It has been a privilege to serve Ward 1 for the past four years. It has been a great learning experience for me and my family. It is truly mind-blowing the amount of planning and teamwork it takes for a city to grow and function properly. I used to think that the city ran on its own. We had a police department, fire department and people who plowed snow.
When I started, like everyone else, I decided I wanted to help Newton turn the page on the past and move forward. Many of our accomplishments the past four years were due to citizen input. Specifically speaking, we have improved our nuisance control, started an aggressive D&D program, and also made infrastructure improvements. I have had the pleasure of working with six different council members over the last four years and with two mayors. I feel that Newton is on the right course to continue to grow in a positive way. The current council has honored the past but continues to be forward thinking to prepare us for future development.
Housing starts, street improvements, commercial D&D and an aggressive approach to commercial development is something that we have strived to accomplish. We have just shy of 10 housing starts as I type this, more than we have had in years. With new homes we attract new families, growing the community. Multiple street improvements have been made over the past two summers and more have been slated for 2016 and beyond. With the Buxton Study we now have the ammunition we need to help guide businesses to this community. I am excited to see what our future holds.
Nov. 3 is a very important date. This is your chance to have a say in the future of Newton. Make sure you research your candidates for all positions and go to the polls. City elections directly affect your everyday life more than any other election. These individuals are your voice and this is your chance to make the biggest difference.
I want to thank the citizens of Newton for your support as I prepare to turn my position over to the next qualified candidate. It has been a pleasure serving you and our community. I want to thank my fellow council members and the mayor for all of the time and effort they have put in to make our community a better place to live. Lastly, I want to thank every single employee of Newton for working hard every day to take my community to the next level and for helping make it a great place to raise my family.
Jeff Price is the outgoing
Ward 1 City Council member.