RON HUMPHREY
1. What are your top priorities if elected into office and how do you plan to address them?
I want the citizens of New Boston to feel safe and secure. I will ensure our police and fire departments have the resources needed to protect and serve our community. I want the infrastructure of our city to meet current and projected needs. I will encourage our public works department to maintain our streets and water and sewer systems. I want New Boston to be a place that is attractive for businesses and families seeking a place to live and raise their families. The cleanliness of downtown and our neighborhoods is important to me and something I feel the citizens deserve and expect from their community leaders. It is also my desire to work with our city departments to make sure we are easy to do business with.
2. What do you plan to do to serve
the people of New Boston and make sure their voices are heard?
I spent the last 24 years of my 37-year US Postal Service career as a customer service manager and postmaster. Addressing concerns of those in my service area was a large part of my job. Some concerns can be dealt with quickly, some take time, and some are outside the legal authority of a mayor to address. I will address the citizens’ concerns with respect and courtesy. At every council meeting, there is a time for citizens to address concerns for both agenda and non-agenda items. I encourage citizens to attend meetings and express their feelings about city policies and procedures. I will encourage open communication by telephone, email, and in-person office visits.
3. What is the biggest challenge the COVID-19 pandemic has brought to New Boston and how do you plan to address it?
The COVID-19 pandemic has hit our economy in ways we never would have imagined months ago. Some businesses have closed and some have curtailed services. We do have to abide by state and county guidelines and I would like to pro
vide positive input into those discussions. I would encourage people to act wisely, and address any concerns of our citizens.
4. What are your thoughts about the city’s finances and what program(s) would you like to see added or done away with?
New Boston has one of the largest reserve funds of any city in our region, including many larger municipalities. With that said, financial stewardship is always required for all expenditures. The money has come from the citizens in the form of taxes, fees, and service charges.
The mayor, council, and administration need to evaluate each project with that in mind.
5. Under what circumstances, if any, would you consider raising taxes?
With the current strong financial condition of our city, I do not anticipate the need for any tax increase to the citizens of New Boston. A tax increase should always be a last resort. Our city is well positioned for the future and as long as we are good stewards of our finances, a tax increase will not be needed.