Rob's blog

Platform Issue

PLATFORM ITEM: Being there to represent my constituents. Many times, something comes up and you aren't able to attend a meeting, family occasion, etc. People understand. But if it happens chronically, other messages can be read into the lack of attendance. For my re-election bid, I want to present the following. In all 120+ city council meetings that have been held since I took office, I have attended all but 1. That means my constituents who voted for me to represent them had their voice heard through me 99.3% of the time. The single time I missed was due to being out of town on city business with the Rodeo committee securing contracts for the city's 4th of July Celebration.

I feel it is very important for elected officials to be there to cast their vote. Whether it is a yes, no, or abstain due to a conflict of interest, having each district in the city have a voice in all matters that affect them is crucial in our representative form of government. I have made a concerted effort to be to every council meeting as informed, well-read, educated and researched as possible regarding the issues that come before us. I have the best attendance record of all the council members currently serving and intend to keep that going.

How did I vote during those 120+ meetings? Ah, that is the crux of the matter! I am in the processess of evaluating every vote taken during my 3 years on the council, how it turned out (passed or failed), how effective I am at getting things passed, and letting you decide for yourself which positions you would have supported and which you would have differed on had you been in my shoes. I will provide as much information as I can to help you as a voter determine my effectiveness in serving on the City Council. If I have not been effective, I do not anticipate being retained for an additional term. If I have made decisions that have benefited the residents of our city, I hope to continue to earn that trust in representing the diverse interests of our city's residents and stakeholders. Let each voter decide for him or herself. I will be happy to discuss any vote on any issue to the best of my ability.