Well stated. Egos and anger should be left outside the door and cooperative, fair and honest actions should be taken between government officials and citizens to develop an action plan that can be initiated and reduce excess local city and county government spending while providing quality services through a tax base that is fair and equitable for all (including freezing of property taxes for the elderly on fixed incomes).
After tax equity is accomplished, a cooperative venture should undertaken between county, city and citizen leaders to determine what type of services can be sustained to the county residents without the city residents subsidizing the county services. The value of annexation should be the incentive to bring it about if it is to occur and work in a positive manner. The sewer situation in subdivisions in the county needs addressed. County leaders should be working with citizens to find a way to treat sewage and eliminate the use of septic tanks.
After several years of casual efforts to encourage current elected county officials to seriously consider changing the inequities that exist today I decided it is time for someone to put forth an effort to bring about positive change. In a December 2009 city district meeting with Mayor Littlefield, I expressed my disappointment with some current county commissioners’ angry opposition to annexation and stating their constituents would be taxed by the city for services the city could not provide. I stated that for 32 years I've been paying for county services that I do not receive. When I requested that the Mayor work with the County Commission to bring about a reduction of the county tax burden by reducing the county tax rate assessed city residents, a spontaneous applause throughout the room was made. After my similar request to the City Council meeting on Jan 5, 2010, I began to receive encouragement and support to run for Commissioner.
After much prayer and consideration for my family and encouragement from people who know me in my church and community, I have entered the race. It is truly a grass roots campaign getting started three months before the primary election. The recent comments by Mayor Littlefield and Editorials in the TimesFreePress are encouraging to me. Hopefully the next board of County Commissioners will work together for the good of all citizens they represent.
My website has tabs that provide information about me and my platform. Citizens are encouraged to visit it and surf the various tabs to help them decide if they should support my efforts. Thanks,
Gordon Anderson, www.andersonforhamilton.com>
Hopefully county residents, especialy in District 7, pay close attention to Mayor Littlefield's comments about how our county/city government services should be consolidated to provide cost savings service in an efficient and quality manner. The City government needs cooperative leadership in county govenment who will work for the good of all citizens. My goals of tax equity, consolidation of services and support of local manufacturing industries were listed on my website, www.andersonforhamilton.com before I heard Mr. Littlefield's speech. I look forward to being elected District 7's Hamilton County Commissioner and working with all government authorities for the good of ALL the citizens of Hamilton County.
Gordon Anderson
Littlefield on 'consolidation'
Well stated. Egos and anger should be left outside the door and cooperative, fair and honest actions should be taken between government officials and citizens to develop an action plan that can be initiated and reduce excess local city and county government spending while providing quality services through a tax base that is fair and equitable for all (including freezing of property taxes for the elderly on fixed incomes). After tax equity is accomplished, a cooperative venture should undertaken between county, city and citizen leaders to determine what type of services can be sustained to the county residents without the city residents subsidizing the county services. The value of annexation should be the incentive to bring it about if it is to occur and work in a positive manner. The sewer situation in subdivisions in the county needs addressed. County leaders should be working with citizens to find a way to treat sewage and eliminate the use of septic tanks. After several years of casual efforts to encourage current elected county officials to seriously consider changing the inequities that exist today I decided it is time for someone to put forth an effort to bring about positive change. In a December 2009 city district meeting with Mayor Littlefield, I expressed my disappointment with some current county commissioners’ angry opposition to annexation and stating their constituents would be taxed by the city for services the city could not provide. I stated that for 32 years I've been paying for county services that I do not receive. When I requested that the Mayor work with the County Commission to bring about a reduction of the county tax burden by reducing the county tax rate assessed city residents, a spontaneous applause throughout the room was made. After my similar request to the City Council meeting on Jan 5, 2010, I began to receive encouragement and support to run for Commissioner.
After much prayer and consideration for my family and encouragement from people who know me in my church and community, I have entered the race. It is truly a grass roots campaign getting started three months before the primary election. The recent comments by Mayor Littlefield and Editorials in the TimesFreePress are encouraging to me. Hopefully the next board of County Commissioners will work together for the good of all citizens they represent. My website has tabs that provide information about me and my platform. Citizens are encouraged to visit it and surf the various tabs to help them decide if they should support my efforts. Thanks, Gordon Anderson, www.andersonforhamilton.com>
Chattanooga: Mayor focuses on consolidation, housing authority in address
Hopefully county residents, especialy in District 7, pay close attention to Mayor Littlefield's comments about how our county/city government services should be consolidated to provide cost savings service in an efficient and quality manner. The City government needs cooperative leadership in county govenment who will work for the good of all citizens. My goals of tax equity, consolidation of services and support of local manufacturing industries were listed on my website, www.andersonforhamilton.com before I heard Mr. Littlefield's speech. I look forward to being elected District 7's Hamilton County Commissioner and working with all government authorities for the good of ALL the citizens of Hamilton County. Gordon Anderson