City must put neighborhoods first
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the norm, not the exception, at city hall. Accountability and results should be the goal.

Nowhere is there more room for improvement than in the area of infrastructure and upkeep of our neighborhoods. Streets, curbing and sidewalks crumble throughout our city. Despite a series of public hearings and the approval of funding for an infrastructure program, the administration has refused to implement a plan to address these problems. Instead funds have been diverted to the corporate fund while middle management and political hires are protected at the expense of the upkeep and preservation of our neighborhoods. It is time for an infrastructure plan for each and every neighborhood in our city.

Promoting safe and livable neighborhoods is not just about spending priorities. It is also about a commitment from city government that puts accountability and results first. The city must begin aggressively pursuing solutions as opposed to avoiding the problems and accepting the status quo. With this approach, our neighborhoods will remain strong for decades to come. Without this approach, many neighborhoods will decline and others will soon follow.

Mark Mahoney has been a member of the Springfield City Council since 2003, representing Ward 6. The area covers much of the city from Capitol Street to Stevenson and 9th Street to MacArthur Blvd.