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| Fischer for Zion |
2021
With all that is happening right now; the ongoing pandemic, and the headlong rush towards the November 3rd Election, it is hard to believe that it is already time to gear up for the April 6, 2021 General Consolidated Election.
Whatever the outcome of the November election on the National and State level, I still stand by my belief that local government has the greatest impact on our quality of life every day. My experience over the past three-plus years, first as Commissioner of Public Works and Engineering and then as Commissioner of Accounts & Finance, and Mayor Pro-Tem has fully validated that belief.
Everything from potholes and leaf collection to public safety and economic development is on the table every day at City Hall, and it doesn't stop there. As I have said many times over the past eight years since I first ran for this office; Zion is a small town with very big challenges, and we have to up our game to meet those challenges.
You can pick whatever analogy you prefer, but I think of it as laying a foundation for the future; setting the stones for the city we want to be.
A lot has been accomplished in this vein since I joined the Council; a citywide Enterprise Zone, a new TIF district, leveraging city owned properties for economic development, and a more activist administration in our relationships with our state and federal representatives regarding grants and alternative funding, just to name a few.
During my term I have worked to highlight the importance of our infrastructure; the streets, water, storm and sanitary systems, and the need for proper funding for maintenance and improvements.
I believe in the importance of recognizing the work of our city employees, often under difficult circumstances and with limited resources. Standing outside for hours with the Water Department crew working an emergency on a cold New Years day, makes you appreciate the high level of dedication to the public exemplified by many of these people every day.
The challenges we face require actions that are both bold and practical, for example; I took the lead on approving the sale of recreational cannabis within the city, and in the annexation for the landfill expansion. Both items are controversial , but I believe that if they are dealt with in a clear and objective manner it will be to the benefit of the city in the long run.
The work that needs to be done is far from finished; we are still pursing fair compensation for hosting nuclear waste storage, and working on getting the city's finances on a stable footing This pandemic has had a profound impact on how the city operates today, and how it will operate and be funded in the future.
In the old days (four years ago) I would have issued a statement in the Zion-Benton News, but things being the way they are this post will probably be as close as I get. However, if you want to read a quick bio that I wrote, I am in the October 15th edition of Happenings Magazine.
I have started collecting signatures on my nomination petition to get on the April ballot, and if you would like to add yours, I would appreciate it very much. You can contact me at fischerforzion@gmail.com, the only requirements are that you have to be a registered voter and live in the City of Zion.
I know April seems a long way off, but I ask for your support and most importantly your vote.
Thanks in advance, and if you have any questions please let me know.
Christopher Fischer
