Garnadette Stuckey

Government Reform Increase transparency in the hiring process by publicly posting job openings and detailing the qualifications required for each position. Consider forming a hiring committee comprised of diverse stakeholders to provide oversight and help evaluate candidates impartially. Government Reform Work to reinstate the highly qualified Library Director and other experienced staff members who understand the needs of the community. Economy Develop a robust marketing strategy to promote Calumet City as an attractive destination for businesses. Housing Train city staff to adopt a customer-centric approach. Encouraging a culture of helpfulness and responsiveness can greatly improve the experience for residents navigating the real estate process. Taxes / Budget Establish clear guidelines for the expenditure of taxpayer dollars, ensuring that funds are allocated only for relevant municipal matters. Infrastructure / Transportation Alongside essential repairs, prioritize enhancements to the city's overall curb appeal. Initiatives such as planting trees, installing new streetlights, improving sidewalks, and creating community green spaces can rejuvenate the area and attract residents and businesses alike. Housing Simplify and modernize the permitting process for buying and selling homes. Housing Explore incentives for potential residents, such as first-time homebuyer grants or reduced fees for inspections and permits. Infrastructure / Transportation Develop a detailed capital improvement plan that outlines the necessary upgrades, funding sources, and timelines for infrastructure projects. Civil Rights Focus on fostering a diverse workforce that reflects the community it serves. Criminal Justice / Public Safety Develop targeted recruitment campaigns that highlight the benefits of careers in public safety, emphasizing job stability, community impact, and opportunities for career advancement. Criminal Justice / Public Safety Implement internship or cadet programs that allow high school and college students to gain exposure to public safety careers. Taxes / Budget Create attractive incentive packages to lure new businesses and retain existing ones. Criminal Justice / Public Safety Evaluate and adjust compensation packages to ensure they are competitive with other career options available in the region. Consider additional benefits such as mental health resources, retirement planning, and educational reimbursement, which can make public safety positions more attractive to potential candidates. Infrastructure / Transportation Explore opportunities for public-private partnerships to leverage additional resources and expertise for infrastructure development. Government Reform Establish and enforce hiring practices that prioritize qualifications and experience over personal relationships. Government Reform Immediately reinstate a fully functional Library Board composed of diverse members who represent various sectors of the community, prioritizing individuals with experience in library science, education, or community service. Housing Develop programs that support the rehabilitation of existing homes, especially in aging neighborhoods. Government Reform Conduct a thorough inventory of the remaining library collection and assess what resources have been lost. Government Reform Implement regular audits of hiring practices and financial spending to ensure compliance with established policies. Criminal Justice / Public Safety Engage with the community to build a positive perception of public safety careers. Housing Engage with local real estate agents, developers, and mortgage brokers to gather input and recommendations for improving the home buying and selling process. Infrastructure / Transportation Actively pursue grants and funding from state and federal agencies dedicated to infrastructure improvement. Government Reform Enact strict conflict of interest policies that prohibit hiring or contracting with individuals who have familial or personal connections to current officials. Housing Establish clear communication channels to keep residents informed of changes, processes, and updates regarding housing and real estate. Infrastructure / Transportation Conduct a thorough evaluation of all critical infrastructure, including roads, sewer systems, and water mains. Economy Create attractive incentive packages to lure new businesses and retain existing ones. Infrastructure / Transportation Enhance the city’s stormwater management systems to mitigate flooding risks.