Current at-large Warsaw city councilman and mayoral candidate Joe Thallemer said he is running for mayor to foster economic development.
During an interview Tuesday afternoon at the Times-Union, Thallemer said economic development is at the top of his list of priorities, and as mayor there are three areas of emphasis that will position Warsaw for success.
"We need to increase our inventory of shovel ready ground, companies want it now and we are at a disadvantage if we can't offer that," Thallemer said.
He also said it is imperative that the city continue to offer economic incentives that are competitive and appropriate.
"Industrial and corporate quality jobs are viable recipients of abatement. We must be aggressive, but utilize our resources in a responsible manner," Thallemer said.
He also said as mayor he wants to work on controlled growth and said Warsaw residents deserve a desirable place to eat and shop.
"I will support the growth of retail and restaurants when those opportunities are presented at the right time and place based on research including accurate traffic studies," Thallemer said.
He said the downtown must be kept strong and viable taking advantage of natural surroundings for recreation, cultural and educational opportunities.
Thallemer also said another issue important to him is a changing revenue stream and budget concerns.
"Departments budgets will be scrutinized line item by line item even more than in the past. As the recession withers, the only thing certain of tax revenues is their uncertainty," Thallemer said.
He said the city must budget for critical needs, future development and unexpected changes.
Thallemer spoke about the city purchasing the former National City Bank property for a new city hall.
He said the city has been saving and exploring the idea of a new city hall for the past 10 years.
He said it will prevent a vacancy in the center of the city and there will be no impact on the tax rate with money appropriated from savings.
Thallemer said he has a strong record of examining both sides of issues and making an informed decision that he believes will benefit the community.
"I have a strong voting record of fiscal responsibility that has resulted in essentially a flat municipal tax rate," Thallemer said.
He said the community has progressed in the past 11 years he has been on the council, and said credit must be equally shared between the mayor, clerk treasurers, and past and present council members.
"I feel both honored and quite capable of the challenge to guide the city of Warsaw with certainty in uncertain times," Thallemer said.
