Mayor Ralph Moore has plans for Union City. In his Jan. 17 State of the City address Moore called for numerous local enhancements that included free, citywide Internet, a Tax Allocation District to attract fine dining restaurants and other businesses, stronger litter laws and a Senior Citizen Homestead tax exemption.

“This past year has seen our most challenging times as a city,” Moore said as he began the address. “While our administration has been wrought with uncertainty and change and our government’s credibility has been the focus of discord, we have pulled together with an understanding that Union City’s best interest is our primary goal. As a result, the city’s organization pulled together without compromise and neglect and saw that this city’s level of service did not fall one time or did their critics deter their mission of excellence.”

Moore said voters issued a mandate for change that will take Union City to greater prominence and leadership in south metro Atlanta.

“Our heightened understanding on what makes a community better is now the guiding star as opposed to a misguided vigilance of the desired status quo,” he said. “The public has given this council the political capital to forge deeper and more innovative directions and, as mayor, I promise to spend every ounce of that capital.”

In terms of the direction Union City should take, Moore requested that staff review the city’s technical deficiencies and prepare a three-year plan to evaluate capabilities to obtain and use the latest technology to improve city services. The request was a prelude to his plan to make wireless Internet service available at no cost citywide.

“Often small communities get left out of the information highway loop simply because the affordability of the Internet is beyond their family’s budget. I believe this should not be the case for Union City,” he said.

Moore proposed that the cost of free citywide Internet services could be funded by the advertisement and sponsorship of the business community. The service would function as an economic development tool that would provide a dual role as a public safety tool. Cameras placed in designated places could be accessed by patrol officers on a secure Internet channel, he said.

Another proposal of significant scope was the creation of a Tax Allocation District to draw fine dining and other businesses to the city.

“This economic development incentive tool can serve several purposes,” he said. “It can provide dollars for infrastructure improvement, which is often the number one cost to developers and the business community. From this program the city can market the selected area as a desirable location for restaurants and other mixed uses found in areas such as Midtown Atlanta and other mid-sized cities.”

Continuing his agenda for 2006, Moore declared war on litter, calling for stronger litter laws with prison labor to begin a strategic clean-up program. He urged the city council to place capital priorities and grant applications on the Highway 29 development plan, citing its future economic promise as a transportation alternative to I-85. Rounding out his proposals, Moore called for a feasibility study for a Senior Citizen Homestead Exemption for local property tax.

Moore acknowledged the participation of the various departments for their work during 2005. He said the Fire Department answered 1,900 emergency calls, volunteered in the Candle Safety program teaching fire safety to children in schools and daycare facilities and acknowledged the efforts of a city firefighter who fulfills the role as Santa Claus on behalf of the city’s children. Moore also recognized Assistant Chief Don Leasher for his selection as state Arson Investigator of the Year. Moore said the Fire Department continues to find ways to reduce the increasing cost of delivering fire suppression services by their aggressive pursuit of federal and state grants, including $600,000 from Homeland Security to add five firefighter to the city roster.

Moore said the Police Department is dedicated to keeping Union City one of the safest cities in the state. The mayor said he would challenge anyone to find a department that is more dedicated to protecting property and citizens. In keeping with that approach, Moore said a gang task force has recently been created.

“As the metro area expands our police department is faced with more challenges from seasoned and dedicated criminals with a mission to take the joy of living in a safe community away from us,” said Moore. “The men and women of our police department are dedicated, and so is this council, to making sure that the reason people move here is because this city is among the safest and that we will not give in to thugs and urban predators.”

Moore recognized the Planning Department for managing city growth and development along with the Planning Commission and Zoning Appeals Board for their vigilance in holding builders and developers to city standards. Public Works was also recognized for meeting the city’s infrastructure challenges.

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