Steve Daniels on Decatur

Updates to Website

Hi again.. we must continue the debate about moving Decatur forward. This website will be under development over the next few weeks, but in the meantime, you will be able to gather ideas about important things affecting the economic prosperity and quality of life in Decatur. Please check back occassionally for new ideas and information. I welcome your input so comments are welcome under posts or send me an email. I will post ideas both with and without attribution to the author based on their request. Thanks for the interest.

Win, Lose or Draw?

Ma,  Its not over.  God is just doing something different.  Mo.

"Far better it is, to dare mighty things, to fight glorious battles, even though checkered with failure,  than to take ranks with those poor spirits who neither enjoy much nor suffer much, who live in that gray twilight that knows neither victory nor defeat." - Teddy Roosevelt

"Show me a good loser and I will show you a LOSER."

In the recent Decatur mayoral contest it is important to see what was won: New friends, better relationships and more experience with the challenges to make Decatur better. We must sustain our belief that.... "We can do better and we must do better..." All things worth having are worth fighting for. We will draw on our strengths, our friends and our family to persist against the entrenched issues that limit Decatur from being a great city. Simply.... we must!

We wish the new mayor and council the best and will offer our ideas and help if asked.

Steve Talks about Economic Development

Steve was recently interviewed on a local radio show. Steve has talked often about the need for more effective economic development. To enhance economic development, city government, the mayor and city council need to pursue several efforts simultaneously. He believes that Decatur must adapt to the strategic strengths and weaknesses of the community. The way to enhance economic development and job creation in Decatur includes: 

1. More aggresive sales and promotion of Decatur by the mayor, city manager and city council.

 

2. Reengineer the process of pursuing economic development. Steve would invite a panel from the community to evaluate current practices, identify best practices in other cities and adapt our approach to be more effective and accountable.

 

 3. Development of one or two transformational initiatives that would be expected to bring 1,000 jobs per year to the Decatur community for the first ten years. Transformational initiatives are breakthrough ideas that lead to major new opportunities and investments. These might be in the alternative energy, ag research, entertainment or education arena. Again, community input and support are critical to the success of these initiatives.

 

4. The city must get back to the basics for variables that effect location of jobs. These include "growth friendly government", modest taxes, safe and secure streets, and, well trained and educated workers.

 

5. The city must also reemphasize the importance of working well with businesses and employers already conducting business in Decatur. An old business axiom is that the easiest customer to sell to is one you already have. One of the best chances for economic and job growth is employers already in the Decatur area.

 

Questionaire - Herald & Review

The Decatur Herald & Review asked candidates to answer a series of questions for a position recap to be published in the paper. Their format asked that answers be limited to one sentence. Here are Steve's answers.

1. What is the best method of solving the police department's space problem?

      Based upon my firsthand research and experience, I believe that an effective “space needs analysis” will show that the current facility can be modified to provide most of the needed additional space and storage for the police. This would save taxpayers the burden of millions in building costs and taxes to replace a facility only nineteen years old.

Video - Steve at Civic Center Debate

Steve participated in the public debate at the Civic Center on March 6, 2009 sponsored by the Herald & Review and the Decatur Area Labor Education Committee. Opening Remarks from Steve follow:

Each Candidate's Responses to questions on Economic Development and Police Space Needs

Debate - Decatur Taxes & Police Officers

Debate - Decatur Water Supply

Debate - Decatur Neighborhoods

Debate - Decatur Change In Form of Government

Debate - Opening Remarks from Mike "Tuna" McElroy

The video was recorded, edited and produced by Bill Faber of the Faber Files, Channel 5 - 10:30 PM Thursdays, and is provided here as a courtesy to the community from him. His opening remarks to the video recording can be heard by clicking on the following link:

Debate - Introduction from Bill Faber of the Faber Files

Daniels Announces Plan to Increase Access to College - Decatur E2C

Steve announced today a proposal that he would advocate if elected mayor called Decatur Everyone to College, or Decatur E2C. Daniels said that: “The E2C program demonstrates how city government may partner with community schools to promote a world class education in Decatur.” Daniels also noted that: “Decatur has two first class institutions of higher learning that can be partners with Decatur schools and community to increase access to higher education.” Daniels believes that all kids in Decatur’s schools deserve a world class education and access to the academic tools that they can have if they attend college.  Daniels also believes that an E2C program can be a catalyst for community renewal and inspiration as has been experienced in Kalamazoo, MI. The E2C concept is patterned after a similar program implemented in Kalamazoo in 2005.

To see the WICS TV - News Channel 20 - coverage - click here.

 

To see the Herald & Review story - click here.

 

To See Press Release - Click Here.      To See Proposal Outline - Click Here. 

 

For Additional Info and Links - Click Here. 

Steve Advocates Education Focus for Community

If elected mayor, Steve would be a strong advocate for an effective working partnership with all Decatur schools to be sure Decatur kids are getting a world class education. As part of Macon County Shared Vision, he advocated:

• Establishing a community based education coalition
• Building working partnership between city government and the schools
• Developing new ways to encourage all children to be college ready when they graduate, and,

• Developing strong working relationships between children, parents, teachers, administrators & the community

Steve will speak about these issues during the campaign because, Steve knows that education is the key to economic and community renewal in Decatur. To better understand the importance of a world class education, Steve would like everyone to watch the following video.

The Mayoral Race Should be About Issues

Today (1/18/2009), the Decatur Herald & Review called on voters to pay close attention to the upcoming council races. For more information on the column by Gary Sawyer, click on this link. They stated it may be one of the most important election in years. Steve agrees. They cited the following issues as potentially important:

• Public Safety
• Jobs
• Taxes
• Representation
• Appearance

Steve also suggests a list of other important issues:

1. City / School Partnerships for Education excellence
2. Financial responsibility
3. Government Access and Accountability

4. Neighborhood Renewal & Revitalization

Steve's Responses to the Greater Decatur Chamber of Commerce

A normal part of running for local office is completing questionaires for local interest groups. To help the citizens of Decatur to know Steve's view of important issues, Steve will offer his answers to these questionaires to all those interested through this website.

To see Steve's answers to the Greater Decatur Chamber of Commerce - click here.

Daniels Encourages Council to Study Cost Cuts to Avoid Tax Increases

Steve spoke Monday night to the Decatur City Council during the planned public hearing on a proposed property tax increase. As stated on several previous occasions, Steve reminded the Council that higher tax rates discourage purchase and construction of new homes, and, development of commercial and industrial properties. Steve suggested to the Council that they first identify opportunities to reduce city spending to offset increased pension costs.The Council decided to defer a decision on the tax increase for one week and asked the city manager to identify alternatives for reducing city expenditures to offset increases in pension increases.

The Herald & Review article about the December 2, 2008, meeting is excerpted here - click on this link.

Daniels Calls For No More Tax Increases in the City of Decatur

Steve Daniels again called on the Decatur City Council to avoid further property tax increases in the city at the November 3, 2008, council meeting.

 

"Tax increases should be the last resort for addressing budget imbalances. Not the first. High tax rates punish citizens and businesses that call Decatur home. We cannot grow our city with the highest tax rates in downstate."

 

Property tax rates, including the city levy, are higher than most neighboring cities and most major cities in central Illinois. At nearly $9.00 per $100 of assessed valuation, the aggregate rate in Decatur is $1 to $2 per $100 more than other communities. Decatur's rates are already 20% higher than most comparable communities. This rate means that nearly 3% of the market value of homes and businesses is collected in taxes every year. Other communities have rates between 2% and 2.5%.

 

Property taxes are assessed based on assessed value and a levy rate. With the already high current property tax rates, Decatur is encouraging businesses, jobs and families to choose to move to other communites. No economic decision is based on tax cost per capita as suggested by proponents of higher taxes.

 

Daniels reminded the city council that Decatur taxpayers already pay some of the highest property and sales tax rates in the entire United States. These high rates discourage economic growth and development within the city. The city is considering tax increases due to budget shortfalls and the adverse impact of pension costs for city employees from the national financial crises. Daniels urged the Council to reevaluate the current year budget and “live within the means” of the community. 

 

Daniels has been a long-time proponent of fiscal restraint and competitive tax burdens to encourage economic growth. As a founding member of Macon County Shared Vision he previously encouraged the council to adopt sound fiscal and tax policies.  

 

On Sunday, November 23, 2008, the Decatur Herald & Review also joined the dialog about the adverse affects of ever increasing property taxes. The H&R said:

 

........ The danger in increasing tax rates is that it harms the city competitively. A company considering bringing jobs to the area will look at the rates, not the cost per capita. The fact is that taxes in Decatur are higher than surrounding communities, and that puts the city at a competitive disadvantage. ............ Adding on to Decatur's already high tax rates could hamper growth and development in the city. The council needs to seriously consider its options before imposing higher tax rates.

Daniels has been a long-term proponent of fiscal discipline and competitive tax burden for Decatur. For example, see MCSV Talking Points - Taxes (September 2006) and Budget Statement to The City Council(April 2006).

Change We Need?

In yesterday's national election, the country chose a path of change and renewal. President Elect Obama's message included "Change We Need". Decatur needs change too. What does Change in Decatur mean?

First, Change means growth. A growing community is healthy. A growing community means renewal with every new job and every new family. It is time for Decatur to start growing again. City government and its leaders must be committed to growth. And, committed to embracing the challenges that go with growth.

Second, Change in Decatur means "back to basics" for Decatur neighborhoods. Decatur's citizens want better representation, public safety and renewal of our neighborhoods. Back to Basics can be accomplished by improved neighborhood representation, police protection for all neighborhoods, and creative ideas to build and improve homes in core neighborhoods.

Third, Change in Decatur means education. All kids in Decatur must be educated to compete for the high paying jobs available in the 21st century. With well-educated high school and college graduates, Decatur can better attract jobs and economic growth. It also means retraining for Decatur's workers that seek to transition to new age opportunities.

And, Change in Decatur means fiscal responsibility. Priorities must reflect the aspirations and hopes of all families in Decatur and not just the wealthy and well connected. City government must live within its means and meet the fiscal responibility that taxpayers expect. We cannot punish Decatur's citizens with higher taxes than they would pay in other communities.

Decatur needs change. Decatur needs and deserves better representation and accountable government.

Neighborhood Renewal Requires "Back to the Basics"

The heart of Decatur is its neighborhoods. Many good and hard working people grew up in, built and still live in these neighborhoods. Decatur's neighborhoods define one of the key attributes to draw people to Decatur. We must "Get Back to Basics." We must reinvigorate all the neighborhoods of Decatur.

Decatur's city government often pays too little attention to Decatur's neighborhoods. Over the last five years, few meetings or study sessions have focused on rebuilding the core areas of Decatur. Because money gets spent, and at times wasted on ill conceived projects, we need accountantability for the lack of effort to restore the quality of life in our neighborhoods. Steve will Get Back to Basics for all of Decatur's neighborhoods. This includes:

• Aggressive response and emphasis on public safety
• Fair enforcement of neighborhood standards
• Encouragement of "pride in Decatur" initiatives
• Restore adequate infrastructure
• Increase financial support to neighborhood projects
• Better representation of all Decatur neighborhoods

Watch this website for more about improving Decatur neighborhoods and bold ideas to Get Back to Basics!

Revitalize Economic Development

Decatur needs leadership to better promote the community, adopt best practices and increase accountability for results. Specific economic development initiatives should include:

• Build Partnerships Among Business, Labor & Government
• Raise Economic Development Goals
• Focus Incentives on Jobs and Job Retention
• Better Community Marketing
• Lower Taxes and Regulation

Currently, there is little accountability and organization for the city's efforts to promote job growth and prosperity in Decatur. Without investment and new good paying jobs, Decatur will continue to decline. We can and must get Decatur growing again.

Over the past several years, city government leaders have decried responsibility for poor job growth and economic results that trail competing Illinois communities. In the past city leaders made excuses for poor results or pretended that economic metrics are irrelevant or just wrong. Accountability and change is illusive. We can and must get Decatur growing again.

Potential companies coming to Decatur must deal with multiple government units for assistance and guidance. Elected leaders are frequently bystanders in the process. Developers complain that they can't be certain that commitments will be kept. Some involved in promoting the community don't live in Decatur. Even some large employers have said they don't know if they are appreciated in the community. And, taxpayer funded incentives are often squandered on projects with few if any new jobs. We can and must get Decatur growing again.

Change can come with new leadership. Elected leaders must be more engaged and provide leadership and demand accountability. The citizens deserve no less. Decatur has many attractive qualities that must be promoted by elected leaders and city government.

Steve will lead a reevaluation of the entire process of economic development and propose new technigues and practices to enhance efforts to bring new jobs and investment to Decatur. We can and must get Decatur growing again.