November 2, 2010
It was a year ago today that I was thanking the residents of Powell for electing me to Powell City Council. One year later, I am now thanking the residents of Powell for voting down a proposal that would have doubled the income tax in Powell, permanently hurting the small businesses and self-employed in Powell.
Since I announced my candidacy for Powell City Council in May 2009, I spoke out against increasing the income tax in the City of Powell. I was the only Councilman who voted against today's failed proposal, knowing all along that it would fail and delay the inevitable.
Our businesses are struggling enough. They are strapped for cash, and looking into 2011 and 2012 with a lot of uncertainty from the federal and state government. Now was not the time to add additional burdens to our small businesses, and I am so grateful that the residents of Powell agree. Enough is enough, and now we have to come together to find a real, workable solution that can gain the support of the vast majority of those in Powell.
Through this current campaign against doubling the income tax, I have stated repeatedly that I support a solution that is temporary, targeted and accountable. So now, the work begins to form the specific terms of a new proposal. We do have capital improvements projects needing work, so we cannot delay in formulating a new proposal that is actually geared toward these projects in a temporary, targeted and accountable way.
In the coming days, I will be announcing details for a resident and business driven Budget Commission in the City of Powell. I hope that I will have the support of the other 6 Council members for this project, despite their support of the initiate that failed today. I look forward to engaging the residents of and businesses in the City of Powell. We will research wasteful spending, private sector solutions, a business approach to operating the City, true "zero base budgeting" so that we can eliminate unnecessary expenditures and bureaucratic layers, and provide a better "product" to the residents and businesses in Powell for less money. It can be done, starting with the formulation of the new Budget Commission.
Again, thank you for your understanding of this issue and having faith in our finding a better way. Look for another announcement in the coming days. Together, we will move forward to come together for better solutions!
Gratefully,
Sara Marie Brenner
Powell City Councilman
View the original email here
November 4, 2009
Thank you to all of Powell and every volunteer for your support and votes in Tuesday's election! Remember that the top four vote-getters will be on Council. Overall, we came in second! This means that I will be taking office in 2010 as a new Powell City Councilman! I could not have done this without everyone's help, support, energy and assistance. THANK YOU!!!
Election Breakdown
- We received 1,506 votes, just 43 votes behind the Mayor (who received 1,549 votes) who has been on the ballot now three times and has very high name recognition.
- In Golf Village, where I reside, we overwhelmingly won both Golf Village precincts!!! One of the other candidates, who came in fourth overall, also lives in Golf Village. If you would like to see a precinct map of the area, click here.
It is clear that, together, the message of lower taxes, more accountability, creating a business-friendly environment and results-oriented government connected with the voters in Powell. Now, we get to work! I need your input, ideas, suggestions, and I need you to call or email me when you do or don't like something that is being proposed in Powell. Don't just call me when you're upset -- call me when you want to let me know that what I am doing is on the right track, too. This way, I can stay connected with the voters and make sure that I am the Council member who is reflecting the voice of the residents of Powell.
Again, to all the volunteers and voters, THANK YOU!
Best Regards,
Sara Marie Brenner
Powell City Councilman-Elect
