A summary of Kathy McKeithen's qualifications, goals, and recommended changes for Atherton's Town Council.
1. Why do you think you are the most qualified to serve on the Town Council?
- A broad and deep knowledge of the Council and the Town documents - contracts, budgets, accounts receivable and payable, municipal ordinance, applicable law.
- Proven track record for initiating positive change.
- Dedication to improving the Town and healing fundamental divisions.
- Ability to communicate well and work with people.
- Open-minded.
- Have the time to do the job well.
2. Why should I cast my vote for Kathy McKeithen?
- As someone who actively participated in the two-time defeat of the parcel tax (because like so many others I did not approve of the way the funds were being spent), I believe that I am in a unique position to understand how to begin to heal our Town and move it forward.
- Desire to restore credibility and trust by responding quickly and respectfully to residents' needs, being accountable for the results, making the Town more transparent and improving communications - e.g. broadcast meetings on TV, streamline the agenda.
- A belief that consensus, credibility and trust can only be built on the availability of knowledge - the opportunity to know what is happening in out Town and why.
3. What specific changes do you want to see on the Town Council?
- A full and complete discussion of all the issues and the alternatives rather than a piecemeal or closed-minded approach (e.g. roads and drainage funding).
- A consideration of television broadcasting of meetings.
- A more respectful consideration of what the citizens and other Council members have to say.
- A consideration of term limits.
- A consideration of changes related to the agenda - e.g. publish in a secure location that can be relied upon, a clearer/simpler description and notation of important issues, an improved order.
- Closer alliances with local schools.
4. Are you running as a "slate"?
- Bob Jenkins and I are two candidates for two positions, to be voted upon separately.
- We do have the same goals and same platform because we need two independent thinkers on the Council.
5. What traits (skills, assets) will you bring to the Town Council?
- As an attorney, an analytical mind with an understanding of the legal principles.
- As a volunteer, a sense of caring for the community, an ability to lead.
- As a mother and housewife, a respect for those beyond myself.
- A strong work ethic and energy to succeed.
6. Why aren't you already committed, like some candidates, to the idea of using bonds/debt as a means of funding needed roads/drainage capital improvements and a utility tax as a way of funding the operating budget?
- Should be able to look at the total picture at one time - all operating capital improvements (e.g. roads/drainage) needs and all possible funding alternatives.
- May want to consider a restricted/designated parcel tax as a way to avoid debt charges, respond to the specific needs more quickly, provide for a 4 year accountability check as a means of restoring faith in how the funds are being spent.
- May want to further explore possible government funding, as in the case of the upcoming Middlefield Road project.
|
