|
|
|
Eileen Weir is running for District 4 on the Independence City Council against Michael Fielding. Jim Page, who has served the southwestern area of town since 2004, is not seeking a third term. Weir, 44, is a native of Binghamton, N.Y. She moved to the Kansas City area in 1992 to work in public relations for the Kansas City Chiefs. In 2008, Weir started Impress Inc., a public relations, professional writing and media consulting firm.
Weir is chairwoman of the Truman Heartland Community Foundation’s Independence/Sugar Creek advisory board and is a member of Junior Service League and the Children’s Mercy Hospital East steering committee.
| 1 Why are you running for Independence City Council? |
Independence needs experienced and dedicated leadership. I was actively involved in the effort to remove Independence schools from the Kansas City School District, and I continue to work alongside business owners and residents on the redevelopment of western Independence. I am running for City Council to continue working with citizens to set priorities and achieve positive results for our city. |
| 2 What do you see as the top issue facing your council district right now, and what is your plan to address it? |
I am walking door-to-door to listen to voters and hear about the issues that are important to them. Citizens are concerned about fiscal responsibility and open communication. By encouraging an open dialogue with citizens and seeking input from taxpayers on key issues that affect our community, I will serve by building trust and confidence in our city leadership. |
| 3 What do you think is the solution to the need for more police officers in Independence? |
Our community has invested considerable time, money and energy investigating this issue. I am convinced that we need more cops on our streets and support the IPD strategic policing plan. In the past, the city has neglected to account for the increased demand for public safety that accompanies new residential, retail and entertainment developments. I support prioritizing public safety as an essential, basic service. |
| 4 What do you see as the City Council’s role in the ongoing issue with debt service payments and the efforts to attract more businesses to The Falls at Crackerneck Creek development at interstates 70 and 470? |
The role of the council is to clearly and knowledgeably communicate with taxpayers on all issues that affect general revenue. Furthermore, by overseeing and directing Charter-mandated audits, the council is responsible for ensuring that all city departments operate under sound and effective procedures. Successful development is critical to our city budget and requires a focused, diligent, thoughtful effort by qualified experts. |
