TERRY LEE ON THE ISSUES:
	EVENT CENTER: While I have always said, and still believe, that a commissioner should vote what he or she perceives the public's will to be, since the last election I have received overwhelming feedback from the public that they do NOT want a special events center, so unless positive financial projections and economic development issues would indicate otherwise, that is where my stand would be at this point in time. As with any issue, I am always willing to look at both sides of the situation. My personal belief is that there are many things we need more than a special event center. The county needs a new jail and our streets are in poor shape. These are things that need our attention before we start building a special event center. TAXES: It is obvious that the citizens have spoken numerous times towards the city being more fiscally responsible. I, personally, do not believe in tax abatements. I believe that any tax abatement for a huge corporation should only be allowed with a public vote. We have to do something about our high mill levy and tax rate.  I would prefer sales taxes over property taxes. I also believe we should work harder on attracting new business to Dodge City. We cannot rely solely upon the meat packing industry. I believe we should explore the possibility of hiring a professional promoter for this cause. I would also like to see better communication between the four taxing entities: The city, county, USD#443 and DCCC. These entities need to work together to prioritize what is most important. We need to separate our wants from our needs. My personal opinion is that a new jail for the county and better streets for the city should come first. PUBLIC SAFETY: Since our new Police Chief has taken office, morale is at a record high at the department. They are fully-staffed for the first time in many years. But, our Police Officers and Fire Fighters have not been given the appropriate pay raise they were promised two years ago, and that must be corrected. We must retain our good quality of officers to keep our community safe. We do not want to see mass departures as in the past. This is imperative in order to get control of the gangs, drugs, vandalism and theft. THE RACEWAY: There is no way a project that loses money every year at taxpayers expense can be called "economic development". But since it has already been built, what we now need to do is to explore ways of making it more profitable. Putting dirt on asphalt seems to adhere to the wishes of the public, but ripping up asphalt is in conflict with common sense. The dirt should merely cover the asphalt. It is also obvious that we need to make the racetrack's financial situation more profitable. The new promoter should have had an accountability clause in his contract.   TOURISM: I believe that we should strengthen our local economy by capitalizing on our western heritage. I am interested in boosting Boothill and other attractions that promote our western heritage. Boothill is what Dodge City is known for. STREETS: West Wyatt Earp is scheduled to be repaved for $8 million.  North 14th is scheduled to be repaved for $5 million.  In addition to this $13 million, we have numerous streets in ALL AREAS of Dodge City that need to be repaved.  Where is this additional money going to come from?  A good place to start is with the repeal of the one percent sales tax. Please feel free to send me an Email at anytime. My Email address is: commissionerterrylee@yahoo.com