Gregory Rusch entered the race for Palmetto City Council to establish a positive change. Rusch is new to politics, challenging incumbents who have been in office for years. Palmetto needs council members to be free thinkers, with the ability to visualize the possibilities for the town. The council must have the willingness to surround themselves with a team of experts such as city planners and developers to advise the council.

Change and development is inevitable. Presently there is a moratorium on new development due to the inadequacy of the sewage treatment plant. There are plans to build a new facility to accommodate the future growth of our city. In the interim the Council should be reviewing and amending existing city ordinances. We need a definite direction, concept, vision and an updated city overlay. Guidelines need to be formulated to establish the type of new businesses and structures allowed. There should be appropriate and minimal signage restrictions. I want to preserve the small town atmosphere but allow new business to merge seamlessly with those already established.

There is a lot of history in Palmetto. We have a great old abandoned train depot. This is prime real estate waiting to be developed. There has been talk of converting the space into a museum. While a great idea from a historical perspective, this does not increase tax revenues. The private sector could use their finances to rehab the Depot and place thriving new businesses in the spaces. In addition, I would like to see our newly renovated Community Center host a variety of functions and events. Again, this would create activities for the citizens and revenue for the city.

I would like to see higher quality homes built in Palmetto. At present, many of the new homes are of substandard quality. These homes were built with inferior materials. Some of the home owners now face large costly repair problems and foreclosures. While there is definitely a need for starter homes, development should be of mixed usage. By blending the ratios of low, middle and high end homes in the same development we create more desirable neighborhoods.

A vote for Gregory Rusch will ensure a positive growth for the future of Palmetto. He is determined to work hard as a city council member to benefit each and every citizen for a better, prouder Palmetto.

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