Here is some background on each candidate.
Name: Michelle CassioYears lived in Oak Ridge North: 11 years
Email: [email protected]
Occupation: Cassio Creations co-owner
What areas should the city be spending more taxpayer dollars on?
Focus for the next few years is on drainage projects and repair of our 40-year-old water line system. Capital projects for aging infrastructure has been our focus for over seven years and remains so.
What is the best way to raise sales tax and attract new businesses to the city?
Our efforts in raising sales tax is through our recruitment and retention programs and the incentive efforts offered by our Economic Development Corporation. We have a full-time economic development director who actively monitors and recruits for the city. Our best effort for investment in the city is through the [tax increment reinvestment zone]. This area developing at its highest and best use will bring more value to the city than any other programs.
What is the best way to pay for Robinson Road?
Primary funding expectation for Robinson Road is through the Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ). We are, however, moving forward and preparing for any funding opportunities that present themselves.
Name: Dan BroylesYears lived in Oak Ridge North: 36 years
Email: [email protected]
Occupation: Retired
What areas should the city be spending more taxpayer dollars on?
The drainage system is the most important thing. The streets are good but Robinson Road is not repaired. The city has got plans to develop land on the east side of the railroad tracks and I don’t think it is a good idea. We need to be smarter about spending our money and not squander our money.
What is the best way to raise sales tax and attract new businesses to the city?
We need to fill a lot of vacant space. We need to hire a company to lease all the vacant offices in the plaza near I-45. Hotels have been in limbo for a year. Office buildings are more profitable than hotels. The Economic Development Corporation doesn’t physically go out to try and lease the store so a professional company should come and lease.
What is the best way to pay for Robinson Road?
The TIRZ expires in 2034 so it will be a burden on Oak Ridge North tax payers for 17 more years. The taxes from iFly and the two hotels, if and when they are built, will all go to TIRZ. The current administration has squandered about $500,000 on studies on Robinson Road resulting in nothing.
