MORE: Springfield candidates debate north-south divide, discrimination law
“We’ve chosen to stay in this city because we love the city and we love the people in it,” he said. “We’re very much at home here. We decided if we’re going to stay here and continue to live and work here, then we had to get involved. We just couldn’t sit on the sidelines … I’ve tossed my hat into the ring and now it’s up to the voters.”
The most important issue facing Springfield is bringing jobs to reverse the population loss, Estrop said. About 700 jobs go unfilled in Springfield each day because the city doesn’t have enough people, he said.
“The financial future of the city is connected to jobs and people,” he said. “We need both … That ultimately is our biggest challenge and our biggest opportunity.”
By bringing more people to the city, it will shore up tax revenues for the schools and the city, he said.
SOCIAL MEDIA: FOLLOW REPORTER MICHAEL COOPER ON FACEBOOK AND TWITTER.
“The city thrives and that’s what we’re after,” Estrop said.
The city, Chamber of Greater Springfield and Clark County have worked together better recently, Estrop said. They must speak with one voice to bring jobs, he said.
Springfield must also have a qualified workforce, Estrop said, and use more tax incentives to help bring businesses and people to the community.
“We have to say to people, ‘Come on in,’” he said.
If elected, Estrop would support adding sexual orientation to the city’s non-discrimination ordinance, he said.
“I oppose discrimination in any form,” Estrop said.
MORE LOCAL STORIES: Read the latest news from Michael Cooper
He also would support resuming the city’s red light camera program, as long as there’s adequate signage, he said. Safety greatly improved during the program’s tenure, Estrop said.
“I want people to be informed with adequate signage,” he said. “But why would you oppose something that’s making our city safer?”
It will take a collaborative effort to address the ongoing opioid crisis in Springfield, Estrop said, including law enforcement, mental health and treatment facilities.
He hopes the city won’t have to go back on the ballot to renew a temporary 0.4-percent income tax passed earlier this year, but also said it’s unclear if the state or federal government will further reduce local government funding.
“If we’re doing the right things, the idea is that we won’t have to go back on the ballot,” Estrop said.
3 QUICK NEWS-SUN READS
Red light cameras staying off in Springfield — for now
$175K grant will increase addiction care at Springfield health center
Medical marijuana ban ends in Springfield, area to get 2 dispensaries
David Estrop
About the Author