Cape Girardeau Ward 1: Teresa Robinson

__Name:__ Teresa Robinson

__Place of Birth:__ Cape Girardeau

__Spouse, children's names:__ Married 28 years to Thomas. Two sons and daughter in laws:

Thomas and Rachel, Corey and Hannah

__Occupation:__ Office Manager, Tax Professional

__Employer:__ H & R Block Tax

__Business owned, all or part:__ none

__Previous offices held or sought:__ Previous candidate for Ward 1 City Council

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

I still believe that there is a need for sidewalks in the neighborhoods of Ward 1. I have seen parents trying to push a child in a stroller in the grass along side a busy road. School children going to and from buses also have to walk along busy roads. For safety and community, this should be seriously considered.

__One of the biggest challenges facing Cape Girardeau is its outdated police station.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?__

There has been a need for updates to the police station for some time.I am not currently informed enough in city budget details to make a proposal for how to pay for it. If elected, I would look at what can be done with the least impact on the citizens wallet.

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

I am not aware of any one big issue facing the city as a whole. Road maintenance and crime rates are areas that should be monitored. I would like to see a clear vision of where city leaders want Cape Girardeau to be in 10 years and what can be done to achieve it. A public long term plan that can be followed by everyone.

__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?__

Taxes that are already being paid can continue with out feeling the impact and should be extended if there is an immediate need that fits the purpose of the tax. I do not believe they should just be extended across the board. Tax reductions can positively impact the local economy. Voters would be more likely to vote a tax increase for a purpose, if it can be shown that they will be reduced later.