I consider Lubbock, Texas to be a great place to live and work. A diverse economic base, two major universities, two major health care facilities, hardworking people, great restaurants, collegiate athletic teams, and yes, even the weather are some of the things that make this city my place of choice. Although I would not want to live anywhere else, I have made no secret that I want the elected officials and management of this city to TAKE CARE OF WHAT WE HAVE. My desire is to see a city budget adequate to maintain the infrastructure we have built and have a funding source to pay for the maintenance on a pay (cash) as we go basis. I understand the concept of issuing bonds to build new infrastructure, but not to maintain it.

Not to maintain infrastructure on a timely basis creates a situation where we lose ground each year. Because Lubbock has experienced steady growth we have built more infrastructures that need to be maintained.

In my opinion, the maintenance issue is critical for cities if they are to maintain their viability, and all areas of the city must be maintained equally. If the roof of a house has a hole in it the roof must be repaired for the house to maintain its viability. And so it is for the building blocks of cities, its neighborhoods! My observation is three major factors are detrimental to the integrity of neighborhoods: 1. Neglect of infrastructure by the governing entity, 2. Neglect of private property by property owners, and 3. Perception of safety and crime in neighborhoods. It seems the first neglect leads to the other.

The basis of my conclusion is 49 years of observing the changes along the 34th street corridor. This observation has shaped my opinions of city government. I understand the need for growth, but I also understand and witnessed the need to TAKE CARE OF WHAT WE HAVE!

Maurice Stanley