Tom Watson questionnaire
Tom Watson is running for Charleston City Council.
What relevant former jobs have you held?
I served the city of Charleston as a member of the Charleston Fire Department for 25 years. I was Director of the Ambulance Service for 11 years and Fire Chief for 13 years. I also served as Director of the Charleston Emergency Services and Disaster Agency for 13 years. I served on the 911 Steering Committee, the first 911 Board and am currently serving on the 911 Board in my capacity as Coles County Emergency Services and Disaster Agency Director.
Why are you qualified to be on the City Council?
I have had the opportunity to work with all city departments and with many different city administrations. I have a thorough knowledge of the operations of the city government and its policies and procedures. I have a desire to be of service to the citizens of Charleston.
What minor changes would you like to make to the city?
Being in an election campaign and being “on the outside looking in” the tendency is to dwell on the “bigger” issues. My only comment to the question is I am ready, willing and able to go to work for the citizens of Charleston; to find solutions to their problems. Two of my favorite sayings come to mind here– “If it ain’t broke don’t fix it” and “Don’t seat the little stuff.”
What major changes would you like to make to the city?
During the campaign I have heard the present administration say they have worked to get people involved in our city government, yet I have repeatedly been told that people do not feel they are being adequately informed about city activities and projects and that the council is not as responsive as it could be. Obviously there is a communications problem somewhere. I will actively work to keep the citizens better informed and to provide a voice for them on the council.
What is something you would like to build on in the city?
Charleston and Coles County are rich in historical heritage. Much has been done over the last several years to draw upon that rich history. I would work to continue building on our history and to enhance the image of Charleston and Coles County and to make Charleston a place people want to come visit.
What is something that definitely needs to be changed immediately?
The proposal to widen Fourth Street and replace the bridge near Fourth and Harrison which includes provisions for a greenway needs to be slowed down or stopped completely. A significant number of people have indicated opposition to these projects. It is obvious to me that sufficient public opinion was not obtained when these projects were proposed in the comprehensive and Five-year plans.
One thing you would like people to know about you …
I was born and raised in Charleston and with exception of about 2 1/2 years spent in Decatur, have lived here all my life. My granddaughters represent the fifth generation of my family to live in Charleston. Charleston has been a wonderful place to live and raised my family and I want to see it stay that way for my family and yours. My main purpose in running for City Council is to give you a voice on the council. I represent no special interests or groups–only the people of Charleston.
Any additional comments or statements about you or any of your platforms …
I would work to continue the efforts of the present council to hold the line on tax increases and work within our means. I ask the new council to review and revise some of the priorities in the comprehensive and Five-years plan. Projects such as establishing a greenway should not get priority over needed improvements such as streets, sidewalks and drainage. The city needs an inspection program for rental property and businesses to insure the safety and well-being of our residents and employees. The current codes that are in place are nationally recognized and are periodically revised and they adequately address the issues. I believe the goal of the program should be compliance rather than penalty. I conducted inspections for about 15 years and found landlords and business owners willing to work with inspectors if treated fairly. I am opposed to singling out any one group and charging fees to fund an inspection program.
What are your feelings on the following issues:
Widening Fourth Street …
Fourth Street needs to be resurfaced and its sidewalks replaced; however, widening the street would be detrimental to the neighborhoods and I believe would place the city in a position of liability. Potential structural damage or deterioration would result from moving traffic closer to the homes and buildings along the street, particularly the older structures. Removal of trees would be detrimental to the environment and the aesthetics of the street. And contrary to the city’s belief that a wider street would be safer, a wider street would only encourage increased use by larger vehicles and promote faster moving vehicles which would decrease safety. Additionally, in several cases widening would result in the city violating zoning and building codes by eliminating set back requirements.
Bar entry age …
The purpose of a bar is to sell alcoholic beverages. Bars promote socializing to encourage the patrons to stay and spend more money on alcohol. Allowing persons under the legal drinking age into bars only promotes drinking. I cannot support an activity that promotes breaking the law. I am opposed to lowering the bar entry age. I do not believe that it is the city’s responsibility to provide entertainment or social outlets; however it is in the best interest of the city to cooperate with Eastern or local businesses to provide outlets for students and I would support council participation.
Condition of the city …
Over the years the zoning in the areas north of the campus has changed which has allowed multi-occupants rental deterioration of these areas. I support code or zoning changes that will protect the single family neighborhoods and bring about the rehabilitation of the rundown areas. I believe that the two can co-exist with proper planning. I would like to see some sort of incentives provided to property owners that will restore the fine old homes in the historic areas of the city. The current administration has done a good job providing grants and low interest loans to rehab homes in the northern portion of the city. I would actively support continuing these efforts and even extending them to other areas of the city as well.
The relationship between the city and the university …
Maintaining positive relationships requires continuous effort on the part of both parties. I would actively support participation of the council in ongoing communications and problem resolution both at administrative and student levels. In my experience with EIU I have found the willingness to cooperate to be very positive. I would also actively support maintaining positive relationships with the Coles County Board, the city of Mattoon, Lakeland and other entities in the county. Cooperation is beneficial to all concerned. If Charleston cooperates with Mattoon to bring a new business or industry to the county both cities are going to see benefits from the effort (retail sales, housing, new residents, increased revenues, etc.)
Bringing big corporations (such as Wal-Mart, Denny’s) to the city …
I would love for my daughters and granddaughters to have had the opportunity to have lived in Charleston when the downtown area was the center of activity. And I would love to see the square rejuvenated and become a vital retail district again. Unfortunately our lifestyles and priorities as a society have changed. Realistically I don’t believe the square will again be that center of commerce. We have become a throw-away, quick in and out, one stop society and the Wal-Marts and the Dennys type corporations cater to that lifestyle and if our town wants to continue to grow and be vital we must see that our residents money stays at home which means that we provide those shopping opportunities here in Charleston. I read somewhere that every dollar spent at home compounds itself in the community 30 times. As for the square, I believe that it still holds possibilities for service oriented businesses and specialty shops. The council should actively promote a buy-at-home policy and actively promote and assist current businesses while working to attract new ones.