SPRINGFIELD-GREENE COUNTY LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS
POSITIONS 2000-2001
(Long form)
1. The City Charter or local ordinances should be changed to define and regulate political action committees.
2 There should be a local ethics-election commission to oversee municipal election procedures.
The Campaign Finance Study was approved as a position at the 1996 Annual Meeting. Study Co-Chairs were Mary Pilant and Ing Stevenson.
EDUCATION (1969, 1971; updated 1979)
1. Support of measures to produce quality education and adequate schools for all children in the R-12 School District.
In 1971 the League agreed that R-12 schools would be improved by meeting AAA and North Central standards in guidance counseling and libraries on both the elementary and the secondary levels; by putting more emphasis on the improvement of teaching and attaining a wider geographical representation of faculty; by encouraging greater citizen participation, using citizen’s advisory committees, and publishing Board of Education agendas; decentralizing the schools by giving individual schools and principals more freedom in meeting the needs of their students; increasing the use of school buildings by community groups; reviewing transportation policies due to concerns over the three and one half mile limit, overcrowding, and poor discipline on the buses; and by the equalization of cost.
The League was in agreement, that to prepare the student for a vocation and responsible citizenship, a quality education should emphasize the process of learning; the encouragement of creativity and aesthetic appreciation; the emphasis on self discipline allowing the student to develop a set of values; the emphasis on developing responsibility and a concern for others. Quality education should be a process that treats children worth respect and promotes a positive self image.
A 1976 study consensus supported improved training for school bus drivers, enforcement of safety laws, and stronger discipline on school buses.
2. Support early childhood education as a priority of our local school system, ensuring financial support toward program implementation and certification of qualified personnel. (1990)
Early childhood education, helping children achieve successful transition toward school readiness, should be a priority of our local school system and should be financially supported to ensure implementation. Planning an early childhood education program should include coordination of private and public agencies, and the various disciplines associated with child development. Parent involvement and training should be emphasized. Use of financial incentives for educational programs should be considered to assist certification and recruitment of early childhood education personnel.
3. Support of public educational TV Station. (1974)
This position was adopted by the 1974 Annual Meeting after the recommendation was presented for consensus. It was felt that a formal study was not necessary since the subject had been in the public eye for many years, with much public discussion.
4. Support of improved training for school bus drivers, enforcement of safety laws, and stronger discipline on school buses. (1976)
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
AIR
1. Support of effective air pollution controls including the elimination of open trash burning. (1968)
SOLID WASTE
2. Support of a solid waste management system that would control pollution and provide an efficient, economical, and adequate service to all residents. (1971)
In the 1971 study on which this support position is based, the members made the following recommendations: There should be mandatory, once a week, collection by private haulers under contract with city; the city should be zoned into districts; the cost of collection should be in proportion to the amount of trash collected; the fee schedule should be revised and out of town trash not allowed; there should be stricter regulations regarding the use of landfill and regarding covering of private haulers’ trucks, mandatory household trash collection and the enforcement of the burning ordinance.
3. Support a voluntary materials recovery program which includes composting. (1971, 1989)
4. Support efforts towards pre-cycling. (added 1993 General Meeting)
In 1989, the consensus supported composting, with a request for more “drop-off sites. In this study the League continued to support the materials recovery program. In 1989, deleted wording “efforts toward recycling” wording redundant.
In an election (Feb. 5, 1991), the voters approved a materials recovery program. (A six point plan.) In 1994 the Materials Recovery Facility program plan was abandoned. (The city was not able to guarantee flow control due to independent haulers’ ability to take trash other places). Residents near the proposed site for the facility caused many delays over several years prior to this finding. The program’s other five components are being addressed.
In 1993 the League members at the annual meeting voted to add pre-cycling.
WATER (Studied 1968, 1991; revised 1989, 1999, 2000)
5. Support water conservation and recommendation to City Utilities to continue and expand the educational program on water conservation, preservation and protection. (In 1989, the words “preservation” and “protection” were added to support this position; in 1991 and 2000 the League reaffirmed its position on water conservation.)
In the 1968 study on water, the League added the position, “Support of fluoridation of the water supply”; position deleted 2000.
In a 1991 study, this position was added: “Support for Stockton Lake as the best choice for a future source of water for Springfield”; deleted 2000 since it had been accomplished.
HAZARDOUS WASTE
6. Support of payment of cleanup and removal cost by those who are responsible for leaks and spills of petroleum and hazardous materials in Springfield and Greene county.
The consensus on groundwater pollution by petroleum and hazardous materials was taken in February 1979. Action to insure payment of cleanup cost should include punitive measures for non-payment. Fines and interest accrued should be placed in escrow during the appeal process. The city and county should require notification to proper officials prior to shipment of hazardous materials.
7. Support of the regulation of all pipelines carrying hazardous materials in the Springfield area.
Owners of wells should be informed of the necessity of regular testing because of the danger of the contamination of the underground water with hazardous materials, and the proper officials should be notified. (1979 consensus cited above)
8. Support of the use of less polluting materials as gravel, instead of sodium and calcium chlorides, by the city and state on icy streets and highways.
Both the City Council and the public should be educated as to the possible contamination of water by sodium and calcium chlorides. (1979 consensus)
SEWERS
9. Support of the replacement of septic tanks with alternative waste treatment systems including sewers; banning of septic tanks on lots of less than three acres in a development; and use of new alternative treatment systems in parks and recreation areas, where possible.
This position is based on the alternative Waste Systems consensus, taken in 1979. League members felt that the public education and legislation were needed to compel developers and the city to use waste treatment systems other than septic tanks.
10. Support use of alternative waste treatment systems, as opposed to septic tanks, in the incorporated areas of Greene County; the adoption of strict rules and regulations for installation and maintenance; and of legislation to alter basis of sewer costs for owners of three acres or more, or to defer them until land is subdivided.
In the 1983 study, the members reached the agreement that there should be strict rules and regulations for the installation and maintenance of waste treatment systems within Greene County. The League supports the use of alternative waste treatment systems as opposed to septic tanks in the unincorporated areas of Greene County with standards for all new construction, and city and county enforcement of regulations. The League supports legislation to alter sewer cost to large landowners (3 acres or more) for sewers or trunk lines that cross their land. Square footage as a basis of cost should be changed, possibly to linear; or to deferment of cost until the land is subdivided.
11. Support of measure for solid waste disposal that will protect the ground water supply, provide for a clean environment and encourage conservation of our natural resources.
The study of waste, in February 1984, attempted to update members about our waste problem, since the 1971 study. This study was conducted before Springfield’s present landfill was opened. Leachate from the previous landfill is polluting streams and rivers. Problems of pollution should be the prime consideration in any landfill operation. The consensus was that the city should continue to pursue the concept of waste to energy. There was also renewed support for the League’s recycling position. In 1991, the League struck the words “through a waste to energy system”.
TRANSPORTATION
12. Support of the concept of Amtrak service through Springfield (1975)
13. Support of improved and more effective public transportation for Springfield with emphasis on rerouting, safety, convenience and future needs. (1975)
In this position from a 1975 study, specific suggestions regarding the transportation system included: the use of a grid system with elimination of routing all buses to the Square, and the addition of other transfer points; the use of more convenient closed headways, during peak period; shelters at transfer points; clearly marked bus stops; safe waiting areas; the stimulation of demand, with better advertisement of trial extension routes and longer trail periods; provisions for parking lots and bicycle racks at the end of the bus lines; special express buses to large employment centers; the implementation of “dial-a-ride” seven days a week for areas not served regularly.
FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY
1. Support of more detailed breakdown of county budgets for general revenue and the road and bridge fund. (1972)
2. Support bonds as part of the city’s financial structure. (1989)
The League should study bond issues, disseminate information, and after careful study, recommend its position. The League should help provide more citizen participation and grass roots involvement in bond proposals.
3. Support of increased revenue for the city’s operating fund. (1989)
In March 1989, members studied the revenue sources of the city which included sales tax, licenses and fees, fines, charges, and intergovernmental transfers. All members agreed that additional funds were needed. Sources of additional revenue discussed were an earnings tax, and increase in property tax, and increase in the cigarette tax, a soft drink tax, auto stickers, and increase in the Cable Television franchise tax, and a local gasoline tax. Members did not favor increasing City Utilities payment in lieu of taxes or taking their reserves. A further study should be undertaken by members when a specific tax proposal is made.
HEALTH AND BASIC HUMAN NEEDS
1. Support of health services especially for the poor and disadvantaged with focus on information and referral, and restructuring guidelines for city/county health services. (1978)
2. Support of services for the mentally ill by improving available housing; making counseling service widely available; improving outpatient case management, such as special employment assistance, job training, and/or supervised employment. (1987)
3. Support the position of Homeless Service Coordinator, in reaffirming the League’s support for health care services for the poor and disadvantaged. (1987)
In particular, the League supports policies and programs designated to prevent or reduce poverty and increase access to health insurance. (1987 study).
4. Support of requiring pre-screening for all individuals who apply for state assisted (Medicaid) nursing home care in Missouri. (1983-84)
5. Support of more emphasis on home health care and homemaker services as an alternative to institutional care for the elderly.
In the 1983-84 study on Care for the Elderly, the subject was broad and unwieldy. It was narrowed to health care. The committee found that the item involved state and national legislation to a great extent. Through the study, League members learned much about availability and cost of health care for the elderly.
LAW ENFORCEMENT (1995)
1. Support a regional area jail. (Revised 2000). Earlier position read: Supports a centralized Greene County Jail serving the needs of the City and the County.
2. Support an equitably funded county-wide communication system which allows emergency responders to communicate directly between agencies.
3. Support additional personnel, technology and equipment for law enforcement to meet the public safety needs of the City and the County. The Law Enforcement Study was approved as a position at the 1995 Annual meeting. Deborah Biggs, Chair.
4. Support of legislation for uniform minimum standards for adult correctional facilities and efforts to improve physical conditions and prisoner morale. This position resulted from a 1978-79 study of Adult Corrections. The League members felt that the present Greene County jail facilities were not adequate. Also, that the administration of the jail should be divorced from politics. Improvement for existing facilities should include use of exercise yards, adequate ventilation systems, separate sleeping facilities, adequate visitor facilities, and indoor exercise yard, library facilities, and vocational and educational programs. The work release program should be encouraged and supported. Suggestions for minimum standards for facilities in Missouri include the segregation of juveniles and less crowding. There should be state enforcement of legislated standards. No consensus reached on the question of regional jail facility for the area. Adult Corrections category was eliminated and this position moved to the Law Enforcement category in 2000.
1. Support of cooperation between local governmental units. (1970)
Following a 1970 study, members concluded that areas of satisfactory cooperation could include tax assessment and collection, health, civil defense, and the library district. Improved cooperation was needed in fire and police, protection, streets and centralized purchasing. It was suggested that the possibility of a metro form of government be investigated.
2. Support of Council/Manager form of government. (1955, 1971)
A clarification was made in 2001: City Council is comprised of mayor, four zone and four general council members.
3. Support of Home Rule for Greene County preferably embodying an elected partisan legislature and executive. (1972, 1976, 1989)
Home Rule was studied in 1972 and 1976. In 1980, Greene County voters turned down the charter prepared by the Greene County Charter Commission.
In 1989, the League again agreed that it should support the concept of a Charter Government for Greene County.
4. Support of City Charter changes that would specifically give City Council the power to remove CU Board members by a specific procedure. (1982)
A study of City Utilities was approved by the 1980 Annual Meeting. After two years of study, consensus was taken in April, 1982. The focus of the consensus was the relationship between City Council and the CU Board. The membership found that in general the charter of the City of Springfield provide a clear and workable format for the City Council/CU Board relationship. However, the power to remove CU Board Members, although implied by the power of appointment, needed to be specifically stated for the CU Board as it was for other boards. A definite procedure should be established including reasonable grounds, a public hearing before Council if desired, a lapse of time before vote on removal, a majority vote of the Council to remove a limit on the number of board members who could be removed in one year.
5. Support of an appointed CU Board. (1982)
In the 1982 consensus, the membership was in strong agreement the CU Board should remain appointive rather than become elective.
6. Support of broadened representation on the CU Board. (1982; amended 1989)
Based on the 1982 consensus, members believe that representation on the CU Board should be broadened to include a limited number of consumers other than business and professional people. If this cannot be achieved by more liberal interpretation of the Charter, the Charter should be amended.
7. Support for City Council having independent, professional input into utility rate making decision. (1982)
8. Support the opposition to placing City Utilities under the Public Service Commission. (1982)
Based on the 1982 consensus, the League is opposed to placing the regulation of utility rates under either the Public Service Commission or a local rate making body.
PARKS (1956, 1980-81, 1990)
l. Support of adequate parks and recreation programs for Springfield and Greene County. Revised 2000. This subject was studied in 1956 and 1980-81, but no further consensus was taken then. Earlier position was: “Support of adequate parks and recreation programs for Springfield.”
2. Support for recreational use of green space surrounding the Blackman Water Treatment Plant.
3. Funding should include property tax, general revenue, set asides, donations and grants.
The positions, “Support of County wide park planning” and “Support a County Parks and Recreation Board to coordinate planning with other agencies” were deleted 2000, since they had both been accomplished.
1. Support of the concept of comprehensive planning for the city and county and their coordination.
This position evolved during a three year study (1975-1982). In 1981, the position was expanded to include the county.
2. Support of residential and commercial planning and zoning, parks development, and preservation of open space.
In the 1966 study of the Comprehensive Plan, the League reaffirmed its support of annexation from time to time, to provide for the orderly growth in Springfield.
In the 1975 Comprehensive Plan: A comprehensive plan should be revised every five years, not later than ten years, and have emphasis on citizen input. The League supports judicious use of tax incentives to encourage the use of present available land and existing facilities such as sewer, water and electricity.
The 1975 study also produced some specific suggestions with regard to Residential Planning. The sidewalk ordinance should be enforced; builders and developers should be encouraged to consider planned unit development: single family units should not be abutting multi-family units, and buffer zones should be required between different zones; density in multi-family should take into consideration: circulation, open spaces, and aesthetics; neighborhood renewal projects should be encouraged; developers should consult qualified hydrologists; the use of taller building is encouraged; there should be an ordinance where by developers would bear the cost of damages that result from building on sink holes, flood plains, etc.
Commercial Planning - The use of commercial unit developments should use living green space; traffic circulation should be of primary consideration and the use of neon signs should be limited.
In 1987, League members agreed that the responsibility for consideration of aesthetic values in regulation our community development or redevelopment, should be shared by City Council, Community Development Department, Environmental Advisory Board, Parks and Recreation Department, and individual citizens. The consensus: the League should support a zoning ordinance which would include a landscape provision on new and renovated property.
Recreation and Open Space Planning - There should be more neighborhood parks and existing parks should be preserved; the preservation and acquisition of open space encouraged; the Park Board should continue to apply for and explore new possibilities for grants; the use of drainage and flood plain areas for open space should be required; and there should be cooperation between schools and the Park Board for sharing facilities.
School Planning - Sidewalks in school areas should be required; the School Board should consult the Planning Department when considering new locations.
Traffic Circulation - High volume arterial should have limit access and pedestrian and bike pathways should be separated from vehicular traffic.
3. Support of construction of adequate and equitably financed sanitary disposal and storm drainage in Springfield and Greene County.
In a 1975 study, members agreed on recommendations for the sanitary and storm drainage system. They stressed, in all areas, comprehensive city and county planning and cooperation.
City Storm Drainage Systems - Recommendations included the adoption of a grading ordinance, the reservation of flood plains, sink holes, and other natural drains, requirements for developers to plan for and construct proper storm drainage facilities, and the reexamination of subdivision ordinances.
County Storm Drainage System - Recommendations included giving this item top priority in the Capital Improvement Program, putting initial emphasis on enlargement and improvement of treatment plants followed by installation of trunk lines and providing subsidies for individual connection when they are a financial impossibility.
County Sanitary Disposal System - Recommendations including giving this item top priority in high density, urbanized, and/or manufacturing areas: adopting and enforcing a plumbing code, regulations governing the installation and inspection of septic tanks, and laws regulating wells; making subdivision regulations more Strident; adopting a comprehensive sanitary sewer plan.
Financing Storm Drainage and Sanitary Disposal Systems: Recommendations included utilizing methods in letting sewer construction contracts that encourage more competitive bidding; providing alternatives to present tax bill methods of financing, and support the most expedient method of construction and operation of sanitary and/or storm sewers in the county when the population density warrants it.
In 1990, the League supported a sales tax for a Waste Treatment Plant, based on this position.
1. Support of safety councils, improved visibility at intersections, and community efforts to develop a safe path to school. (1965)
2. Support construction of sidewalks and bikeways, safe crossing mechanisms, and educational programs on bicycle and pedestrian safety. (1973)
Based on a 1973 study, the League supports school sidewalk construction, more efficient crossing mechanisms, and more publicity of an educational nature with regard to pedestrian safety. The League also supports the organization of the less expensive bicycle paths for transportation within the city limits; the construction of paths through parks for recreational use; stricter law enforcement regarding cyclists; and possible consideration of an inspection/licensing system to help finance bike paths.
1. Support of family planning and educational programs locally, statewide, nationwide and internationally.
2. Support of effort to direct growth and development in Springfield-Greene County, based on the carrying capacity of the environment.
3. Support of efforts to contain urban sprawl by preserving farmland and maximizing use of in-fill within Springfield and development and redevelopment within the Greene County Urban Services District. (2000)
4. Support of developing non-mechanical filtering processes, i.e. wetlands.
5. Support of control of water pollution activities: fertilizing, run-off from land disturbance activities and exceeding parking space requirements because such control would allow for more green space.
6. Support of efforts to reduce phosphate use. (2000)
7. Support of development of a Community Forestry Master Management Plan and an arborist to enforce the plan.
8. Support of a comprehensive, enforceable tree ordinance and a land disturbance ordinance for Springfield and Greene County.
9. Support of maintaining the current tree inventory of the city of Springfield. (2000)
10. Consequences of growth: Support of containment of future development within the Urban Services District.
11. Job and wage profiles: Support of the education, business, and government sectors working together to attract higher-paying technical and professional jobs to the Springfield area, while at the same time providing opportunities for education and training in such jobs.
12. Industrial Development: Support of the city’s current level of tax incentives for businesses to locate in Springfield. (2000)
13. Support of preservation of the physical integrity of a community’s housing resources as necessary to a sustainable community.
14. Support of consistent application of realistic and practical standards as a means of maintaining the integrity of a neighborhood.
15. Support of on-going funding to implement enforcement of housing standards.
16. Support of vigorous enforcement of the Urban Services District to control sprawl
17. Support of development and enforcement of standards for mixed use development.
18. Support of a better balance between the interests of business, government, and individual citizens and citizen groups when considering questions related to growth and land use.
19. Support of increased governmental financing for the strengthening of existing neighborhoods, redevelopment of Center City and the provision of green spaces, walking and bike trails and sidewalks.
20. Support of on-going cooperation between city and county governments and a stronger emphasis on regional planning in the areas of transportation and planning.
21. Support of efforts to improve and landscape the existing city’s major arterial roads as an alternative to building new roads around the city.
22. Support of establishing new bus routes, particularly in areas where none exist, to meet the needs of population dependent on public transportation as data is substantiated, as well as efforts by City Utilities to explore alternative means of transportation.