Asked and Answered: Kevin Nelson
Candidates for Emporia City Commission respond to The Gazette’s questions
By The Emporia Gazette (Contact)
Saturday, March 24, 2007
Name: Kevin Nelson
Age: 44
Occupation: President and CEO, Red Line Inc.
Education: BSB, Kansas State University
Personal: Married to Lori Nelson, who is owner of Caribbean Sun, two children Nicholas, 11, and Reagan, 7. Resident of Emporia for over 30 years
1. Why are you running for this office?
My involvement with several local organizations over the past several years has inspired me to give back to the community that has given me so much. I feel that I can bring a balanced thinking that will strengthen current policies and create new ideas to help our city move forward.
2. If elected, what are your goals?
I want to take the same energy that has made my company a successful business and help create very positive attitudes city-wide. Reviewing our current method of attracting new industry and how we look at commercial development situations will be very important. My focus will also include ways to increase revenues without burdening the taxpayers in order to maintain the services the citizens and businesses need.
3. How will the city commission be better with you as a member?
I have served on several decision making boards which is a very good experience for a commissioner. This experience will be an asset to the commission as we review policies and data, and most importantly, as we work with a new city manager. I also believe a commissioner must be a good listener in order to view each side of issues and how decisions made will impact the city as a whole. I have shown this ability the past four years by helping USD #253 provide the best education possible for our children.
4. What do you think is the biggest issue facing the city commission and how would you resolve it?
I believe the most significant issue is in regards to jobs. The loss of employment over the past few years has not been replenished by the expansion of existing businesses or by new employers. New tactics are needed to address this situation which has impacted our local economy. A proactive approach by the city is a must to assist current and new businesses to reach their full potential. Professional marketing studies on behalf of the city have identified areas that assist in attracting new business. The most recent study revealed one very noticeable problem that would make a strong impact at moderate cost. The entrances to the city were lacking appeal and needed a new concept. Incentives are in place which can be offered to new industry resulting in new jobs. These incentives need to be monitored for comparison to other cities in order to remain competitive and succeed in attracting new businesses to our city.
5. What should the city commission’s priorities be when it plans a budget?
The initial concerns are always current services. These concerns must include equipment replacement and the personnel to best perform these services, while providing employees with competitive wages and benefits. Other areas of concern are maintenance and additions to infrastructure, including streets, utilities, and future capital improvements. Combining these into a budget that will still offer our taxpayers a comfortable mill levy is the number one priority. There are many pieces to a budget and feedback from citizens to the commission should be a high priority as well.
6. Looking to the future, what are three things you’d like to see happen in the city commission?
As a person with a very proactive approach, I would like to see the city commission be more involved when working with the city manager and the different departments. The commission should focus on improving current policies and give direction for development of new policies. Continued refinement of the budget is necessary in order to provide proper management of our taxpayers dollars. We should always do what is best for the city as a whole.