After extensive consultation with residents and current and former city leaders, Jared Leone, candidate for Clearwater City Council Seat 3, has formulated a visionary plan that charts an ambitious course for the City’s future. Leone’s platform is dedicated to representing the diverse needs of all residents while fostering economic prosperity.
Leone’s comprehensive agenda centers on the following key pillars:
1.) Neighborhood Empowerment and Sustainable Development: Leone’s vision is anchored in the strengthening of Clearwater’s neighborhoods, ensuring sustainable and resilient development, and fostering greater transparency and accountability within city operations. These commitments are complemented by initiatives aimed at enhancing access to essential community services, thereby nurturing a vibrant environment conducive to business growth and widespread economic opportunity.
2.) Enhanced Services and Resource Accessibility: Under Leone’s leadership, Clearwater will embark on initiatives designed to elevate the quality of services to its residents. These enhancements will promote greater access to critical community resources, creating an environment that cultivates economic advancement for all citizens.
3.) Responsible Fiscal Management: Leone draws attention to the City’s substantial budget allocation, emphasizing the need for taxpayers to receive commensurate value. As an engaged citizen, he poses a pivotal question to the community: “Are you receiving fair returns on your tax investments?” Leone’s commitment to fiscal responsibility ensures taxpayer dollars are judiciously allocated for the betterment of the community.
Leone’s Policy Highlights Include:
- Sustainable Development:
o Increase access to solar and alternative energy
o Increase green space
o Land use changes to curb uncharacteristic development in/around neighborhoods and promote more walkable/mixed use to reduce traffic congestion
o Support environmental justice initiatives including septic to sewer programs
- Transparency and Accountability:
o Create a board review process as part of development review – for new developments, policies and initiatives
o Ensure staff and council contact information is readily accessible on city website
o Improve access to public records including reviews, budget and expenditures
o Develop and set performance metrics for various departments
- Community Resource Accessibility:
o Discounted rates for residents on Jolley Trolley / Beach ferry
o Promote and increase access to senior services
o Rental assistance program for city employees
o More homeowner improvement programs; low-flow toilet rebate program, grants for home improvement projects
In a bid to revitalize Clearwater’s downtown district, Leone introduces a Commercial Vacancy Tax within the Community Redevelopment Area. He prioritizes the city’s obligation to address blighted buildings in this area, underscoring the urgency of this endeavor.
Leone concludes, “We can’t sit by and say there’s nothing we can do about a downtown filled with empty buildings in an area with a special designation to target blight,” Leone said. “It’s borderline criminal to allow vacant buildings to fester in a downtown that for nearly 50 years has been considered blighted.”
Jared Leone has a proven track record of advocating for public safety, responsible development, and environmental preservation. He pledges to continue these efforts once elected to Clearwater City Council.
To learn more email jaredforclearwater@gmail.com or visit www.jaredforclearwater.com.
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