Campaign Themes
#1 - The importance of sustainability for basic government services. Gresham is on track for financial difficulties. As a member of the finance committee, I have had visibility into the challenges that our very low permanent tax rate, coupled with limitations caused by a broken state property tax system, combine to crunch our general fund. Fire, police, and parks are in the crunch. We need a strategy, and some strong leadership, to get out of this.
#2 - The importance of investment in parks and recreation services. One area I am passionate about is the importance of parks and recreation services. Gresham is home to an increasing number of families and children. Funding parks and recreation can be best accomplished through the establishment of a Parks District. This will also improve regional equity (caused by tax compression), and reduce strain on the general fund (helping public safety).
#3 - Engaging in a welcoming and inclusive way with new voices. Today's leaders in the Gresham community are great. The local business community is compassionate and well-organized. Volunteers routinely step up for neighborhood association and City Council advisory boards. However, there is an opportunity to engage new voices. Gresham is the 4th largest city in Oregon, and is very diverse. I will work very hard to engage with folks who haven't been well-represented at City Hall in the past. I'm committed to empowering and fostering shared ownership for our community's decisions across a diverse range of stakeholders.
#4 - Police policy review and reform. Black Lives Matter. Our community needs to take steps to make that a reality. With input from many leaders in our community who have lived experience, I have drafted a resolution contemplating some public safety reforms we can make. I'll continue to work closely with a wide range of stakeholders to refine this outline and make sure Gresham has a conversation about our values that results in policy changes when needed.
#1 - The importance of sustainability for basic government services. Gresham is on track for financial difficulties. As a member of the finance committee, I have had visibility into the challenges that our very low permanent tax rate, coupled with limitations caused by a broken state property tax system, combine to crunch our general fund. Fire, police, and parks are in the crunch. We need a strategy, and some strong leadership, to get out of this.
#2 - The importance of investment in parks and recreation services. One area I am passionate about is the importance of parks and recreation services. Gresham is home to an increasing number of families and children. Funding parks and recreation can be best accomplished through the establishment of a Parks District. This will also improve regional equity (caused by tax compression), and reduce strain on the general fund (helping public safety).
#3 - Engaging in a welcoming and inclusive way with new voices. Today's leaders in the Gresham community are great. The local business community is compassionate and well-organized. Volunteers routinely step up for neighborhood association and City Council advisory boards. However, there is an opportunity to engage new voices. Gresham is the 4th largest city in Oregon, and is very diverse. I will work very hard to engage with folks who haven't been well-represented at City Hall in the past. I'm committed to empowering and fostering shared ownership for our community's decisions across a diverse range of stakeholders.
#4 - Police policy review and reform. Black Lives Matter. Our community needs to take steps to make that a reality. With input from many leaders in our community who have lived experience, I have drafted a resolution contemplating some public safety reforms we can make. I'll continue to work closely with a wide range of stakeholders to refine this outline and make sure Gresham has a conversation about our values that results in policy changes when needed.
| About Dave Dyk Brochure with Endorsements |
