SMALL TOWN CHARM

Hernando is a unique and distinct town in DeSoto County.  Our small-town charm and character are exemplified in the downtown Square area and Commerce Street corridor.  Our many local events and festivals cultivate our sense of community.  Most people move to Hernando for the quality of life it brings, excellent public schools, and a peaceful environment.  My goal is to build on our existing assets to perpetuate and enhance our community spirit and a strong sense of place.  Aesthetics play an important role in the charm that we all love and enjoy.  Strengthening our current parks, streets, and other public areas is what our city can do and our residents deserve.  A well-maintained city with quality amenities promotes economic growth, protects property values, and increases the community’s overall well-being.  Enjoyable experiences along with a charming environment are benefits enjoyed by both longtime residents and visitors to Hernando.

STRATEGIC GROWTH

The tremendous growth of Hernando requires considerable thought for our future.  With this growth, we need strategic planning and sufficient infrastructure.  Zoning ordinances, quality design standards, roadways, water systems, and public safety are necessary components of planning decisions.  In formulating our upcoming Comprehensive Plan, we should review existing regulations and codes for necessity while critically developing future land use.  Hernando should be a city that is attractive to business owners by being competitive with the surrounding areas.  Our government should facilitate a business-friendly environment.  Local businesses foster the economy and bring in sales tax dollars for our town to finance infrastructure needs. 

MAINTAINING A BALANCED BUDGET

Maintaining a balanced budget is imperative to running any city.  A fiscally sound government is able to provide its citizens with needed facilities, infrastructure, and services.  A city budget helps to establish annual goals.  Regular budget updates will provide the roadmap for establishing our goals as efficiently and transparently as possible.  We should work to reduce the balance of loans as quickly as possible by paying off loans before the scheduled time.  Hernando needs a boost in our Contingency Fund to be ready if and when unforeseen events or emergencies arise.