What are your thoughts on annexation and TIF districts?
There are considerations we must look at before making a decision on when and where to use TIF districting to the city’s advantage. TIF districts can be very beneficial to the city by increasing infrastructure funding which may not have been available before, spurring on new economic growth. Annexation works best when it benefits both the new residents and the city. There are many factors that we need to look at before annexing. Neighborhoods that would require major investments of city money would not work for the city. Higher property taxes, sewer bills, etc. may not be beneficial to newly annexed residents.
Do you think the city needs to pursue solar energy? Why or why not?
Solar energy has become more mainstream and much more efficient over the past decade. We should discuss with other communities and discover what the pros and cons of solar energy are. If it is practical and comes with a cost savings, then we should make the move to solar energy.
What do you think the city needs to do to improve public safety?
As someone who has walked or rode a bicycle throughout the city, I feel that Seymour is a pretty safe community. Crime and drugs will always be a concern, and as times change, the city needs to ensure that our current and future police department will have the funding, education and tools they need to be more proactive on safety concerns instead of reactive.
Are there any infrastructure (road/sewer) projects you think the city needs to pursue?
I would love to see every road in the city smooth and our storm sewers perform perfectly. My neighborhood, for example, has flooded enough that my children have ridden kayaks down the street. As much fun as it was for the kids, the residents who could not get to their homes were less amused. However, with the budget constraints we have, projects need to be prioritized to see what the city can handle financially.
What improvements do you think need to be made to our parks?
Being a member of the Crossroads Community Trails committee, I personally would love to see people trails that connect our city parks. Our parks are well used, but some improvements need to be made. The most urgent and costly will be the Shields Park Pool, which is going to need major work. There have been several proposals that the city will have to weigh to see what will give the city the best value for the money and what will be used by the most residents.
Do you think any changes need to be made to the public transportation system?
It all comes down to budget and residential needs. Increasing the number of people who use the public transportation system would allow us to extend the hours and routes. Teaming up with organizations and companies to work out a more comprehensive schedule and changing how and where passes can be purchased are a couple of ways we can do this. If the rider numbers and the need for extended hours and routes grows, the city will have to review the budget and see if it’s feasible to add the hours and routes.
What ways do you feel the city should increase revenue and/or cut expenses?
Revenue and expenses are items that must be prioritized. Raising taxes on residents for wasteful projects only hurts the city in the long run. Raising expenses on underutilized services, etc. does not make financial sense, either, while cutting expenses on projects that are of use to residents is shortsighted.
[sc:pullout-title pullout-title=”Matthew Wheeler” ][sc:pullout-text-begin]
Name: Matthew Wheeler
Age: 45
Party: Republican
Occupation: Graphic design and sales at The Engraver of Seymour
Education: Graduated from Seymour High School in 1992, attended Indiana University Southeast
Previous government offices held: None
Community affiliations: Member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Crossroads Community Trails committee member, board member of the Seymour Multisport Club
Family: My wife, Amanda, and I have two children. Abigail, 20, currently attends Ball State University, and Sam, 15, is a sophomore at Seymour High School.
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