Why is Sylvia running for City Council?
1) I decided to run for City Council because of the recent issues regarding Memphis Animal Services (MAS **). The Mayor has broken his promise of transparency.
The below improvements/changes are needed at MAS:
a) public visibility to ALL animals, including the stray area
b) use ALL capabilities of their Chameleon software, the internet, and publicity
c) increase in adoption rates (12% in 2010), increase in owner redemption rates (6% in 2010)
d) accountability for abuse and/or neglect by employees
e) euthanasia policy (100% use of sedation medication) and reduction in euthanasia (77% in 2010)
f) The 30 year old incinerator (disposal for dead animals) is broken - the city says there is no money to repair or replace it. Why has there been no planning for funds to continue its operation?
And - ALL meetings of the MAS Advisory Board should be OPEN to the public.
2) Fiscal responsibility and accountability -- The city should live within its means, especially due to the current economy. While there are possibly some non-essential positions that should be eliminated, there should be other areas where the budget can be trimmed besides pay cuts and parks and senior centers. Changes are needed regarding the pension system (city and MLG&W) and the helath care system, which could possibly save the city tens of millions of dollars. I am in favor of an external audit of the city budget.
3) Consistency of transparency and accountability -- install web cameras in the new MAS facility and maintain compliance with the Sunshine Laws (no closed meetings of the MAS Advisory Board). The Mayor promised transparency when he began his administration - he needs to keep that promise.
4) Support quality education for all Memphis children -- Even after the city and county schools are consolidated, Memphis still has a vested interest in helping all of its children get the best possible education.
5) More opportunities for jobs, improving the quality of life for all Memphians -- The city should work with the county, the local Chamber, and with other local governments in our area to promote the advantages of doing business in Memphis and the surrounding areas.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
** NOTE: If you are looking to ADOPT a pet, go MAS and save a life! The new facility is at 2350 Appling City Cove (just off of Appling Road just north of I-40). The shelter is also holding weekly "Yappy Hour" events on Thursdays from 4 pm to 7 pm with discounts on adoption fees.
Memphis Animal Shelter
2350 Appling City Cove
Memphis, TN 38133
901.636.1416
1) I decided to run for City Council because of the recent issues regarding Memphis Animal Services (MAS **). The Mayor has broken his promise of transparency.
The below improvements/changes are needed at MAS:
a) public visibility to ALL animals, including the stray area
b) use ALL capabilities of their Chameleon software, the internet, and publicity
c) increase in adoption rates (12% in 2010), increase in owner redemption rates (6% in 2010)
d) accountability for abuse and/or neglect by employees
e) euthanasia policy (100% use of sedation medication) and reduction in euthanasia (77% in 2010)
f) The 30 year old incinerator (disposal for dead animals) is broken - the city says there is no money to repair or replace it. Why has there been no planning for funds to continue its operation?
And - ALL meetings of the MAS Advisory Board should be OPEN to the public.
2) Fiscal responsibility and accountability -- The city should live within its means, especially due to the current economy. While there are possibly some non-essential positions that should be eliminated, there should be other areas where the budget can be trimmed besides pay cuts and parks and senior centers. Changes are needed regarding the pension system (city and MLG&W) and the helath care system, which could possibly save the city tens of millions of dollars. I am in favor of an external audit of the city budget.
3) Consistency of transparency and accountability -- install web cameras in the new MAS facility and maintain compliance with the Sunshine Laws (no closed meetings of the MAS Advisory Board). The Mayor promised transparency when he began his administration - he needs to keep that promise.
4) Support quality education for all Memphis children -- Even after the city and county schools are consolidated, Memphis still has a vested interest in helping all of its children get the best possible education.
5) More opportunities for jobs, improving the quality of life for all Memphians -- The city should work with the county, the local Chamber, and with other local governments in our area to promote the advantages of doing business in Memphis and the surrounding areas.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
** NOTE: If you are looking to ADOPT a pet, go MAS and save a life! The new facility is at 2350 Appling City Cove (just off of Appling Road just north of I-40). The shelter is also holding weekly "Yappy Hour" events on Thursdays from 4 pm to 7 pm with discounts on adoption fees.
Memphis Animal Shelter
2350 Appling City Cove
Memphis, TN 38133
901.636.1416