My vision for Johnson County is grounded in the value that our success as a community depends on the well-being of every one of our neighbors. I come from an impoverished background and have a unique perspective that can usher in changes in governance that will drastically set us on a path to improve our community, quality of life, and future. My approach to policy-making is centered on the concept that those most directly impacted by public policies should be involved in the shaping of those policies.
There are two overarching issues that inform how I plan to approach all policy areas.
First, Johnson county needs a government that is willing to put politics aside and do the right thing for the residents. Let's not focus on who ascribes to whose ideology and instead focus on WHAT WE CAN DO as a county to address roadways, environmental sustainability, economic progress, Veterans issues, overcrowded jails, mental health, senior access, public health, low-income families, tax options, hospitality promotions, and more.
Second, I believe that we will not be able to make sufficient progress in any of these issue areas if we do not address the way that county services are funded. It is essential that we develop progressive sources of revenue that will support the investments necessary to tackle the challenges in all areas.
WHAT DOES THE JOHNSON COUNTY COUNCIL DO?
The Johnson County Council is comprised of seven members, four elected from districts and three elected at-large. Each serve four-year terms. They are responsible for setting salaries, the annual budget, and special spending. The council also has limited authority to impose local taxes, usually in the form of an income tax that is subject to state level approval, excise taxes, or service taxes, like those on dining or lodging.
PROBLEM: Access to mental health services / para-medicine / public health programming for the most underserved populations.
SOLUTION: Identify deficiencies in public/mental health programming, and apply for available funding!
PROBLEM: Support for public safety professionals to reduce turnover and ensure their safety.
SOLUTION: Each fire district & police dept. is adequately funded for staffing, equipment, pay/benefits, & training to reduce turnover & staff safety.
PROBLEM: Recidivism and substance use among recurring inmates in our jail system.
SOLUTION: Institute recidivism reduction programming for those recently released from incarceration.
PROBLEM: Lack of affordable housing for middle and low-income families and those in financial situations that prevent them from securing permanent, quality housing.
SOLUTION: Team who can liaise with housing specialists & MIBOR to ensure affordable housing options are available, corporate buy-outs are rare, & discount/assistance programs are promoted.
PROBLEM: Pedestrian access, walkable spaces, and connected routes on our local roads.
SOLUTION: Ensure local road construction & new buildout has walkability, pedestrian access points, & connected routes.
PROBLEM: Lack of transparency among our current council and commissioners in their decision-making process including our County website, access to local resources, and decision-making processes and reasoning.
SOLUTION: Elect a democrat; particularly, one with a public health background, knowledge of grants, and who brings diversity.
Copyright © 2024 Charrie Stambaugh for Johnson County Council - All Rights Reserved. Paid for & authorized by The Committee to Elect Charrie Stambaugh.
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