Douglas Dispatch

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The Douglas Dispatch sent out a questionnaire to the two mayoral candidates as well as the five candidates vying for three seats on the city council.

Their responses are below.

The primary election will take place next Tuesday, March 13.

Polls open at 6 a.m. and close at 7 p.m.

The following are the polling locations available for the six different wards in Douglas:

Ward 1, Recreation Center, 921 3rd St; Ward 2, National Guard Armory, 1401 8th St; Ward 3, Douglas Fire Department, 1400 10th St; Ward 4, St. Lukes Parish Hall, 1211 15th St; Ward 5, Douglas Visitor Center, 345 W. 16th St. and Ward 6, Douglas High School-Athletic Department, 1800 Estrella Avenue.

 

Danny Ortega--Candidate for Mayor

1. Briefly give your life experience, work history and qualifications for office. Also, where can voters find out more about you and how can they contact you? I was born and raised in Douglas. I graduated from Douglas High School and Cochise College. I work for Ortegas Stores Inc. My previous employer was IBM where I was a Systems Engineer. Since my return to Douglas in 1989 I have been involved in many organizations including Douglas Noon Lions, Chamber of Commerce, Cochise County Planning and Zoning. I spent 12 years on the DUSD School Board where I served as president for 5 years. I am well versed in the open meeting law and parliamentary procedures. I can be reached at The Shoe Salon at 520-364-8082.

2. What will your goals be if elected? First I would bring civility back to City Council meetings and sit with City Council and administration and set both short and long term goals. I feel that the most important issues facing Douglas are jobs , the port expansion, street improvements and programs for our youth. I would work to develop partnerships with the Economic Development Council, Douglas Port Authority and utilize their expertise to attract new businesses and expedite the port expansion. I would look for funding sources to pay for street repairs and partner with DUSD to provide after school activities utilizing the multipurpose rooms.

3. Knowing that business and sales tax are important to the city please discuss your plans for economic development in Douglas and specifically how you see downtown revitalization moving forward? We need to encourage new businesses to open in the downtown area by encouraging building owners to repair the buildings to make them available. We need to focus on one building one block at a time. Utilizing the UofA plan for revitalization where appropriate.

4. There has been a lot of emphasis on income from across the line. What would you do to improve it making sure the money stays here in Douglas? I would work our Representatives to the federal government and to make it easier for Mexican citizens to obtain visas. Push to expedite the Douglas port expansion to increase the number of lanes. Improve bus service to the border.

5. How do you see the government center on G Ave fitting the plans of economic development? It is the first step in beautifying and renovating downtown. The increased pedestrian and vehicular traffic to the area will help current businesses and encourage new businesses to open close to the center.

6. What would you do to improve air and water quality in Douglas? I believe that the water quality is good and meets federal standards. We need to work with Border Patrol to reduce the amount of dust being created. Talk with Mexican officials and express our concerns.

7. Knowing that Douglas streets and roads are in need of repair please discuss your plan for improvement? Work with our state representatives to replace lost HURF monies. Look for bond monies to be paid with sales tax income. We would not let the current sales tax expire and use those funds to repay the debt.

8. In your opinion how has the effect of less state HURF funds affected the city? It has limited the amount of infrastructure repairs the city can complete. The city has had to use other funding sources to complete projects at the expense of other projects.

9. Funds from vehicle, drug and property seizures go into the city’s general fund and not D.P.D’s fund. Would you change this or leave it as it currently is? I understand that these funds have to go into a special fund to be used by law enforcement not into the general fund. These funds have been used for equipment and new police cars.

 

Danny "DJ" Morales--Candidate for Mayor

1.Briefly give your life experience, work history and qualifications for office. Also, where can voters find out more about you and how can they contact you?

Born and raised in Douglas; Attended Stevenson and Huber; Raised in the Army, government, and ministry; BA in Biochemistry with English minor; Led in government as a naval officer for 12 years; Serving in the Navy Reserve since February 2011; Promoted to Lieutenant Commander 01 March 2012; Nominated Junior Officer of the Year 2011; Office Manager for division that deals with Congress, flag officers, and corporate executives; Founded Voice of Douglas, My Douglas, and Light the Fire Foundation; Serving on Douglas Chamber Board; Contact me at www.dannydjmorales.com.

2. What will your goals be if elected?

Listen to the People via town halls, surveys, and community coalition collaboration. Enhance Douglas image via beautification efforts and a commercial media campaign. Apply the tourism knowledge gained from tours of duty in Pensacola, Monterey, and Pearl Harbor. Lead city-wide change via volunteerism, school adoption, and election workshops. Engage youth via a Youth City Council and expanded school credit opportunities. Enhance communication for events, safety and disaster preparedness. Work to end City Hall infighting.

3. Knowing that business and sales tax are important to the city please discuss your plans for economic development in Douglas and specifically how you see downtown revitalization moving forward?

Grow military aviation, regional airlines, and air tourism. Remove obstacles to jobs and commerce via impact fee moratoriums. Follow through on taxpayer-funded downtown revitalization consultant ideas. Change meter enforcement model to city parking lot and info booth model.

4. There has been a lot of emphasis on income from across the line. What would you do to improve it making sure the money spent stays here in Douglas?

Work with State Department, Homeland Security, and Mexican Consulate to revive bi-national commerce through visa renewal awareness campaigns. Attract popular restaurant and store chains to promote downtown night life and lessen travel for area residents. Research other border towns on enhancing border security and bi-national commerce.

5. How do you see the new government center on G Ave fitting into the plans of economic development?

It should be the hub for City and County sponsored street fairs combined with parades. It should be a tourism destination for local history through interactive media displays. It should rely on local contractors for future construction to the maximum extent allowed by law.

6. What would you do to improve air and water quality in Douglas?

Call for the building of a reservoir versus relying on water tanks that serves as a water source, recreational lake, fishing destination, and public beach. Establish a committee to fundraise for willow trees, a natural water canal, and walking path around the perimeter of Douglas to control dust.

7. Knowing that Douglas streets and roads are in need of repair please discuss your plan for improvement?

Lobby the state to return our HURF funds and find other solutions to offset DPS shortfalls. Lease strategic City property to create an industrial park (e.g. for aviation industries). Use this money to match HURF funds and to repair our infrastructure.

8. In your opinion how has the effect of less state HURF funds affected the city?

Less HURF funds means that the City cannot perform or finish street improvement. It has left streets like 20th unfinished and treacherous. The City can afford only to repair potholes and sidewalks. More HURF defunding will mean more streets deteriorating and possible furloughs and layoffs of City employees.

9. Funds from vehicle, drug and property seizures go into the city’s general fund and not D.P.D.’s fund. Would you change this or leave it as it currently is?

Change it so these funds go to DPD. This is similar to the state sweeping HURF funds. These resources should go towards those who risked their lives for public safety.

 

 Margaret Morales - Ward 1

1. Briefly give your life experience, work history, and qualifications for office. Also, where can voters find out more about you and how can they contact you?

I am a lifetime resident of Douglas and Ward 1 and I have worked in the Douglas community for over 35 years. When I first decided to run for council, I felt it my civic duty to participate in the community and that belief remains with me today. Serving the Douglas community is very important to me. Douglas is my home and I love this great community, I want it to continue to grow and succeed. My constituents can contact me anytime at city hall or my e-mail at Margaret.Morales@douglasaz.gov

2. What will your goals be if elected?

Continue to champion projects that will instill a good quality of life for the community and continue to work with the new Mayor and Council to hopefully bring new jobs to the community. I will work to the best of my abilities to make sure Douglas is a safe, clean and viable community for its citizens. I will also work hard to ensure the City of Douglas has an open, fair and transparent form of government for all its citizens. My goal is for Douglas to succeed.

3. Knowing that business and sales tax are important to the city please discuss your plans for economic development in Douglas and specifically how you see downtown revitalization moving forward?

Work closely with the Industrial Development Authority to recruit and retain businesses for the Douglas community, helping to create employment opportunities. With the new government plaza opening in the very near future, I would anticipate that this endeavor will create some jobs and definitely will attract more business to the downtown area. Extra effort should be made at retaining and supporting our current businesses especially during tough economic challenges. Looking at ways for our city to be more business friendly, whether it be in expanding or developing new businesses in Douglas.

4. There has been a lot of emphasis on income from across the line. What would you do to improve it making sure the money spent stays here in Douglas?

It is critical that Catholic Community Services is able to continue its services in providing transportation to the downtown area. So many residents in Mexico have no other means of transportation and it is extremely vital to be able to have this transportation available to them. I will continue to support the efforts to facilitate border crossings for those who come to shop in our community.

5.How do you see the new government center on G Avenue fitting into the plans of economic development?

The Government Center is going to have a draw of citizens to the downtown area and this will enhance business in the downtown area, opening up new opportunities for additional restaurants and shops to accommodate the increase in downtown traffic.

6. What would you do to improve air and water quality in Douglas?

I will continue to work toward improving quality and standards of our Douglas air and water supply assuring that it is the safest for our Douglas community. I would like to support a city policy on water conservation and work to make sure that is one of the new priorities of the new Mayor and council.

7. Knowing that Douglas streets and roads are in need of repair please discuss your plan for improvement?

I introduced a resolution to the Arizona League of Cities and Town in August, 2011 to attempt to recover HURF funds that were “swept” from the cities. The League overwhelming passed this resolution and it is now at the legislative level and I will continue to work vigorously towards having these funds reinstated. It is also essential that we have people elected at the state level that are supportive towards cities and towns to alleviate hardships on rural communities with aging infrastructures.

8.In your opinion how has the effect of less state HURF funds affected the city?

This has affected Douglas tremendously as we are not able to make the necessary repairs that are required to maintain our streets and we are limited to only minor pothole repairs, which essentially is only a temporary “fix”.

9. Funds from vehicle, drug and property seizures go into the city’s general fund and not D.P.D.’s fund. Would you change this or leave it as it currently is?

I will continue to support these funds being placed in the general fund. The fact that it goes to the general fund, the city is able to utilize these funds in areas that improve the quality of life of our community, such as the library, parks, and aquatic center and other areas where additional funds are most needed. Placing the funds in the DPD fund would be more restrictive.

Lynn Kartchner ---Candidate for Ward 3 City Council

 

 1. Briefly give your life experience, work history and qualifications for office. Also, where can voters find out more about you and how can they contact you?

I was born in South Bisbee 7/7/1946. Lived in Chihuahua until 1948, graduated from Bisbee High School, 1964, University of Arizona (mining engineering) 1969, U. S. Army Engineer School 1969. Commanded Company A, 864th Engineer Battalion in Vietnam, 1970-71. ASARCO chief engineer, 1972-76; Ingersoll-Rand worldwide troubleshooter, 1976-79; Self-employed engineering, gunsmithing and equipment repair, 1980-86; Professional Engineer license, 1986; Greenlee County Engineer, 1986-89; Public Works Director, City of Goodyear, 1989-94; City Engineer, City of Eloy, 1994-97; Public Works Director and City Engineer, City of Douglas, 1997-2000 (retired). Kartchner Engineering LLC and Allsafe Security, 2001-present. Practicing Civil Engineer, gunsmith, and store manager for the past 11 years. I have extensive local government experience (14 yrs) and business experience (32 years), with extensive responsibility and demonstrable success. I am a master machinist, locksmith, gunsmith, engineer, and business manager. I am active in the Elks, Legion, Masons, VFW, NRA, and Douglas Rifle and Pistol Club.

2. What will your goals be if elected?

If elected, I would inspect every square inch of Ward 3 and be available to all constituents in order to be personally aware of any infrastructure or service needs. I would then advocate to meet these needs by obtaining a fair share of the City’s limited budget. Beyond being the spokesman for Ward 3, I would demonstrate unwavering loyalty to, and support of Douglas, Cochise County, Arizona, and the United States of America as a law abiding, honest Citizen. I would follow the laws and demand that others do so. I would be open to assist the City with professional and/or business advice based on my experience and abilities. I have extensive knowledge of the City’s infrastructure problems and its difficulties in attracting new businesses.

3. Knowing that business and sales tax are important to the city please discuss your plans for economic development in Douglas and specifically how you see downtown revitalization moving forward?

Businesses and the sales tax revenues they generate are the life blood of any city. The jobs they provide are necessary to allow our population of working age to remain in the City, and hopefully spend their income here. In order to attract new businesses and retain existing ones, the City needs to have a reputation for openness, fairness, and willingness to help in making informed decisions. I have extensive experience in attracting new businesses to struggling communities.

4. There has been a lot of emphasis on income from across the line. What would you do to improve it making sure the money spent stays here in Douglas?

About 30% of my retail trade is with Mexican nationals, in spite of strict limitations on what products I can sell to them. The City should make shopping in Douglas as attractive as possible. One way to do this is to increase the number of parking spaces in the downtown area. The City is doing this by tearing down derelict buildings and converting to parking lots.

5. How do you see the new government center on G Ave fitting into the plans of economic development?

Development attracts other development. The City and County governments have to be here, and need adequate facilities. It is therefore fitting that they start the redevelopment in the heart of the city. This will raise property values of downtown property, particularly the Brophy building, encouraging investment. Even deserted buildings should be maintained to look viable.

6. What would you do to improve air and water quality in Douglas?

Air quality has been improved by paving all City streets. Some high-traffic alleys should be stabilized or paved to reduce dust. Douglas has always been relatively dusty due to unpaved roads across the border. Water quality, related to drinking water, is tightly regulated by the state and federal government. Our drinking water meets these high standards.

7. Knowing the Douglas streets and roads are in need of repair, please discuss your plan for improvement?

Some pavement in Douglas has been neglected for many years. Pavement rejuvenation has been successfully used in Douglas to prevent raveling of the surface. We need to expand the cheap maintenance procedures to cover all out pavement, not just the major streets.

8. In your opinion how has the effect of less state HURF funds affected the city?

Reduction of Highway Users Revenue Funds will require supplementation by general fund monies to allow minimal maintenance of paved roads. Lack of maintenance will lead eventually to catastrophic failures and expensive repairs.

9. Funds from vehicle, drug and property seizures go into the city’s general fund and not D.P.D.’s fund. Would you change this or leave it as it currently is?

The expenditures of the Police Department are limited by their annual budget. If revenues from vehicle, drug, and property seizures were to be allocated to the Police Department, these monies would be offset by reductions in PD funding from the general fund, and would make no difference from the present arrangement.

 

Ben LaForge - Ward 3 City Council

1. Briefly give your life experience, work history and qualifications for office. Also, where can voters find out more about you and how can they contact you?

I am a lifelong resident of Douglas having graduated from Douglas High School and attending Arizona State University. I have served and dedicated my entire public life to the City of Douglas as a City employee, interested citizen and volunteer in many civic and public organizations and committees which include but not limited to: Fourteen years as member and president of the Douglas School District Board of Education. Served 6 years concurrently as chairman of Planning and Zoning/Board of Adjustment. Retired Public Works Director serving 33 years in the administrative government; City Councilman and Mayor Pro-Tem (4 yrs.) Member of International Boundary Water Commission and various others appointed local and state committees and boards which can be available on request. benlaforge@citygov.com

2. What will your goals be if elected?

A need for an all purpose community center is of the up-most importance, a facility for recreation health fitness, learning, cultural and arts, something for all the people, including our many government employees . A new opportunity and goal for the mayor and council to work for the benefit and well-being of the city should be a challenge to all of us.

3. Knowing that business and sales tax are important to the city please discuss your plans for economic development in Douglas and specifically how you see downtown revitalization moving forward?

We must support local business to ensure that they and the downtown area are convenient and assessable for Mexican foot traffic as well as motor.

4. There has been a lot of emphasis on income from across the line. What would you do to improve it making sure the money spent stays here in Douglas?

Since a major portion of our taxes are Mexican trade, the ability to have free and smooth, with as little as possible inconvenience in crossing and returning from Mexico, flow of traffic and movement is essential. This should be done, without compromising our security of inspection. Faster lanes along with needed and necessary expansion of the port of entry could accomplish this. The City should assist local business in any way possible and not be hindrance in this effort to attract local and outside shoppers.

5. How do you see the new government center on G Ave fitting into the plans of economic development?

The new government complex is probably the best plan ever to bring vitality and interest to the downtown area and community at large. The activity and traffic created at the center will create more needed movement and attraction in a concentrated area which will in turn see more diversification possibilities for local business.

6. What would you do to improve air and water quality in Douglas?

As border communities it is imperative that we renew our interest in protecting our most precious resources, water and the air we breathe. We have a port authority that is dedicated to ensure the safe transfer and crossing of port of entry traffic is attained. Equally important is a need to establish an international Douglas/Agua Prieta Border Health Net Group committed to insure that we have a healthy and clean environment.

7. Knowing the Douglas streets and roads are in need of repair, please discuss your plan for improvement?

Street construction materials, equipment, and labor is expensive and depending on available funds, city budgeted/state funding, will determine to what degree we repair our streets. Using our own work force and City produced asphalt more projects could be accomplished. I would recommend that we use contractual work only on a limited basis.

8. In your opinion how has the effect of less state HURF funds affected the city?

The City has a ten years strategic plan that involves our entire network of roads and their conditions. The prioritization in scheduling to repair our streets is requirement mandated by the state qualifying us to receive transportation assistance and highway user’s funds. These sources have been dramatically cut back, nearly .50 million dollars has not been designated this year. We need to support the lobbying efforts in the state legislature to restore these funds.

9. Funds from vehicle, drug and property seizures go into the city’s general fund and not D.P.D.’s fund. Would you change this or leave it as it currently is?

The R.I. C. O. /property seizures are law enforcement confiscated items. Public safety personnel also administer the process to liquidate them through a public auction. The funds derived from this process should remain within the budget of the Douglas Police Dept.

Lou Estrada--Candidate for Ward 5 City Council

 

1. Briefly give your life experience, work history and qualifications for office. Also, where can voters find out more about you and how can they contact you?

I have lived in Douglas the majority of my life, attending public schools and graduating from Cochise College. I have worked in the Public Sector for over 15 years, 9 of them for the City of Douglas, under the Finance Department as a Purchasing Agent and Grants Administrator, which gives me the experience and knowledge of budgets and expenditures. I am currently employed at Cochise College as Director of Purchasing.

Please email me with any questions and concerns at: loumestrada@hotmail.com.

2. What will your goals be if elected?

I believe we should focus on Government Transparency, Financial Responsibility and Accountability, a check and balance system. Our future depends on the City of Douglas Fiscal Management. Our economic times call for this. We do have to spend money to make money, but we have to spend it wisely.

3. Knowing that business and sales tax are important to the city please discuss your plans for economic development in Douglas and specifically how you see downtown revitalization moving forward?

Sales tax is extremely important for the growth of our community. The revitalization of down town will hopefully bring more sales to our existing businesses. As for our Economic growth we need someone or a group of individuals who will mainly concentrate on new business and employment opportunities for our City. We need to market Douglas.

4. There has been a lot of emphasis on income from across the line. What would you do to improve it making sure the money spent stays here in Douglas?

It is a known fact without our neighbors to the south, Douglas would not exist. Our future relies on this. New business is hard to come by, especially when you do not have the tools and resources to bring new business to our community. A big emphasis would be marketing Douglas. Let’s put Douglas back on the map.

5. How do you see the new government center on G Ave fitting into the plans of economic development?

I see the new Government Center revitalizing Downtown, but as for plans of economic development, I do not see that. We are building a Center to house current County Employees

It will be a County Court House, County Sheriff annex, and both Adult and Juvenile Court. This will result in the vacancy of their existing buildings. Hopefully with this new development, downtown businesses will see an increase in sales.

6. What would you do to improve air and water quality in Douglas?

The City of Douglas is abiding by State and Federal regulations. Both our water and air quality is being tested regularly to meet ADEQ requirements.

7. Knowing the Douglas streets and roads are in need of repair, please discuss your plan for improvement?

Under Streets Maintenance, the City of Douglas Web page, states that the City of Douglas owns and operates its own asphalt batch plant, with this in mind minor repairs on our streets should be taking place. Prioritizing the much needed repairs, and a preventive maintenance schedule, will help but not solve our issues with our streets. We are willing to finance a $1,000,000 ladder truck, should we be thinking about financing our street improvements.

8. In your opinion how has the effect of less state HURF funds affected the city?

With the lack of funding, the city streets will continue to be neglected. Per ADOT web page, the City of Douglas distribution of HURF funds for FY2011 was 1.2 million dollars. How was these funds expensed?

9. Funds from vehicle, drug and property seizures go into the city’s general fund and not D.P.D.’s fund. Would you change this or leave it as it currently is?

These funds or revenue should we say, received from seized vehicles, should adhere by the same procedure that is taken by the State Attorney’s Office. Seized vehicles and property are being auctioned off, and the revenue from said property is then distributed back to law enforcement.

Luis Greer--Candidate for Ward 5 City Council

 

1. Briefly give your life experience, work history and qualifications for office. Also, where can voters find out more about you and how can they contact you.

Hello my name is Santos Luis Greer but I am known to many as Luis. I am one of eight children, born to my beloved parents Juan and Carmen Greer. I married my beautiful high school sweetheart, Ana Greer (for 33years) we were blessed with three children, Carlos, Nitza, Nick, granddaughter Brooke and daughter in law Amanda. I’ve been employed as an underground miner, a pressman, X-ray technician, lab assistant, and a corrections officer. I have been employed by the Douglas Unified School District (21 years) and currently hold the position of Transportation, Security and Warehouse Supervisor. I have volunteered my time over the years in the community with charity events and sports leagues. I consider myself a responsible man and hard worker, one that will work for my constituents the same if not even harder. I can be contacted at: 1830 Baker Ave, Douglas, AZ. Phone # 520 227-8617

2. What will your goals be if elected?

If elected I would concentrate my efforts on listening to citizens in my ward, what their concerns are and what they would like done to better the community. I will work with the newly elected Mayor, fellow Council members, and City staff in an effort to better the future of Douglas. My goals include strengthening the City’s economy by keeping our tax dollars in Douglas, working with our city administrators, with State Representatives and our neighbors from across the border to find and incorporate more opportunities. Working with the City, the school district, and Cochise College will also help to increase recreational activities for our children as well as provide education opportunities for adults. Exploring grant opportunities for the rejuvenation not only of our Downtown area but the streets and City as well will make our City more attractive to new industry.

3. Knowing that business and sales tax are important to the city please discuss your plans for economic development in Douglas and specifically how you see downtown revitalization moving forward?

Downtown Douglas has great potential. Buildings need to be more appealing to bring in more businesses and owners need to be responsible for the upkeep. Providing goods and services at comparable rates will allow our citizens to stay and purchase their goods here, which keep taxes within our city and give the economy a boost.

4. There has been a lot of emphasis on income from across the line. What would you do to improve it making sure the money stays here in Douglas?

I also agree that the emphasis on income from across the line is linked to that of the revitalization project of Douglas, as previously mentioned. We, the citizens of Douglas, need to accommodate those coming into town with things to offer, goods & services, business opportunities and community activities to which they will desire to spend their money here, thus giving us their taxes and leaving them within Douglas.

5. How do you see the government center on G Ave fitting the plans of economic development?

I see the new government center as a great benefit for all of us making all the government offices more centralized, not only will it serve the people of Douglas but will serve as a more appealing tourism attraction, thus bringing more people to the downtown area. The Phelps Dodge Mercantile building has always been a beautiful building which holds many special memories for many people.

6. What would you do to improve air and water quality in Douglas?

I feel the City of Douglas is doing a great job in bringing the levels to the minimum State requirements by installing new water wells and working with replacing water lines. As a level of improvement, I would like to establish a better street sweeping system to avoid contamination from our streets and drainage ways reaching the aqua filter. Our air pollutants have always been an issue due to the neighbors from across the border having many unpaved street low emission control. A great way to improve the quality of life in general also is to implement and establish a recycling system that would be most suitable for our city.

7. Knowing that Douglas streets and roads are in need of repair please discuss your plan for improvement?

I as a resident of Douglas have had the experience seeing the pot holes/cracks and the deterioration of our streets and know that it is very costly to get them repaired. However, when our government takes the money allocated for those purposes, the city has their hands tied. I believe that our City Manager has been looking on this issue to have the problem resolved and I would like to assist in getting this issued resolved in a urgent matter by addressing this to our State Government and looking for other means where to find funding.

8. In your opinion how has the effect of less state HURF funds affected the city?

In my opinion the effect of less state HURF fund have affected not only Douglas but many other cities. The money allotted for our city to get our streets improved, has been disbursed to other entities within the state, which could rather assist Douglas in street repairs and our safety.

9. Funds from vehicle, drug and property seizures go into the city’s general fund and not D.P.D’s fund. Would you change this or leave it as it currently is?

It is my understanding that funds from the vehicle, drug and property seizures go into the RICO fund as part of the DPD’s fund, and not that of the city’s general fund, therefore I would currently leave as is than pursue a change. RICO fund is already providing the needs for the DPD, which should alleviate the general funds that would be used in purchasing equipment for DPD, to now better assist our city in other needs.