During my tenure as a Commissioner, I have addressed a wide range of financial, infrastructure and other community issues. Key achievements include: reductions in operating costs; reductions in property and business taxes; reductions in long-term debt; the adoption of zoning measures that support business opportunities and protect residential neighborhoods; the renovation of 21 town streets and related sewer and storm water drainage systems; waterfront improvements; expansion and improvement of town parks; completion of the nature trail; and establishing curb-side re-cycling. None of these things, however, were achieved without collaboration within past and present commissions and effective working relationships with county and state agencies.
If re-elected, I will continue to promote:
- More effective communication and transparency to ensure government accountability for actions and decision-making. This will include:
- Developing a more informative, up-to-date and interactive web-site; adopting a strengthened ethics ordinance and financial disclosure requirements for elected officials as recommended by our Ethics Board.
- Fiscal actions that support our current and future financial and economic stability to include:
- Investment in tourism; the adoption of measures, including short-term incentives, to encourage business expansion and development; additional reductions in employee benefit costs by transferring out of the State retirement system to a 401k plan; multi-year budget planning for small capital projects or purchases; and maintaining the reserve fund created from the sale of the electric utility.
- Infrastructure improvements that address community-wide needs. In the near-term this includes:
- Completion of the last phase of the street renovation project and related sewer and storm water drainage system repairs; replacing and repairing damaged curbs and adjacent sidewalks along Talbot street; construction of a new public restroom facility at the head of Mill Street; replacing or otherwise stabilizing the collapsing bulkhead along the cove in Hollis Park.
- Maintaining an experienced, well-trained police force for the safety and security of our citizens and visitors. I strongly support:
- Staffing and equipping the police department to meet today’s community policing requirements; and maintaining police coverage 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- Policies that protect residential neighborhoods, encourage business opportunities and support non-profit organizations. To support and sustain a thriving, diverse, multi-generational community we must ensure policies:
- Acknowledge the needs of all segments of our community; respect the town’s history and character; and encourage the delivery of meaningful services to our citizens.
Prior to moving to St. Michaels full-time in 2002, I served for 27 plus years with the Central Intelligence Agency in the field of Human Resources, retiring in 2000. During my career I managed financial and employee resources and provided policy guidance on recruitment, staffing, retention and employee relations. I also conducted management inspections as a member of the CIA Office of Inspector General.
Tracey Munson says
Speaking as the St. Michaels Tourism Board chair, Joanne has sound judgement and measures carefully every decision she makes. She’s a solid candidate, with no hidden agendas, and is looking out for the residents and businesses of St. Michaels. She”d get my vote!