Gary Pruitt is campaigning for a seat on Milton City Council Ward 1. He said he’s noticed as he’s hit the streets knocking on doors many city dwellers ask the same question of ‘what’s going on in this town?’
Pruitt said economic development is the answer.
“With a poverty level of 41 percent in the county and 90 percent of children attending East Milton Elementary on school lunch assisted program, a positive, encouraging and welcoming city government to attract perspective businesses to bring jobs to the city is needed,” said Pruitt.
He said the city has a lot of potential but also a lot of empty square footage. “We need better incentives to bring businesses to the city. They need to see the incredible quality of life Santa Rosa County has to offer. Let’s work together with the county to attract them. Investors need to see the need to take the risk to spend their money here,” said Pruitt.
As a city council member, Pruitt said he will bring his 28 years of business experience to work hard for the city.
“I will encourage the public to be involved through term limits, change city meeting times after 5 p.m., and stream meetings online for public viewing. I will begin a community involvement response team, for citizens who want to volunteer and be active in their community,” he said.
Elected officials should connect with their community on a regular basis, be out and active and not just on photo opportunities, he said.
As for downtown redevelopment, Pruitt said simple changes will make a big difference in encouraging people to come out and enjoy their community.
“One nice sized event per month and small weekly events to get people together and visit, laugh and enjoy themselves will make a difference,” he said. Big changes are to work hard attracting economic development,
“We need to throw out the welcome mat to new businesses,” he said, and save taxpayer dollars by using volunteers to take care of basic housekeeping needs like street sweeping and basic maintenance instead of using city resources.
“Saving taxpayer money a little bit here and there adds up,” he said.
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Gary Pruitt campaigning for Milton City Council