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SOUTHA11 . BEND MARCH 2007 a v 6�'%� MAYOR Src n 1. LUE"e�� Letter from the Mayor THIS MONTH... Mayor's Letter Dear Friends &Neighbors, Spring Fling at the Conservatories 2007 Curb &Sidewalk Program In early February, I was once again given the privilege of addressing the 11 th Annual Clean Your Files Day Common Council and members of our community to talk about the state of our city. The evening took place in the beautifully restored Civic Theater, which served as the • • • • • • • . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . perfect backdrop for a discussion about how far we have come in the ten years that I have been Mayor, what we are doing now to strengthen our city and what our vision is for the future of South Bend. Over the next few months, I'd like to share with you some of my thoughts from that evening. In my first State of the City address, ten years ago, I listed six characteristics y that were key to becoming a model city. These characteristics included being • iR financially sound and fiscally responsible,emphasizing public safety,reinvesting in • tTl® facilities and infrastructure, stimulating growth and development in our economy to provide good jobs,housing and opportunity, enhancing the quality of life, and • o N • �N . reaching out to the community to create a shared vision for the future. During a decade of progress, we have built on these principles, laying a strong foundation for SPRINGFLINGAT THE the future of our city. Our work and planning have created an urban center with renewed vibrancy. CONSERVATORIES The city's energy and creativity have led to a revived interest in the advantages of • Sunday,April 2Y' cities and urban life. As Mayor Bart Peterson of Indianapolis keenly noted,this is Enjoy the springtime splendor the"Age of Cities". South Bend is becoming a place where diverse people gather to • of the Ella Morris and Muessel- share ideas, appreciate art and culture, and to find new opportunities. These : Ellison Botanical Conservatories developing synergies will bring investment,jobs,and a heightened quality of life to • and Potawatomi Greenhouses, South Bend. . complemented by local musicians, But there are challenges that must be faced. Cities across the country are light refreshments, and interactive coping with rising costs, declining revenues and requests for more services. • activities for all ages! (Located on Increases in fuel costs, employee health benefits,unfunded mandates, liability Mishawaka Ave.,just west of coverage, infrastructure and public safety needs, resulted in revenue shortfalls in • Ironwood Dr.) 70% of Indiana municipalities in 2005. This problem has been compounded by the : $3 admission will help pre- implementation of a 2%circuit breaker. While this property tax cap will provide • serve the greenhouses & conserva- needed tax relief for some homeowners, it will also result in a 25%reduction in . tories for the entire community! revenue for local government in this county. Replacement revenues are needed. • Spring Fling at the Conserva- That is why I have been a strong proponent of Hometown Matters, IACT's proposal • tories is part of South Bend City to provide property tax relief while also giving options to local governments to Celebration 2007. For more supply new revenue streams. I cannot emphasize too strongly how important it is • information,please visit for the Legislature to take action this session to fix the problems that result from SBCityCelebration.com,or call this Circuit Breaker. • 235-9798 or 235-9951. Public safety is one of our most important obligations and our largest expense. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75% of South Bend property taxes support our Police and Fire Departments. Strong public safety departments are vital to a vibrant city, now more than ever. SI USTED NO ENTIENDE INGLES Y Cities across the country now face increases in violent crime, vacant properties and NECESITAAYUDA PARA TRADUCIR a flood of illegal guns. For the first quarter of 2006, South Bend did not have a ESTE DOCUMENTO, O SI TIENE homicide. Then, the worst happened. In a matter of months we suffered seven ALGUNA PREGUNTA, POR FAVOR murders, including a member of the SBPD. My heart goes out to these victims. LLAME AL SR. FEDERICO THON Each deserved a better fate. Our Police Department responded, making arrests in (ASISTENTE DEL ALCALDE) AL each of those cases. Our Metro Homicide Unit is top notch, solving over 90%of TELEFONO(574)235-5858X 1000. (cont'd on next page)