We welcome Fall and the cooler temperatures plus the pleasant days to enjoy. This time of the year is one of the more relaxing periods for us to enjoy the change in nature in Cherokee Village. The only drawback is the accumulation of leaves which must be removed from our yards in some fashion.
Also, it is during this time we are encouraged to get our flu vaccination to safeguard ourselves during the upcoming flu season. Additionally, recommendations are still ongoing to obtain a booster for the Covid-19 virus and its variants. Both of these vaccinations are extremely important for persons over the age of 65 with mitigating health conditions. Be prudent and protect your health. Unfortunately, Sharp County ranks in the bottom five counties statewide for people being vaccinated against the Covid virus. Just over one-third of the county’s population has been fully vaccinated as compared to neighboring counties approaching fifty percent or over.
As reported last month our Sales/Use Tax revenue continues to reflect a monthly gain when compared to 2021 including the collections in August. At our September council meeting authorization was given to the Fire Chief to order a new fire apparatus. The funds for this vehicle will come from monies provided by the American Cares Act plus the American Rescue Plans Act. The vehicle may be delivered in 2023 or 2024 depending on the supply chain’s capacity to fully manufacture and equip the vehicle.
Other council business included a Conditional Use Permit being granted for an individual to develop an RV park along Allegheny and Hospital Drives. This area will require rezoning. Thus, a hearing on this issue will be held in the near future by the city’s Planning Commission. At our October meeting, an Ordinance regarding having chickens on residential property will be on the agenda. If you have an opinion on this issue contact the council member from your ward or attend the meeting if you wish to address the council directly.
Halloween weekend will arrive later this month. Be alert to children trick and treating when driving. Several civic organizations and churches will be hosting special activities for children during that weekend. For example, our city’s Fire and Police Departments will be distributing treats outside City Hall on Halloween night from 5-8pm.
In November, registered voters in the city will have the opportunity to elect a new mayor. There are three candidates campaigning for this office. One candidate appears not to be in favor of government rules or regulations. You can’t have a quality city without governing regulations. Another candidate has little if any executive management experience and held a municipal office in a city of the 2nd Class. Cherokee Village is a city of the 1st Class and requires a Mayor sufficiently familiar with its unique needs and financial requirements. The third candidate has served as a council member in our city for approximately two terms, organized a steering committee to work through our dire financial situation following the litigation settlement, is well-known for his work ethic and extensive volunteerism in the city.
In my opinion, partisan politics coupled with other personal or petty issues are circulating during this campaign. I know personal and petty matters always arise during elections but in this city since its incorporation, partisan political parties have not played a role. Each and every Mayor has run as an independent candidate. Their effectiveness as Mayor was not dependent on which political party they supported but dependent upon their individual intelligence, work ethic, and previous executive experience. Voters do your homework and don’t be influenced by personal or petty matters. The city’s future and quality of life as a resident are far more important concerns.
Original source can be found here.
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