Cape Girardeau Ward 1: Joseph Uzoaru

__Name:__ Joseph Uzoaru

__Date of Birth:__ 34

__Place of Birth:__ Memphis, TN

__Spouse, children's names:__

Wife (of 11yrs): Darcy (Rigdon) Uzoaru, Daughter (3yrs old): Jadie Uzoaru, Son (EXPECTED TODAY! 4/3/14)

__Occupation:__ Real Estate Property Management

__Employer:__ President: Ike Enterprises

__Business owned, all or part:__ Athena Property Group

APG Limited, Ike Enterprises

__Previous offices held or sought:__ None.

__What are the most important improvements in city services needed in Ward 1?:__

Ward 1 is not in need of substantial improvement however, there is ongoing road maintenance needed. The most important improvement in city services facing Ward 1 is an increase in minimum property maintenance, nuisance abatement, and condemnation enforcement. Our older neighborhoods cannot be forgotten about when holding property owners accountable for the care of their buildings in our city.

__One of the biggest challenges facing Cape Girardeau is its outdated police station. How should the city adress this need, and how would you propose to pay for it?:__

The city of Cape Girardeau must give the Police Department the resources required to maintain a safe community for our citizens. Before it can be proposed how a police station can be paid for, it is imperative that we define exactly what the needs of the department are. The passage of the Use Tax would provide revenue for a portion of the construction cost, however other revenue sources are going to be required.

__What do you feel is the biggest issue facing the city as a whole, and how should it be addressed?:__

Public safety is currently the biggest issue facing Cape Girardeau. Our city has experienced growth much faster than the resources provided to our staff have increased. A new police station is only one of the many resources required to keep our community safe. As an employer, I strongly believe we must ensure that we hire, train, and retain the best possible employees to operate at the highest productivity for our community's benefit.

__The city faces several sunsetting taxes in the next few years. Do you feel they should be extended, and do you see opportunities for tax reductions in some areas in the future?:__

Although we have several sunsetting taxes in our future, these taxes provide revenue for essential ongoing improvements much needed in the city. Before revenue can be decreased it is mandatory that our city employees be given the resources to provide the services our citizens expect. Our city leaders must ensure that these taxes are spent responsibly and that the proposed projects are ones that benefit the entire community.