Michael J Weaver |
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(candidate for 2003 Moscow City Council (2 year seat)) |
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1. Do you believe the bequest from the Hamilton estate was spent wisely in the construction and maintenance of the new gym? If not, why not-and how would you avoid a similar problem in the future? |
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The Hamilton bequest was a wonderful gift to the community of Moscow.
In regards to the new gym, I believe the needs of the City could have been more
fully addressed. I don’t think our community received the best value, in the
construction of the new gym. We need gym floor space, multiple courts.
We will have more (with the new gym) but not enough. Administrative and
maintenance costs need to be part of the overall operating plan, but are not the
number one issue.
The bottom line: What are our needs?
Answer: More square feet of hardwood.
How could we avoid similar problems in the future?
1) Improve lines of communication addressing the needs of the
community.
2) Shop around, research, and get the best value for the least cost.
3) City Council and the Mayor should work together to spend public funds
wisely.
I understand that you can’t make everyone happy.
A quality community will serve the needs of as many as possible.
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2. As a Council member, what would be your questions, concerns and requirements if you were asked to vote for a zoning variance that would allow a large business (employing 100 workers) to be built on the outskirts of Moscow? Use that example to define your vision of economic growth for Moscow. |
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The notion of large business coming to the Moscow area would
be complex. A yes vote on a zoning variance would require
thoughtful insight and research into the matter.
Economic growth via large business may have positive and negative
impact on the community.
The City Council Would require information on many levels.
1) Type of industry?
2) Water usage?
3) Work force Questions:
a) Wages?
b) Benefits?
c) Local vs. import employees.
d) Indirect employment potential.
e) What type of workforce will they seek (skilled, labor…)?
4) Why do they want to open business on the Palouse?
5) Will services be impacted (sewer, water, schools, roads…)?
6) Will we need to increase services?
This is only a short list of questions that will need to be answered.
Moscow,the leading community on the Palouse will thrive far into the future.
Agriculture and the Universities make up the backbone of our economy.
This security gives us the option to reject large business, if we wish.
Do I see large business moving to Moscow in the near future? No.
Would I like to see smaller low impact business come into our area? Yes.
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3. Are you concerned with the continuing depletion of the Grand Ronde aquifer, and if you are, what specific steps would you want the city to take to conserve that water source? |
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The Grande Ronde aquifer depletion is a major concern to all on the Palouse.
The aquifer dropping 1-2 feet/year with a recharge rate of less than 1 inch/year
is alarming.
How could the City of Moscow address usage issues?
a) Discourage large or wasteful use of our precious resource.
b) Increased cost for large users.
c) No new irrigation farming or other large use industry.
d) Alternate water sources for lawns and gardens (surface, rain or
reclaimed water).
e) Ongoing distribution of water saving devices and continue
public education on water conservation.
f) Test for leeks and repair.
We must protect the quantity and quality of the Grande Ronde aquifer.
We must practice sound water conservation rules and be the example to
follow here on the Palouse. |
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4. Should Moscow encourage, and begin planning now for, the creation of a new route for Highway 95 that bypasses the city? |
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Should highway 95 bypass Moscow in the future? No.
Should we have a truck route to bypass Moscow? Maybe.
The health and safety of the community should indicate the true answer.
It seems that most of the serious traffic accidents occur outside of the
city. We may find that routing trucks around town may improve both
public safety and air quality?
The volume of traffic on highway 95 is large at times.
The bypassing of Moscow by north-south travelers may negatively impact
local business.
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5. As a Council member, how would you use e-mail, web sites, or any other communication tools to inform Moscow residents about city programs or to gather input from those residents? |
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Open lines of communication are important.
Without good two-way communication the needs of the community will suffer.
People expect representation. I do.
All means of communication should be used, including traditional and electronic methods.
The current City Council is trying to improve there ability to communicate
with the community. I applaud their efforts to improve the distribution of information.
Communication is a two-way street.
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6. Biographical information: |
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Michael James Weaver
427 E. Lewis Moscow,
Idaho 83843
H-(208)882-1660
Mine Safety Specialist
University of Idaho
Idaho Geological Survey
327 McClure Hall
83844-3024
W-(208)885-4351
mjweaver@uidaho.edu
Married: Sixteen years.
Father of two, Sons.
Worker the last fourteen years as a Mining & Construction safety Specialist
for the State of Idaho.
1985 – 1989: Student at the University of Idaho, College of Mines,
Moscow, Idaho.
1989 – 1996: Safety Specialist, Idaho Department of Labor, Boise, Idaho.
Residence: Star, Idaho.
!996 – Present: Mine Safety Specialist, Idaho Geological survey.
Moscow, Idaho.
My family and I moved back to Moscow in the summer of 1996.
We knew the Palouse region well. We loved the People and the landscape.
This City is the community we wanted to raise our children in.
We are here for the long haul.
Moscow is our home.
My civic priorities elected or not remain the same:
1) Health and Safety of our community (especially the young and elderly).
2) Protect and maintain the high quality of life we enjoy.
3) Address and provide for the needs of the community.
One can do little.
A few can make waves.
It takes us ALL to get the job done and do it right!
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