In search of six votes

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On the expense side of the formula, neighborhood revitalization will greatly reduce time, energy, and resources being spent on the draining effect of blight. The revelation of over $2 million of uncollected fines and fees owed to the city is a tragic example of how the older neighborhoods are being overlooked. The majority of these violations have occurred in the older neighborhoods, and by not enforcing financial penalties the problems are not addressed and they multiply. The older neighborhoods slip further into blight and create additional stress on the city’s budget.

When candidates talk about generating more income, they need to talk about revitalizing older neighborhoods. When they talk about reducing expenses, they need to talk about revitalizing older neighborhoods. When they analyze the effect of tourism and health services on the economy of Springfield, they need to identify where you find the majority of the facilities and personnel associated with those two driving economic engines: the older neighborhoods!

ICON wants to know, is there a mayor and city council in our future who will set their priorities by looking first to the older neighborhoods? Will we continue to allow our city to expand at the outer edges while neglecting the core neighborhoods, or will the next administration make revitalization of the heart of our city a priority?

Steve Combs, president of the Enos Park Neighborhood Improvement Association, is chairman of Inner City Older Neighborhoods.