The latest statements, announcements, and updates from the Brent DeHart for Independence City Council campaign.
Campaign Announcement
Brent DeHart Announces Candidacy for Independence City Council
Independence resident and former Salem City Councilor Brent DeHart has officially announced his candidacy for Independence City Council, running on a platform of fiscal accountability, protecting Riverview Park, and putting the majority of citizens first.
I am running because I believe Independence deserves a city council member that knows the structure of City governance and how to evaluate municipal finances, while still listening to the public when they speak. I have concerns when a small number of people demand public money— I will not be beholden to special advocates, to organized interests, and not to the path of least resistance. Our Council needs strength and experience and I will bring both. Every vote I cast will be one I can explain clearly to any citizen who asks.
My platform is straightforward: No new fees or taxes without a vote of the citizens, Riverview Park stays open, and every policy decision on reserves, fund transfers, and service levels will be made with the majority of Independence residents in mind.
Please follow on Facebook and Instagram for posts and updates. Most importantly- VOTE! We need your ballot to be counted- it can come down to a single vote.
I have the experience to serve you, and the ethics to be accountable to you.
Platform
On Riverview Park: A Promise to Independence Families
Brent DeHart reaffirms his commitment to keeping Riverview Park open and protected from closure —
Riverview Park is not a line item, nor is it a place where a City Manager can simply lock out the public. It is the lifeblood of our small community, and essential to bringing people together and supporting our downtown businesses. You should be mad that it was closed to begin with, and that they threatened to close it again if the fee- that they passed without your permission- fails at the ballot box. I am mad enough to put my time into serving you.
I have studied the current and past budgets, and I see policy choices this current council voted for that affect Independence's ability to keep the park open. How high reserves are, outsourcing services, and rate of increases in different departments. I promise to drill into the budgeting and protect the park and demand fiscal accountability.
The current leadership swept the Library and the Museum under one category a couple years ago. That way, the public can't see how much money the City loses on operating the Museum. That is the opposite of transparency. It is obfuscation. Did you know just a couple years ago the Museum cost almost $200,000 against income of $1,162? In the last 2 budgets, that loss is hidden inside Library operations under "Community Services." I will demand more transparency and no budget games.
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