Editor, I have some notes and solutions. I’m only blaming myself regarding the last Hinesville City Council election. I admit — I talked the talk but did not walk the walk. I almost voted for myself as a write-in candidate for a council seat. My wife was present, so that’s two votes.
I have a solution to combat the tax/millage rate increase. It is simple: stay home. No trips anywhere. Jack Kingston has a Savannah office. I have to disagree with one school-board member who told me that going to see Jack in D.C. (on our dime) is the only way they can make their case. Hmm.
Also, no St. Simons, Jekyll Island and China trips.Hinesville has big buildings and lots of space. For our economic development, there is the U.S. Embassies and Consulates, the U.S. Department of Commerce and the Georgia Chamber of Commerce.
We should reward homeownership with a 1-mil rollback. This would help the local economy by enticing people to buy and live in their homes while improving neighborhoods.
I hate to pick on the old Sharon/Lesa/Elaine-streets area (by Irene Thomas Park) because the few homeowners there generally have nice, tidy yards. They upgrade and maintain their houses. But when it comes to rental property, there is trash and cars in yards. Also, many homes are overcrowded.
Homeowners who maintain their property boost property values, decrease crime and improve the quality of life, which brings jobs that pay well.
On the flip side, empty lots and buildings filled with trash are a haven for criminal activity. Let’s turn these pockets into greenspace — places for families to go.
Lastly, I’ll address the Hinesville Industrial Park, Savannah Tech, the Liberty College and Career Academy and the two empty “factory” buildings. Like I said before, utilize this combination. Get an employer like IBM or General Electric — one that will provide the good-paying jobs of tomorrow.
Hopefully, an elected politician will answer these “solutions.” Look on the bright side — they’ve got four years to do it.
— Joseph Stuart
Hinesville