Professionalism & Service
Erie City employees must be empowered to use their knowledge to improve Erie. This will require a top-down shift of attitude about Erie. We must review procedures and make improvements as needed. And, our staff, and elected and appointed officials, should participate in trainings to further educate – and connect - these leaders.
Efficiencies from Technology
Employ state-of the art technological efficacies to running the city. For instance, allow parking tickets to be paid on line, and introduce digital payment options for parking meters. Rather than using hand-written time cards, use a digital reader for more efficient and accurate time keeping. Consider installing equipment on the underside of police cars that can provide data to public works for roadway clearing and repairs. Use smart signals to protect bike-riders and pedestrians, reduce traffic stops, cut gas costs, cut emissions and travel times.
Efficiencies from Streamlining
Investigate the streamlining of municipal departments to allow effective orchestration between the maintenance and care of streets, street trees, sidewalks, and private property. Partnering with adjacent municipalities is another way to reduce costs.
Transparency
Rather than the current somewhat closed circle appointment process, bring greater transparency and inclusivity to appointments and hiring. Review contracts to consider lower cost options – especially supporting local vendors. Improve and expand on both internal and external communications to promote dialogue, transparency and improvements to service.
In addition, as other cities have done, Erie can bring a community engagement feature to the budgeting process allowing residents to comment on the discretionary portions of the budget. As mayor, I would work to ensure that City Council is well informed prior to any call for a vote, to allow this legislative body to fully consider and vet all proposals.
