Joe Putnam - Irving City Council District 4
1. What are your qualifications and experience that will make you an effective council member?
I have been a resident of South Irving for almost 44 years and have had my business office in South Irving for all of that time. I have previously served on the City Council and have a broad understanding of the issues and values of South Irving residents. I understand the issues
facing Irving City Council. I can work effectively with other members of the City Council to provide strong, capable representation for South Irving.
2. What policies will you initiate and support that will increase the commercial tax base for Irving where the business sector pays approximately 70% of the taxes?
What private businesses and investors need most is reasonable and less burdensome regulation. The City Council should refrain from imposing restrictions that prevent private investment. There must be a balance between protecting the legitimate public interest and permitting necessary flexibility in land use, zoning, permitting, building codes, and aesthetic regulations.
3. What priority would you give to upgrading Irving’s aging infrastructure, specifically its water and sewer facilities, and what policies would you initiate and support to implement such upgrades?
Irving has long had a progressive program to maintain and replace infrastructure such as streets, drainage, and water and sewer improvements. That program should continue subject to available funding. Water and sewer expenditures should be made on the basis of a bona fide cost of service study.
4. What is your vision for assuring that the city is going “green;” in other words, what initiatives will you support that will encourage the city to conserve water and energy use?
Because of the capacity issue with Lake Chapman, water conservation will continue to be important. Electric and motor vehicle fuel requirements are a significant budget item. And the city must continue to examine ways to minimize cost. The ongoing progression of the use of natural gas for motorvehicles is an area that can be considered.
5. What initiatives would you support to achieve a balanced budget and where would you focus reductions in light of reduced City revenue caused by the economy?
If elected, I will undertake a detailed review of the City’s budget, item by item. This is not presently done by the City Council. I will look for expenditures that can be eliminated without an impact on service requirements. I will obtain a thorough understanding of all budget items.
We must set priorities. Items such as unnecessary consulting contracts and the Cowboy Stadium suite can be eliminated.
6. What do you see as the top two pressing issues in Irving and what are your solutions or recommendations?
Financial issues--taxes, debt, and spending--and city management are two areas of importance. The now-recognized failure of the McDougal venture and the ongoing debate over the proposed Entertainment Center, as well as other issues, show the need for qualified leadership on the Council. Of special concern to me was the decision to close the Southwest Branch library and the senseless plan to close the Central Library and build a replacement directly across the street.
