★ Lynn's priorities
Understand the problem first. Then fix it right.
These are the issues Lynn talks about most, and how he wants to approach them. Some of this work will take years. Lynn has been clear about that. But it has to start.
Streets and infrastructure
Our streets need a real plan
I can assure you it will be my top priority.
Our streets are something every Dyersburg resident uses every day, and their condition affects all of us. Lynn believes the decisions we make about repairs affect how far our public dollars will go. So those decisions should start with careful evaluation and a plan.
Look underneath before we pave on top
For our streets, Lynn's approach means examining three things together: the pavement, the ground underneath it, and the water lines. Old water lines run under many roads, and when the base gives way, new asphalt won't last.
Make sure that you're not putting good money on top of bad.
- Rank streets by their condition, the soil and base underneath, and how much traffic they carry.
- Fix the root cause at the same time, including water lines, so a repair is done once and done right.
- Budget a set amount every year for complete repairs, and keep at it.
Lynn notes that most grants come earmarked for specific uses, so standard street repair depends mostly on the city's own budget. That is one more reason to spend carefully.
I will never, never, never mislead you to think that can be done in a week, two weeks, a year, two years. It's gonna be a long range plan, but it has to start.
Public safety
Safer neighborhoods and real support for officers
Lynn believes crime in Dyersburg is too high for a city our size, and that drugs drive much of it. He wants city and county law enforcement working hand in hand, with clear communication between them, to keep drugs out of our neighborhoods.
He also wants a police presence people can see and trust. Officers in the community to protect people and let them know the city cares about what is happening on their street.
Lynn has said that elderly neighbors who can't simply move away should not have to sit in fear every day of their lives. In his words, "That is not acceptable."
Lynn's father served on the Dyersburg Police Department. Lynn knows what officers carry home with them, and he believes they deserve strong support.
These people deal with tough situations. They deserve every opportunity for support.
Open books and careful spending
It's your money. You should be able to see it.
It's your money that's being spent. You have a right to see every dime.
Lynn wants more detail on the city website showing what projects are budgeted, what each project covers, and what progress is being made. We should be able to understand both the work being planned and where our money is going.
It should not be a guessing game. It should be clear cut.
Reward saving, not spending
Lynn wants to do away with the "use it or lose it" mindset on budgets. In his view, departments that find ways to do more with less should be rewarded for it, not lose money the next year.
Taxes as the last resort
The first step should be finding better, more efficient ways to work, then moving the savings to where they are needed. If a tax increase is ever needed, Lynn believes it belongs in front of the people, with a clear explanation of exactly what the money is for.
Raising taxes will be the last resort.
Children and young families
A city our children want to come home to
As a father and a grandfather, I know how much your children mean to each of you. But our children are leaving here at an alarming rate for better opportunities.
Lynn believes we need to start now on the quality of life that keeps young people here. That includes places for our children to go and activities to enjoy.
We have a lot of issues with our children not having places to go and activities to enjoy.
Good streets, safe neighborhoods, and a well-run city all add up. Lynn wants Dyersburg to be known as a place people want to be, with low crime, budgets kept in line, and good streets.
Working together
The mayor doesn't do this alone
Dyersburg's mayor presides over the Board of Mayor and Aldermen, and major decisions on budgets and taxes are made together with the Board. Lynn believes good leadership listens, works alongside the people already serving Dyersburg, and brings people together around solutions.
I will make those changes along with all of the leadership of Dyersburg and Dyer County.
Election Day is Tuesday, November 3
It's your money. It's your city. It's your choice.
If you believe Dyersburg can do better, Lynn would be grateful for your help and your vote.