Steve Baxter

On to the Runoff!

2010-11-13T10:26:00.000-06:00

First let me just say THANKS for your vote on November 2nd! I also appreciate anything you did in pushing my candidacy forward. We now face a runoff election on November 23rd. That Tuesday is just 2 days before Thanksgiving and smack in the middle of modern gun deer season. Please take the time to vote in this important race for NLR Ward 3 Alderman.

My message continues to be one of better government, increased public safety, spending YOUR dollars wisely and being accessible. I am the candidate in this race that is not afraid to use technology as a way to provide communication between you and I. If you contact me I WILL get back with you using the means I was contacted with.

My hope and prayer is that you will not only cast your vote on November 23rd for Steve Baxter, but continue to tell everyone you know that I am THE choice to be your representative on the NLR City Council and have been endorsed by the NLR Firefighters Union.

Early voting starts Tuesday the 16th until Friday the 19th from 10:00 to 5:00 at Laman Library. You will vote on the 23rd at your regular voting precinct.

steve
"Stick with Steve Vote Tuesday Nov. 23rd"

Hard Work!

2010-10-21T20:03:00.000-05:00

The title of this post says what an election should be about. Each voter needs to ask which candidate have they seen out working hard to earn their vote. It doesn't take much to throw out a bunch of signs and send out a mail out or two. It is about getting out and meeting the voters and sharing thoughts. I went out yet again yesterday to an area where I was the first candidate to come by. The work ethic I have shown in earning your vote should be an indication of how hard I will work to represent each and every citizen in Ward 3 and the city. It is about the people not the signs on every corner of the city. I have had people each day tell me about issues they would like to see addressed...tough to do through the mail. Remember a vote for Steve Baxter is a vote for the people of Ward 3 getting their voice heard on ALL issues.

steve
BECAUSE WARD 3 MATTERS

Questions and Answers

2010-10-12T23:08:00.000-05:00

The below was recently left as a comment on my last post. After the copied post you will find my answers.

Hi Steve-

1. Will you be an independent voice more interested in representing the constituents of your ward?

2. Will you stand up and speak out if you know something being proposed is not good for your ward?

3. Will you accept campaign dollars from anyone who does business with the city? And if you do, will you vote on issues related to them?

4. What are your feelings on expanding the trolley?

5. What are your feelings on continuing to spend money on the USS Hoga project?

6. What is your plan to bring new businesses to the Ward 3 area?

7. What are your thoughts on bringing stability to the Baring Cross (off Pike) area which lies partially in your ward?

Thank you for having the courage to run for a job that is tougher than most think. And thank you for your service to our nation through your work in the military.

I look forward to reading your answers.

1. I have gone on record before stating I want to be a statesman, representing the will of the people. I DO NOT want to be a politician representing what I want.

2. If the citizens respond as such, I will speak the will of the people. I have placed on my door to door handbill 4 ways to contact me as I want to make it as easy as possible for citizens of Ward 3 to relay to me how they fell on all issues. Upon election, if I research an issue and can inform Ward 3 as to why it is good or bad and they disagree, so be the voice of the people, my ego gets checked at the door upon swearing in to the office.

3. I have had very few donations to my campaign. The closest you could say was involved with city business would be the Firefighters Union. I would be hard pressed to vote against anything this city can do to improve the quality of service provided by our first responders. Many of the comments I hear while going door to door involve increasing our fire and police departments level of service.

4. While it is an attraction to downtown no entity at this time can say where expansion should occur that makes sense. When and if some authority says it should expand X, I will ask the people of Ward 3 and vote as they wish. Until then it should be left alone. Number crunching of daily or hourly riders should continue on an annual basis.

5. We haven't progressed further on getting it here some several years after berthing it out west. I have heard only 1 comment about it while campaigning and it was not a positive one.

6. There are several state and federal programs that can provide incentives for companies to settle here. We need to push those programs to the maximum extent possible. One thing I would stress is that we need to preserve our neighborhoods to make the families supporting those new places want to locate here.

7. A step has been made in the right direction with the recent passing of funding for LOWER Baring Cross. I would hope that creates a ripple effect northward. Argenta started slowly and spread, I don't see why the same couldn't happen in Baring Cross. A "tiger team" could be set up with residents and several departments within the city, settle on a charter and move toward that goal. ALL members working on the common stabilization goal. To my knowledge the city doesn't know how those people feel or what ideas they may have for the area. On a side note with the most recent census Baring Cross might even move completely into Ward 2.

I hope this answers your questions fully, if not you can always give me a call and we can chat.

steve
"because Ward 3 matters"

Communication

2010-10-11T11:13:00.000-05:00

A common statement while Team Baxter has been knocking on doors is that folks bring up issues to Alderman, however, followup never takes place. When I get elected, in addition to a personal response, I will post on the web all issues brought to my attention and where the issue is in the resolution process. Some issues require coordination between City departments and perhaps organizations outside City government. Each issue brought up will be listed with a hyperlink citizens can click on to find out further information. This will keep the list cleaner.

While we are on the subject of communication, have you noticed that several candidates for Ward 3 don't list any way to contact them? It is not a far stretch to think that the sitting Alderman should certainly have a way to contact him! You will not find an email address or phone number listed on the current Aldermans' handbill. One other candidate doesn't list any contact information as well. Looking at my handbill you will find 3 ways to contact me, phone, email and my interactive website. I WANT to hear from the citizens! When I get in office you will get a response.

I continue to go door to door in an effort to EARN your vote not just GET your vote. I hope each of you evaluate which candidate has actually made an effort to earn your vote by hard work, giving an indication of how hard they will work to represent you upon election.

As always if you would like a yard sign contact me and I will gladly provide you with one, but most important is your vote for STEVE BAXTER on November 2nd!

steve
BECAUSE WARD 3 MATTERS!

Getting After It

2010-09-19T21:08:00.000-05:00

The door to door part of the campaign is in full swing and I am having a blast! I am very tickled that many people out in the Ward remember me from my campaign in 2008. The response has been VERY positive. If I have stopped by and you like what I have to offer Ward 3 and the city, show that by requesting a yard sign to place in your yard. Bottom line is I humbly ask for your vote on November 2nd.

Steve
"Because Ward 3 matters"

Running Again in 2010

2010-09-07T21:30:00.000-05:00

Hello and welcome or welcome back to my campaign website! I am Steve Baxter a candidate for Ward 3 Alderman in 2008 and an applicant for the position vacated by the resignation of Cary Gaines in the fall of 2009.

During the application process I was asked if I would run this fall and I answered yes. I'm living up to that statement because I continue to have a strong desire to represent the citizens of Ward 3.

I have always had a desire to serve others and have done so serving in the Air Force and Air National Guard for over 31 years. I am still serving today, however nothing means service like working for an improved quality of life for your neighbors next door, down the street and in your community.

I invite you to review the videos here on my site to get an understanding of my views towards some important issues. My promise to you is that I will view things with an open mind, research the issue and represent the wishes of Ward 3 citizens.

If you would like a sign to place in your yard, make a campaign donation or volunteer your time please feel free to contact me via email, phone or post a comment here. I would appreciate your vote on November 2nd most of all!

THANKS FOR STOPPING BY!
Steve.....because Ward 3 matters!

Thanks!

2008-11-06T10:38:00.000-06:00

We ran an honest, hard work based campaign and came up short. Congratulations to Parker and Baggett for making the runoff! I would like to say THANK YOU to each and every one of you who talked me up to your friends, placed a sign in your yard, held a sign at a poll, contributed funds, visited this site, watched me on TV and of course voted for me. I have already been asked if I would do this again, in short I need to get my weight back up, sleep more and relax for a while before I consider another run. I still have a HUGE desire to serve my local community, and in just what way that happens remains to be seen. I will continue to attend all the neighborhood meetings in Ward 3. If you are not a regular attendee of one of the meetings in your neighborhood, start attending and get involved. Volunteer for projects or committee positions. It is YOUR neighborhood, do your part to make it better. We must ALL do our part..... BECAUSE WARD 3 MATTERS!

Steve

An Email from a Ward 3 citizen

2008-10-30T12:23:00.000-05:00

A door to door encounter led to the following email. This is the reason I have focused more on going door to door rather than throwing a sign out on every corner.

I would like to thank you again for personally stopping by tonight to introduce yourself and to direct me to your website.The importance of getting out and meeting with constituents is far too often underestimated. Also, I feel too many people are uninformed voters and I admire your innovative approach. I just wanted to express my support. One issue that has concerned me over the 3 years that we have lived here has been safety. My husband is in the Army National Guard. He has been away for training for the past year and half, leaving myself and my 3 year old here alone. There have been times when I have tried to contact the Levy police department substation to report disturbances around my area and no one answers the phone for hours. I also like that you see the potential for growth and investment in this area. Levy is in a wonderful location and has a lot to offer but really does have a bad rep. I think building on the attractions in Ward 3 and creating a prosperous community environment are definitely admirable and attainable goals. It is refreshing to see a candidate that seems to understand the issues in this ward; has the plan and initiative to improve it; and is accessible and accommodating to constituents concerns.

Thanks!

steve
BECAUSE WARD 3 MATTERS!

Amboy Rally

2008-10-22T19:52:00.003-05:00

I really appreciated the opportunity to speak in Amboy last Saturday. I am very excited by the response I am receiving in my door-to-door visits and look forward to representing YOUR INTERESTS in NLR City Government. BECAUSE WARD 3 MATTERS!

A chat with Steve

2008-10-04T13:16:00.000-05:00

The Answer

2008-09-28T11:45:00.003-05:00

A few people have asked me, on my door to door treks, about the scar on my head and the shape of my nose. Simply put I had a bout with nasal cancer, which I beat. It is with that same determination that I am working to be YOUR voice for Ward 3. BECAUSE WARD 3 MATTERS!

What does an Alderman do?

2008-09-19T15:30:00.003-05:00

That is one question I have been getting asked so here is a brief answer.

The City of NLR is divided into four legislative districts or wards. Each district is represented by two aldermen who are elected by their constituency to serve a four year term. In addition to representing the interests of their ward residents, together the eight aldermen and the Mayor comprise the NLR City Council, which serves as the legislative branch of government of the City of NLR. Within specified limits, the City Council has the general authority to exercise any power and perform any function pertaining to its government and affairs including, but not limited to, the power to regulate for the protection of the public health, safety, morals and welfare; to license; to tax; and to incur debt.

To me the key in that paragraph is "representing the interests of their ward residents". I want to work for you, BECAUSE WARD 3 MATTERS!

As of 1 Jan 2009 NLR has 3 Alderwomen on the City Council.

Communication and Accessibility

2008-09-14T22:20:00.005-05:00

Have you ever wondered what was going on at the next City Council meeting? Ever emailed an Alderman and have not been responded to? Ever just sat and talked to an Alderman? Had trouble getting a phone call back?

One of the things about me is I am a bit of a geek. I have embraced new technology over the years and the communication possibilities it presents. Okay, so I am not a very fast texter but I do text! I love email and cell phones and the way this technology allows us to communicate. If you notice on the right of the blog I list many ways to contact me and urge citizens to use the method they are most comfortable with. Upon election I will use this website as a means to communicate with Ward 3, informing you about what is going on in our City.

There are many websites that publish the City Council agenda and I too will provide that information. So, basically you can come here and see what is going on and just look to the right for your choice of a way to contact me concerning a particular item. I applaud the City for now allowing citizen comment early in the Council meetings for legislation that will be introduced during the meeting. While this is an improved process, it isn't something everyone is willing or able to do. I will respond to all means of communication as your Alderman and be a voice for Ward 3. BECAUSE WARD 3 MATTERS!

Introducing Steve Baxter....

2008-08-22T13:33:00.001-05:00

Hello, and welcome to my website. I am the candidate of choice for NLR Ward 3 Alderman. You are now asking yourself why. BECAUSE WARD 3 MATTERS!

A little bio information on me...

I was born and raised here in NLR graduating from NLR Ole Main in 1978 having lived in Ward 3 until entry into the United States Air Force. I served my country proudly for almost 10 years before being early released in a reduction in force program by the Air Force. There was only one place to go back to in my mind and that was here in NLR. When it came time to purchase a home I looked only in Ward 3 because to me it firmly planted my roots in the area I knew growing up.Once I returned I began watching the NLR City Council meetings and watched closely as I wanted to know what was happening in my community. It was during this time that I got an inkling that I would someday like to serve my community as an Alderman. I had served my country and was serving my state as a member of the Air National Guard and reasoned that the next step was to take that desire to serve to the most direct level, locally. I am currently employed as an avionics technician with the Arkansas Air National Guard. I am married to the former Susan Marsh of Denver, Colorado and have two adult sons.

What issues am I most concerned with...

First and foremost is the public safety of citizens. The city MUST take care of the folks who serve us in that capacity. While recent raises were a step in the right direction we must continue to take steps to make NLR THE city of choice for those who wish to pursue this type of service to others.

I am also concerned about the streets and drainage issues that are down the city expenditure list. Ward money for this infrastructure has been drastically reduced and should be at least taken back to the level it was previously to answer this citizen concern. Some of the older streets in Ward 3 are still without curbs or adequate drainage and this is 2008. I am well aware that this is primarily a budget issue and must be addressed in that manner prior to taking any action planning.

Additionally we face a challenge with our youth. While there are many groups that provide an athletic outlet for our youth we must as a community get youth involved in other positive activities as well. Idle bodies and minds create activities that aren't wholesome. While there are a few options out there, we must ensure that we do not short change them, and work towards developing them into responsible NLR citizens.

Other issues are out there too, such as swift passage of important items through City Council meetings, city department staffing, neighborhood associations partnering with the city and responsible spending of the tax payers' dollar.

These are issues that directly affect Ward 3, and as a Ward 3 resident, as a concerned citizen, and as your neighbor, I am asking for your support... BECAUSE WARD 3 MATTERS!

Thanks for visiting my site, and if you have any questions, would like to volunteer on my behalf or contribute to my campaign please contact me.