Heritage...Forward on Issues

Here you'll find a list of issues and what a Heritage...Forward approach to them would look like.

General Plan

Early settlers in our area worked together as a community.  I think we can honor that heritage by continuing to share ideas and achieve consensus on what the future looks like.

There is currently a working copy of the City General Plan (visit https://honeyvilleplan.org/ ) outlining many issues around land use, transportation, and future growth.  Now is the chance for everyone to voice their preferences for the future of the city.  I encourage all residents of Honeyville to visit the site to leave your input, or at least become familiar with the ideas that are out there.

Update: The City General Plan will be officially accepted by the City Council next month.  That doesn't mean it's too late to give input to the plan.  In a way, it lays the groundwork for more input from citizens since it provides general guidance for decisions that come before the City Council and Planning Commission.

I strongly encourage citizens to think about the character they want to see in Honeyville.  Imagine you are driving into town for the very first time.  What would you notice first?  Think about the things that would speak to you and make you say, "That is unique."

Another term for the city character is City Design.  The General Plan notes the strong consensus for preserving the "agricultural charm" we have, but then it also warns that without some decisive action, that charm could be lost quickly.   

What action can we take to preserve our agricultural charm?  First we can speak up to city leaders and let them know our ideas.  Second, work with them to draw up appropriate, enforceable ordinances that will preserve the character we choose. 

The bottom line is this:  We, the citizens of Honeyville, must define the character of our city -- it's appearance, reputation, style, and, well, personality.  If we don't do so, it will be defined for us by other parties who may not share the same priorities we do.

Honeyville City Code

I spent several hours reading through the Honeyville city code in the weeks prior to and just after moving here several years ago.  It didn't take long to find some confusing sections, and others were ambiguous at best.

I've been very pleased to see the current city administration taking steps to clarify ordinances and add new ordinances in response to outside pressure.  It's a detailed process, but I believe it is well worth the time and effort to regularly prune city ordinances on the books so everyone can clearly understand them.  

City ordinances are the best way to ensure Honeyville remains how we want it to be.  It's where the rubber meets the road, and I think everyone should be more involved in crafting and updating ordinances.

I fully support a continued, persistent effort to streamline and clarify city ordinances.  In addition, I will continue the effort to equally and respectfully enforce our city ordinances.

Welcome Signs

Update:  It was nice to see citizens paint and repair signs as part of the service day in September.  Good Job!  I also heard the city council express appreciation for the effort in a recent City Council meeting.

I would like to refresh the three signs that welcome drivers to Honeyville.  While respecting the effort of the original creators, they can be given a new coat of paint and have the lettering repaired where necessary.  We could also make sure they are free from surrounding weeds and other debris so they can be seen by motorists.

Here's a simple example of a Heritage...Forward approach.  In keeping with the intent of the creators, the three-word slogan, "Unity Honor Equity" should be reviewed as we've seen many words take on new, and different meanings over the past few years.  Specifically, an older definition of "equity" has given way to new connotations.  We should at least ask the question, "Does this still communicate the original intent of the sign and what Honeyville residents stand for?"

City Finances

Running a city takes money.  I don't have any insight into Honeyville's sources of income, but I would like to explore ways to increase city revenues through civic and historical grants.   I will also work to engage citizens in more volunteer projects to keep the city pristine and welcoming.

Of course, one way to increase revenue is to cut costs.  We should scrutinize every expense to be sure it is necessary and reasonable.

A Strong Sense of Community

One of the best parts of living in a small town is the friendship and trust that we can build.  I applaud the City's efforts to host community events around the 4th of July and other holidays.  I will work to identify and realize more of these events that bring us together as friends and families.