all walks of life. I am a team member, civic minded community leader, used to multi-tasking, and a motivator. As the diversity of our city continues to grow, it is important now, that I represent all of Emporia, my home town.
4. What do you think is the biggest issue facing the city commission and how would you resolve it?
I believe the biggest issue facing the City Commission today is personnel moral.
By working together with the new City Manager, which I met and I agree with his ideas. Mr. Zimmerman’s ideas coincide with mine about motivating people so that they feel good going to work each day. Resolving this with an open door policy and communicating with personnel. It is difficult to over estimate the importance of productive, competent employees. City management is people serving people, it is the people who repair streets, maintain sewers, read water meters, respond to police calls and fire alarms, maintain parks, playgrounds, golf courses and zoos, and do all of the other things that people demand of their city government.
5. What should the city commission’s priorities be when it plans a budget?
The city needs to be run like a business. We cannot spend funds when we do not have them. Credit is not the answer. We need efficient services such as good roads, clean water, and law enforcement that prioritizes fighting crime. Think long term. Sometimes sacrifices in the short term can help to accomplish long-term goals. Look at involving and combining other facets of government for best efficiency. Improving the quality of life for all citizens of Emporia. We need to remind our elected state lawmakers of our city issues. Increase our tourism budget to attract more visitors.
6. Looking to the future, what are three things you’d like to see happen in the city commission?
Strive to increase the relationship between ESU, FHTC, all educational institutions and businesses, large and small, in the city of Emporia.
The world is changing quickly and we need to make sure Emporia stays competitive.
We need to work with the Chamber and RDA, to bring in quality businesses and help existing businesses grow.
We need to take women’s achievements and potential seriously; more involvement in and on the Commission by the opposite sex.