Sharon Hutinett: Candidate for Alderman, Greenwood Mo
Posted by jennW in Featured, GSD Online, News, by Jennifer Warren
Moving on to the candidates for Alderman, we are beginning with Sharon Hutinett, candidate for the Ward 1 seat vacated by Denise Simpson, her opponent in this race is Al Reynolds . Please continue to engage the candidates in a discussion of the issues and to ask other questions that are not on this list.
How long have you lived in Greenwood?
15 years
Are you married? Do you have children, grandchildren, where do they attend school?
I have a wonderful husband and three beautiful daughters. The two youngest attend Woodland Elementary.
What religious and civic organizations do you belong to?
Holy Spirit Catholic Church
What charities, causes or civic organizations do you support with finances or service?
American Red Cross, Disabled American Veterans, Salvation Army, United Way
Who is your current employer? How long have you worked for them?
National Rural Health Association – 1 year
List all the companies or organizations you have been employed by for the past 10 years.
American Academy of Family Physicians (27 years), Women’s Healthcare Forum
What companies or businesses do you own or hold a greater than 20% stake in?
None
On what corporate boards have you served?
Healthcare Convention & Exhibitors Association
What is your educational background?
Graduate of Hickman Mills Senior High and some college.
What current or past political organizations do or have you belong(ed) to?
When Kevin Adey was Mayor I participated in the group Greenwood Citizens for Responsible Government.
Are you associated with any of the current or past Aldermen or Mayors of Greenwood?
Served from 2000 to 2004 on the Board of Alderman and I know everyone on the current council.
What is your management style?
I believe in a team approach. It’s the best way to accomplish goals.
Do you practice forgiveness in your every day life? How?
Yes. You accomplish nothing if you don’t keep lines of communication open and work with others to resolve conflict.
How do you deal with personality conflicts or with conflict in general?
Keep the lines of communication open, keep a cool head and don’t let differences get in the way of reaching a common goal.
What are your professional qualifications for the office you seek?
Over 25 years in association management, previously served on the Board of Alderman from 2000 to 2004. I’ve served on the board of directors of a national organization and numerous committees.
What is your agenda/platform?
Create a team environment on the Board of Alderman. The city needs leaders who are willing to work together and find compromise when they don’t wholly agree on an issue. We need a strong economic development plan to bring in new retail. But in order to accomplish this Greenwood needs to show a united front to the commercial retail community.
What do you think the biggest challenge Greenwood faces is?
Economic development needs to be accomplished if we are to resolve the long laundry list of issues facing the city (street repairs, storm water run-off creating flooding issues, sidewalks, etc.) The revenue generated from the current sales tax and property taxes is not enough to support the funds needed to resolve all the issues. In order to prevent tax increases and infrastructure from collapsing, new retail development is a must.
What do you think our city’s focus should be for the next two years?
Economic development, street repairs and storm water run-off.
What are your top three priorities, goals to see accomplished if you are elected to office?
See above
Of those three priorities – what is your #1 priority for 2010?
Economic development
Like the National Economy, our City economy has faltered; what plans do you have to make Greenwood thrive again?
Economic development is the key. Without the revenue it generates there will be no funds to address the needs of the citizens because the current revenue base cannot support the projects that need to be completed.
What tough budget decisions do you feel need to be made in order to keep Greenwood running on a positive budget with the income the city currently has (not counting the jury award of 11.9 million)?
A complete analysis of where funds are spent will have to be conducted and prioritized. This should be done with citizen input. It is important for the citizens to have input on what services they are willing to sacrifice before a final decision is made on any major service cuts. With that being said, small changes may be able to be made just by putting a freeze on payroll, adjusting the amount spent on supplies, etc.
What plans do you have to bring new business into Greenwood?
Form a citizens committee of experienced business managerial and sales professionals to actually market and negotiate bringing new businesses to Greenwood
The Board of Alderman needs to approach businesses that don’t currently serve our immediate area and expand in other areas. For instance, a population our size can support a video store and an additional restaurant, but not another large grocery chain.
What types of businesses would you like to see in Greenwood?
Boutiques shops would be an excellent compliment (clothing, art, pottery, etc). A bookstore and video store are also good candidates.
What plans do you have to make our city safer?
I would work with the chief of police to put on more safety seminars. Simple tips from improving the landscape around your home to open the view to your neighbors from people who may be trying to hide behind shrubs, keeping garage doors down, cars locked, not allowing vehicles to run in your driveway, etc. can go a long way on preventing crime. I would also ask for regular briefings to the Alderman on the crimes by Ward so that Alderman can keep their constituents apprised of activities in their neighborhoods.
What resolution would you like to see to the issue of the Quarry and its traffic and the use of our city streets?
The state litigation has been brought to a successful conclusion. The federal Eighth Circuit Court should be ruling in the very near future. I anticipate them over ruling Judge Whipple and will not force the city to allow the quarry trucks to run on our city streets other than M 150. In short, the resolution is being determined through the courts
My biggest concern is for our children. I would investigate every possible alternative to ensure that they can get safely to and from school, parks and their neighborhood friends homes.
What plans do you have to address the storm water issues our city is still facing or do you feel that the current plans are addressing those issues?
The biggest challenge here is coming up with the funds to pay for the repairs. I’m not sold on increasing fees to the citizens for these repairs. Again, a complete analysis of the budget needs to be conducted so we don’t have to pass on these costs to our constituents.
What do you propose to do with the parking issue or parking ordinance here in Greenwood?
A parking ordinance is necessary to protect the rights of homeowner’s properties. However, many cities struggle with these issues when festivals and other activities take place in their communities. The organizers of these activities simply hire additional police officers to direct traffic to the appropriate parking options. This is done at the Kansas City St. Patrick’s Day festival, the Independence Santa Caligon festival, etc. Even the Greenwood park board has dealt with these issues on our Independence Day celebration. Churches and other organizations/businesses can be contacted by the organizers and arrange to use their lots and provide shuttle.
What other improvements would you like to see in our community?
I’d like to see a community center that provides a place for youth to congregate in a safe and secure environment with planned activities. It would also provide a place for other citizens and groups to meet and hold activities which could generate revenue to the city through rental fees.
Now that the appeals process is done and the city has been awarded the $11.9 million, what would you like to do with that money?
There is still litigation in the federal courts and until a resolution is negotiated part of the money needs to be earmarked for legal fees. The remainder should go towards improving streets impacted by the truck traffic and other major projects the city has no funds to address (i.e., storm water runoff, etc). The amount of funds that could be allotted for these projects needs to be determined prior to any additional fees being put on the back of citizens for major improvements.
What is your opinion of the current political situation in Greenwood?
No meaningful city business has moved forward for almost a year now. You have to have people on the board who are willing to work together to come up with solutions.
What do you propose to improve the atmosphere at City Hall or how are you going to bring Greenwood together politically?
Communication, communication, communication!! If you don’t communicate with each other, you can’t resolve anything. You have to be respectful of other representatives, their constituents and their concerns.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
It would be an honor to once again serve my neighbors and citizens of our Ward who have been so very support of me.
Herein lies half the problem with Greenwood. We have people who want to talk about what Al Reynolds did SIXTEEN years ago instead of what he’s going to do in 2010. I don’t know about you but I’m a different person than I was in 1994. I was a US Marine hired killing machine in 1994. I’m not that guy any longer.
Al Reynolds is clearly passionate about his community. But this article is about Sharon Hutinett. Al’s will be published shortly.
To correct my previous comment, Al Reynolds did make it clear concernig the veto override in his comment. In my response, I mistakenly wrote that: “The quarry sued the city in (state) court. That was an error, I meant federal court where they claimed that the city violated the Interstate Commerce Clause. That case is in the federal appeals court in St. Louis. Since the quarry attorneys could not demonstrate that they had suffered material damages by losing the Greenwood route to 150 Highway, it is likely that the appeals court will overturn Whipple’s ruling.
In response to Al Reynolds:
First of all, I wrote nothing about why you did not run for re-election. I had no idea why you did not run in 1994.
I can appreciate the need to do repair to bridges when they need work. I also remember that shortly after my wife and I moved here, the bridge on Ranson Rd. at the railroad track was washed out during a heavy rainstorm. That was a costly repair that the city was not prepared for.
As for the bridge on 2nd, Ave., who got the most benefit from that? It was my understanding that Mayor Ferguson had vetoed the ordinance that would allow the quarry to have permanent access to street just for replacing a bridge that would benefit the quarry. In your comments, you wrote that the Mayor and BOA voted for the ordinance. So, would you clarify that for me?
As for conflict of interest, you may have been gone from the concrete company, but that does not mean that you didn’t feel an obligation to help them. I think it is a huge mistake to give away the rights to city property without being compensated for the damages that was sure to, and it fact, did occur to that street. The quarry hired a contractor to come into town to do repairs to the road. That work was done on weekends and without city permits or city engineering approvals. The work was substandard and the road and drainage along that street are problems for greenwood. The state jury awarded the city an award for real damages and legal expenses to do the repairs.
The quarry sued the city in state court and made it clear that they want to use Allendale Lake Rd. that is wider and, to their minds, more suitable to their needs. Allendale is wider and, right now, is in much better condition than 2nd. Ave. Whipple’s ruling that is being appealed would allow the quarry trucks to use any street in Greenwood. The Judge made gave no thought to the health and safety of Greenwood residents, nor did he consider the costs of maintaining our roads. In Judge Whipple’s statements during the trial, the city should make the improvements at city expense. He also thought that the city should have provided sidewalks on 2nd Ave for pedestrian traffic without consideration of how they would be paid for, and all of that should be done for to benefit the quarry.
You wrote that the quarry donated $50,000 on two different occasions. I know of one $5000 donation that was found in the desk of the court clerk. It was not specified for any particular use. That small amount of money would do nothing to repair over a million and a half worth of damages.
Al wrote: “The businesses on the truck route were the number one employers of the citizens of Greenwood.” And who would that be? The Greenwood quarry, Buckley powder were probably the biggest employers of Greenwood residents. If they needed a route to their jobs at the quarry, should the city give away its right to that route for eternity? And, how did the BOA think the city could afford to maintain the road that would be destroyed by heavy gravel trucks? Before they stopped using that route, they no longer used just big gravel trucks; they started using semi-trailers.
As for who I am supporting, I do not vote in Ward I, but if I did, I would vote for someone who would bring youth, experience and dedication to making Greenwood the type of town to raise children.
In reply to Gene DeVaux on February 19, 2010, get your facts straight. The reason I didn’t rerun for office in 1994 is because I made a major career change. The hours I worked were erratic and demanding. I felt I couldn’t do justice to the position of alderman or the city. At this time I had not worked for the concrete plant for 8 years and the quarry was under new ownership, so there was no conflict of interest. When I served as alderman we were faced with the possibility of replacing 3 bridges in Greenwood at the same time. These were brought to our attention by the Lee’s Summit School Bus Service. Our city engineer examined these bridges and deemed them unsafe for both bus and truck traffic. In an effort to move forward, we decided to replace the bridge on 2nd St, which meant closing the truck route for an extended period of time. The state engineer examined the bridges and he declared the bridge on Ranson Rd safe for all traffic. The bridge on 13th St was declared safe for residential traffic only. It was replaced by a later administration. the bridge on 2nd St was declared unsafe for all traffic. Marin Marietta approached the city with the offer to replace the bridge and assume all costs. The quarry requested that the city grant them permanent use of the truck route. This was approved by the mayor and the aldermen. After the bridge was replaced and Martin Marietta had paid the city for the bridge, the aldermen with a veto proof vote approved the ordinance providing Martin Marietta the use of the truck route. The mayor vetoed it anyway, causing the alderman, with the support of the citizens, to override the veto. The businesses on the truck route were the number one employers of the citizens of Greenwood. Gene is right about the quarry never paying taxes to the city because we had no taxing authority over them. I do know of 2 $50,000 donations to the City of Greenwood by the quarry. Why is Gene challenging the vote of the aldermen without having the facts? Who is he supporting in this election? Do they really want that support? Gene, you need to go down to the abandoned railroad track, watch for the train, and blow a little smoke in the air. Maybe the Katy Trail will come by. Now that you know the facts and there was no conflict of interest, I’m asking for your vote as alderman of ward 1. Al Reynolds
It is very obvious that Sharon Hutinett is prepared to takle the tough issues that face Greenwood. She has a well thought out set of priorities and the past experience to put her ideas in motion. Unlike the last three years, Ward I would have an Alderperson who would work to solve problems for constituents.
I have to wonder why Al Reynolds has decided to make a run for the Board after a very long absence from the board. It was Reynolds who led the BOA in 1991 to override Mayor Ferguson’s veto of an agreement with the Greenwood quarry that gave the heavy trucks access to Greenwood roads. Those trucks damaged our roads, poluted our neighborhoods, and paid not a dime in taxes to the city for the damage that the trucks had done. I have to wonder why, at this time, when the city has won a jury award from the state of Missouri, he has decided to run for a board position. Would Reynolds represent the city or the rock quarry that he used as a cement truck driver while he last served on the BOA. He had a conflict of interest that put him squarely on the side of the rock quarry owners.
In response to Gene DeVaux, who appears to never let the “facts” get in the way of his words and, one who also appears to never let an opportunity pass to throw trash at another person, regardless of the true “facts”, the reality is had it not been for the ward 1 alderwomen over the last number of years Greenwood would be in a far worst shape that it currently finds itself. Since Gene DeVaux appears to be void of the ability to deal with “facts” I’ll only remind you Sara Ring was the “only” board member with sense enough, intellect enough, forethought enough, to know, and to vote against the quarry lawsuit – because she alone knew – the financial hardship it would bring to the city of Greenwood. The ward 1 alderwomen fought for the citizens and business owners of their ward. Simply because you, Gene DeVaux, apparently have a personal ax to grind against these two women, who will not lower themselves to get into the gutter with you, please, in the future, get your facts straight. I could give you specifics, but, I believe you already know the specifics and good they have done for Greenwood. If you doubt it, Gene DeVaux, I challenge you to go door-to-door, business-to-business and spew your vitriol. I believe you would soon learn the true meaning of “facts”.
But, then again, it’s so very easy to sit behind your computer, isn’t it, Gene DeVaux.
Someone submitted a post not long ago with a question to you, Gene DeVaux, that went something like, “why do you bother to come back”? You did not respond! Could it be concluded the answer might be found in that old axiom, a legend in his own mind? Just curious.
HMMMMM lets see "small changes may be able to be made just by putting a freeze on payroll". Freeze payroll and expect MORE from some of the already overworked and underpaid police officers that haven't got even a cost of living raise in years. However wants to work WITH the police officers that have already lost two of its finest due to "Budget Cuts". Is Greenwood Ever going to change?
I like her concise responses. She says the same thing in two words that I say with twenty. Nice interview.