Hi, I am Marshall
Originally from St. Louis, Mo... I moved to the Southern Tier in 2005. About 17 years ago, in 2007, I moved to and fell in love with The Village of Wellsville where I helped to start the Wellsville Creative Arts Center.
I have a beautiful family of 4 children... Jaida, Jaxson, Samuel and Josephine with the youngest being 8. I own a home in the village and in the past year (with an investment partner) we have purchased 3 commercial properties on Main Street, resulting in the development of 5 new businesses and multiple apartments for rent.
I am a ceramic artist and about 5 years ago I started a successful wedding DJ business. Over the years living in Wellsville, I have worked diligently to help create affordable family focused events and have been involved in raising thousands of dollars for our community and those in need.
Below, you will find the key elements in which is the foundation of my campaign to become your mayor. If you see me around the village, please feel free to say hi! I would love to hear your ideas on how we can all work together to make our home a more thriving and prosperous place for our families, future families and businesses.
BRING FREE SPEECH BACK
This past year, Mayor Randy Shalyer put forward and passed a motion preventing us (the citizens) from speaking at open meetings. I believe free speech at public meetings should be a fundamental right for us all, regardless of your political views or who you know... Yes, even if it something our elected officials do not want to hear.
I will work to immediately change this current policy and once again reinstate our long history of citizens (you) being able to address our elected village board at public meetings.
Family BASED COMMUNITY
Wellsville is an incredible community for our children to grow up in... However, I feel we have so much potential to not only retain our rich history of a quant small community, but to also actively develop both infrastructure and opportunities for our families and youth to be better engaged.
Maybe a Splash pad, skate park, mountain bike trails, family festivals, updated engaging park activities/playground, etc...
STOP
EMINENT
DOMAIN
No, I did not support the storage sheds located on the disputed parking lot just off Main Street; But more importantly, I do not feel the Village should pursue eminent domain to take the lot from Mr. Otero or any resident owned property except in extreme cases.
This is bigger than sheds, this is about a municipality deciding it wants something and taking it.
I would propose a policy that all eminent domain cases would first have to pass a unanimous board vote then require a community vote with over 50% of residents in favor of the proposal.
GOVERNMENT TRANSPARENCY
I, like many other people, feel our current mayor is less than transparent. For example, he will not disclose how much tax payer dollars have been spent on attorney fees, beyond the established retainer, for the eminent domain case. As mayor, I would ensure all budget and all tax payer funds spent will be accessible for review to village residents via online access. Furthermore, official village policies will also be available via the internet. I will also ensure bi-annual addresses to the community on the State of the Village along with live streaming of all village open meetings.
This is about all of us being aware of our government workings... not just a select few.
CITIZENS REVIEW BOARD
I will move to develop a citizen complaint review board. This will consist of residents who will be tasked with reviewing all unresolved complaints against the village and it's employees.
If the review board disagrees with an existing outcome, they will report directly to the village board with alternative recommendations. These final recommendations will be made public to the community (where the law allows). In the case of potential criminal issues, the review board can require an investigation from a outside agency if it warrants such a need.
This is purely for accountability as I do not feel the board or police department can investigate itself with out bias.
My Promise to You
1. I will work diligently to enhance both the economic value and quality of life value of the Village, its residents, employees and visitors.
2. I will work to make our local government transparent and accountable... fully understanding that we as public servants are accountable not only to ourselves but more importantly to the people.
3. Lastly, I will ensure everyone has a voice... whether you are at the top of the economic ladder or working to climb your way up, your voice will matter.
