Affordability, safety and desirability are very important issues for Hammond residents. These issues have been neglected during the last four years.

Meanwhile, the city has been managed into its biggest debt ever. Because of this, good people are leaving or are forced to leave their homes and this city in record numbers. Yet casino revenues are pouring in at a record pace.

I am running for mayor in Hammond because affordability, safety and desirability are more than quality of life issues.

They are fundamental elements to the stability and growth of any city. They are my right priorities.

As mayor, I will immediately stop all unnecessary projects and spending.

Then the city must make cuts to its budget and it must efficiently operate the existing departments. We must put properties back on the tax rolls, tax-increment financing districts need to be retired, and tax abatements need to be restructured. Available casino revenues will be used as a direct tax relief to Hammond property owners until the state can implement a permanent solution.

During the last two years, a Hammond resident has a better chance of being a victim of crime than a resident of Gary. I will put more police on the street because professionals know that is the most effective method in dealing with serious crime problems. The $35 million the current mayor spent on River Park Apartments did not reduce crime and improve education as promised. Meanwhile, the property is assessed at only about $1.4 million and not paying any property tax.

I will keep the 118-year-old Hammond Health Department. It services young and old, rich and poor, and costs the taxpayers only pennies on the tax dollar. It is a cheap insurance policy to protect the health and welfare of Hammond residents.

It will cost money to move the health department, and that just doesn't make sense.

The Good Government Initiative study identified other redundant Hammond services that will save tens and hundreds of dollars to Hammond taxpayers' bill.

After a year of many floods and tremendous property loss, the city finally admitted there was a sewer problem. A temporary "re-election patch" has been recommended because the city is broke and can't afford the more expensive permanent repair. I will give priority to the Sanitary District for that permanent repair.

I am a homeowner, a lifelong resident of Hammond, a product of Hammond schools and a retired manufacturing manager. I will provide you the kind of mature leadership and proven experience that you as Hammond residents want and demand.

There is no substitute for maturity and experience. There is no hope for the future without change. I am asking for your vote on Nov 6.