Published: May 29, 2008 11:07 am         

Bailey running for Frostburg public works commissioner

Editor's note: Jeff Bailey submitted this announcement for his candidacy.

I have filed to become Frostburg's next public works commissioner. I would like to thank everyone for their continued support and encouragement.

I have continuously kept an open ear to Frostburg citizens, and if there is one promise I can make and keep, it is to listen and do my best to represent and serve the citizens of Frostburg.

I am a graduate of Beall High School and I have my B.S. in economics, with honors, from Frostburg State University. I have received many recognitions, most proudly the John Glen Beall Jr. Institute of Public Affairs Award, lifetime membership to the International Business Honor Society and membership to the FSU College of Business Advisory Board. I work in the academic computing department at FSU and I am currently pursing my master's in business administration.

First and foremost, I will strive to promote the economical use of Frostburg's current resources and to promote fiscal responsibility. I will work with the mayor and other council members to maximize the efficiency of city government and investment of tax revenue. With the current economic situation of high gas prices, increasing property assessments, and increased state taxes, I oppose my opponent's support of increasing property tax rates. I feel that raising property tax rates would hurt Frostburg families and businesses and would counteract the city's efforts for economic development and Main Street revitalization.

Just as important, I will strive to maintain an open government process and accountability to its citizens. I believe you deserve a public works commissioner who will listen and serve you; I will maintain an open-door policy. My support for accountability can be affirmed by my support two years ago for the commissioner form of government and two-year terms, both decisions which garnered over 70 percent of the vote last election.

I also will strive to increase the presence of the street sweeper throughout the city to improve the cleanliness of our streets. In the same effort, I support better code enforcement and the efforts of organizations such as the Frostburg Neighbors Association to inform the temporary and permanent residents of city codes and ordinances. Through collaboration of community organizations, the university, city government and residents, we can make Frostburg an even better place to live.

In addition to working to clean streets, I will work with city staff to prioritize our street repairs and push forward with the state-mandated combined sewer overflow project. While a City Council vote has been needed to approve state and federal grant applications, I would like to thank the city staff for their efforts in producing successful grant applications that have helped minimize the funding needed from CSO surcharges and city tax revenue - they are the ones that have done most of the hard work in securing millions of dollars of grant support for the city over the last few years.

And finally, I support funding for better pay and equipment for our public safety officers. I believe it would cost us less in the long run and relieve some of the burden on our dedicated officers if we can stop the revolving door of new officers coming and going.

It would be a great honor and privilege to serve you as public works commissioner. I humbly ask you for your vote on June 3. If you have any questions or comments, please contact me at (301) 876-0840 or Bailey4Frostburg@hotmail.com. Thank you and God speed.