HomeMy WebLinkAboutFrom Mayor Anderson 0218051202 Foster Avenue.
College Station, Texas.
March 26,1968
Dear Fellow Citizens,
I write you on behalf of my candidacy for the office of Mayor, City of
College Station, an office I have been privileged to hold as you
representative for the past two years.
Since I am personally underwriting the cost of mailing this letter,
it will not be sent to all citizens, but rather to a representative
cross-section of the public at random, with the hopes that you
will communicate my stand on issues to others.
During my tenure of office as Mayor I have tried, earnestly, to serve
all people of our community, attempting to fulfill pledges I made when
I first became a candidate for the office. How well the council and
I succeded you can best judge by accomplishments in the various areas.
You hve seen the inauguration of an annual report to the citizens on
the stewardship of the council:more involvement of citizens on city
committees;enactment of ordinances so important to the orderly growth
of our community, as adoption of an updated plumbing code and Southern
building code. Through your support,steps were taken to improve the
water situation;to esablish a new city hall, fire station, police
headquarters and roads;and to revise the city charter to provide for
more representative government. We have achieved improvements in the
police department; developmet of underpass and Jersey Street construction;
a compromise agreement with Bryan on extraterritorial jurisdiction between
the two cities;establishment of a Justice of the Peace position for
our city;mecurement of a sub-postoffice to better serve the needs of our
community;revision of electrical rate structure to provide more equity
for all----especially the homeowner;initiation of progress on park
development in terms of tree planting and play equipment;action on East
and West by-passes; and a revised telephone franchise in favor of the
city--to name but some items.
However, this is pasy history. Of importance to you, I know, is my present
stand on various matters. May I present the following for your consider-
ation:
1. A firm belief in the principle that government is established to
serve all people.
2. Progressive, orderly development of our city in keeping with our
ability to pay. I an not unmindful of the admonition given in Luke 14:28,
3. the need to establish short and long range priority goals to guide
the orderly development of the city,. An earlier attempt on my part on this
matter net with defeat by a 4.3 margin in the council. I an opposed
to. the philosophy of "oiling the wheel when it squeaks ". We need planning
so that available menthes will be spent on priority items first.
4.. Cooperation with the city of Bryan, A & M Consolidated school„
Texas A&M University and Brazos County is matters of actual interest
that will benefit you,the citizens of College Station.
5. Representatives of citizens, of all interests, in making appointments
to city committees; for the involvment of citizens in city government,
6. The activation of a program for city beautification through the
establishment of a coanittee of interested citizens,
7, Maintenance and further development of city parks, To this end we
have made a nominal start on tree planting and acquisition of sone
playground equipment.
8. Continuation of annual report to the citizens on the stewardship
of the council, as a means of keeping citizens informed.
9. expediting the completion of the water improvement program, city
hall, fire station, police headquarters, and roads as approved by ye%
the citizens.
10. A council policy that will provide for the proper maintenance
of and development of streets within the city,
11, Strengthening and supporting of law enforcement and fire prevention,
12, Necessary updating of zoning ordinance that will protect homeowners
provide business and industrial opportunities, and encourage desirable
businesses to locate in our community.
13. Implementing street lighting policy of the city.
14 City participation in indigent care, with city of Bryan and Brazes
County. The present council defeated this measure by a 4•3 vote, such to
the discredit of our city.
15. Support of Easterwood Airpot financing on the part of the county,
recognizing the present anf future value of the airport to the groth
and development of our community.
16. expansion of the sewage disposal system to meet anticipated needs
of our city.
17. For the benefit of the public, strengthening of city ordinances
pertaining to soliciting and peddlins, weed and brush control, taxis
and limousines, electrical wiriting, and meat standards, among others.
18. Cooperation of city with developers and others to encourage
needed housing in our city.
19. A workable Program for community improvement.
20. Help to citizens in low income areas, in terms of housing and
other needs, in whatever way possible.
21. Through the Board of Equalization, or otherwise, strive for equali-
zation of ad valorum taxes where inequities may exist.
22. At appropriate time, extend city boundaries, as needed, to the
East and West by-passes to control the proper and orderly development
of city for the benefit of all citizens.
23. Continuation of the City of College Station as seperate unity
of government.
24. Upgrading standards of performance for all city employes, payment
of salaries commensurate with other similar employment, and provision
of hospitalization insurance. With respect to the latter, we are one
of the few cities that do not provide much.
25. Establishment of "communications" with leadership of the youth
of our community and with Texas A & M University student body.
There are of course, other matters of importance to our city, but the
above cited represents major items. While they are terse, I believe
they are self-explanatory. If, However, you desire clarification on any
point, please advide.
As a candidate for the office of Mayor I feel you should judge me not
only on past accomplishments, but also on my present stand. This should
be expected of any candidate.
I would like to make one point clear. As you representative at the
council table I will act on behalf and in the interest of all citizens.
I do not have now, nor will I habe, any obligation to any individual
citizen or group of citizens. Further, I do not stand to gain directly
or indirectly from any action of the city council. I have no "axes to
grind" that will benefit me personally. Is this not what should
be expected of your representatives?
For the record I would ilke to add that I have given ten years of
continuous service to our City. I served six years as city councilman,
two eyars on the Planning and Zoning Comission, and the past two years
as Mayor.
In closing, I pledge to you that , if elected, I will continue to work
diligently on behalf of all the people in our community.
And, I do solicit your vote, and above all, you active support
in my behalf.
With kindest regards.
Sincerely,
D. A. Anderson