Scales shouldn’t quit Meadows TIF project

After reading the [June 16] article about City-County Council member Christine Scales, I am compelled to share my thoughts as a fellow local elected official and someone who was mentioned in the story.

As public servants, it is our job to serve the public, not pick unnecessary fights. We work best when we work together across the aisle to find the best solutions for our city and its residents.

That doesn’t mean that we won’t disagree. It means that when we disagree, we must do so respectfully.

The story specifically mentioned the ongoing conversation about a new tax-increment financing district for the Meadows area. I was disappointed to learn in the article that Scales has “washed her hands” of this important project.

Republicans and Democrats have been working for months with stakeholders and community leaders in the Meadows area to figure out the best way to build support to bring a grocery store and other necessary amenities to the underserved area.

We have to put forth a proposal that fits within the community and is financially responsible. As an at-large council member, it’s especially important to me that we consider the bigger fiscal picture as well as the needs of the neighborhood.

I have faith, because of the diligent work done by those who chose to stay at the table and work through their differences, that we will come up with a bipartisan plan in the coming months that will improve the Meadows for those who call that part of town home while answering broader financial questions about TIF that have been raised over the past few years.
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Pamela L. Hickman, City-County Council at large