Steve Taylor believes the primary purpose of municipal government is to provide high-quality services and promote an environment where citizens can live, prosper, and raise families in a safe and friendly community.  In his own words below, Steve talks about his philosophy of government and vision for Spokane Valley...

 

Accountability

“The powers of government are granted by the consent of the people.  It is the duty of the elected representatives to ensure accountability through the fair application of laws and regulations.  Our city government should operate within its means and set realistic budgets that balance the funding of necessary services and the improvement of infrastructure with a level of taxation that does not discourage citizens and business owners from realizing their goals and dreams of success.  The city should seek new revenue by growing the existing tax base and encouraging new economic activity before asking citizens to shoulder a greater tax burden.  Government should shy away from instituting intrusive ordinances and regulations that inhibit personal and economic freedom.  Rather, the city’s leaders should promote individual responsibility, community awareness, and good citizenship.”

 

Public Safety

“Public safety is the most important responsibility of local government.  There is no community without employing the civilizing influence of domestic peacekeepers—the brave men and women of law enforcement.  I am proud of our City Council for making the decision to keep and maintain our contract with the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office and providing the resources necessary to equip a professional, effective police force within Spokane Valley .  The City Council should continue to support community-oriented policing efforts and promote citizen involvement in every neighborhood to supplement public safety initiatives throughout the city.”

 

Community

“The driving force behind Spokane Valley ’s incorporation was the need for local planning and development of a community identity.  As our city completes the transformation from a semi-rural suburb to a vibrant urbanized regional center, having a comprehensive plan crafted and fine-tuned by local citizens and city planners is paramount to guiding the development that will define Spokane Valley for years to come.  Instituting smart growth principles and taking advantage of pedestrian-friendly center and corridor land use designs will solidify an identity unique to our community and provide a destination for citizens and businesses to live and thrive.”

 

Transportation

“Communities are connected by the roads we travel.  Spokane Valley ’s roadways must be maintained and improved to ensure economic growth and enhance the quality of life for our citizens.  Predictable, long-term financial resources must be secured to keep our existing roads maintained to a high-quality standard and build new infrastructure to stay ahead of the traffic congestion curve.  There must be a community partnership fully committed to preserving our public assets on the ground and supportive of smart planning efforts to build transportation facilities concurrent with new development.

 

Economic Development

“Economic development occurs best in an environment of low taxation and non-inhibitive regulation.  Government should embrace entrepreneurship and appreciate those willing to risk capital for profitable enterprises. This results in job and wealth creation which makes more public resources available for service enhancement and infrastructure improvement.  The City Council should seek to revitalize the Sprague Corridor by implementing zoning for either a city center or multiple mixed use centers surrounding major intersections.  Zones should be reserved for future light and heavy industrial development and neighborhood commercial centers should be promoted to diversify city retail development.  City government should adhere to strict customer service in all permitting and zoning requests and support collaborative efforts to achieve a better educated workforce.  The city should promote the installation and upgrading of wireless and fiber optic telecommunications infrastructure to enhance our competitiveness in attracting high-tech industries to Spokane Valley .”

 

Quality of Life

“A government that is accountable to its citizens, provides the necessary resources for public safety, plans carefully for future development of the community, maintains its roadways, and creates an environment friendly to free enterprise has fulfilled its responsibility in promoting a great quality of life within the city.  Spokane Valley is a beautiful place to live with natural resources and open spaces that are the envy of many communities across the nation.  We live in a city of opportunity where families and businesses can flourish and prosper and children can learn and play in a friendly and safe environment.  Quality of life begins with the citizens and the City Council should reflect the will of the people in preserving and improving our community.”

 

Together, let’s build on our assets and achieve greater success in Spokane Valley!