Transparency - Worked with City leadership to
implement a new agenda policy where board and commission agendas are posted
online. This allows the public to know what is being discussed at the meetings.
Hard
labor sentencing option for low level offenders - For many low level offenders in
our community the option for sentencing has traditionally been a fine. I am not
too fond of this as many are right back in our neighborhoods with no change of
character or conduct. One of my first items was to pass a resolution to
participate in the OK Shine program. This has existed for several years, and
our involvement had expired. The program takes low level offenders and puts
them to work on public improvement projects (often clearing ditches, debris,
etc). I believe for some offender’s work and sweat is a more suitable deterrent
than simply paying a fine. We have had several projects and I look
forward to more in the future.
Fence
Ordinance - Several
residents complained about issues with vandalism of their properties. Their
homes were next to a heavily populated apartment complex and they were having
trespassing issues. We passed an ordinance requiring a fence between these
types of properties. This is an example of how working together we can
implement solutions for problem areas, no matter how small they may seem.
Economic
Development- Economic development is a top
priority. We are working on several projects to improve the quality of life in
Midwest City as well as create high quality jobs. We have recently announced a
major sporting goods store is coming to MWC, along with several other great
retailers. I am a big believer that we have to work diligently to bring job
centers in addition to retail outlets. I have added that to our strategic plan,
and we have several concepts in the works. Additionally, I pushed to have a
dedicated economic development group that is consistently working towards
improvements in this area. The initial plan was to only include government
officials. I was pleased that we were able to change that and include
representatives from the business community. I feel like a good cross section
of the community is a better approach and am pleased with the structure we implemented.
Taskforce
on Crime, Punishment, and Rehabilitation- The Council formed this taskforce and I was honored to be
trusted to lead it. We brought together citizens from different
political perspectives and their differences brought out a wide array of
positive recommendations. We have and will continue to work on the
recommendations.
A few of
the recommendations were:
Inmate Resource
Packet-A group of committee members organized a packet of helpful
groups that would steer the released inmates towards healthy and productive
futures. We contacted a number of churches and non-profits and listed services
that would be available. This is made available to all inmates, and the groups
that are included in the packet all volunteered to be on the list as a resource.
It’s a great tool for the men and women who want to improve their lives.
Establish
partnerships for Domestic Violence- Shortly after the
recommendations we signed an agreement with the YWCA to work with their SANE
domestic violence group. We have representatives from our PD attend and work to
implement best practices regarding domestic violence.
Establish a more thorough
process for repeated nuisance violations - More on this below.
The full list of recommendations
is available at danielmcclure.org
Restore
MWC- Neighborhood services runs
a fantastic program called Restore MWC. They match up those in need
with screened volunteers. I am happy to report that I we were able to
facilitate several volunteer days to assist needy families in our
community. This included painting, debris removal, landscaping,
etc. Those homes look great and I am thankful to everyone who
volunteered. If you or your groups are interested in assisting those
in need let me know. This program provides all the tools and supplies
necessary, as well as the individuals and families that need assistance…All we
need is you or your group!
Square
Mile Redevelopment- There is a plan in the works (at no cost to the city) that
will allow for the filling of vacant city lots with quality homes. Currently,
the city has to pay the cost to mow and maintain those properties. Given the
choice I would much rather re-purpose the properties and see a family
build a home there. This will of course add quality housing stock to
the neighborhood, decrease maintenance costs, and fill vacant lots.
Additionally, I was recently nominated to Chair the Original Mile Redevelopment
Committee. It consists of a group of residents from the area, as
well as City leaders, to provide feedback and ideas on issues and objectives
for improving the mile. If you have ideas or concerns please let me know.
Both of these projects are relatively recent and I am hoping to see
results over the coming year. Also, you may have noticed the “OM” Original Mile
markers throughout the neighborhood. These were funded with
a grant and add unique character to the area.
What’s Next
I have
been working on how to implement two larger goals (a nuisance ordinance and a
dilapidated property ordinance). The reason these are important to me is that
it has been brought up time and again that people move out of MWC due to a few
bad neighbors…this is unacceptable. We can’t lose good people due to bad ones.
Nuisance
Ordinance - Hold property owners
responsible for repeated nuisances. We have multiple properties with repeated
violations. This drains our resources and prevents officers from patrolling our
neighborhoods. I am working on an increasing punishment scale that will
encourage violators to be better neighbors. This has been in the works for over
a year and it is scheduled to be heard on the Jan 26th Council
Agenda.
Dilapidated
Property Ordinance- Currently, when code enforcement works a property and the owner
racks up fines and fees, a lein is placed on the property. For many “slum
lords” this is no problem as they plan to continue to rent it out and never
sell it. This often times provides a revolving door of bad neighbors and
decreasing property values. There is an ordinance in the works that will deter
this from happening and force landowners to be responsible for their
properties. This one will be a tough obstacle and I am hoping to
make progress on it this year.
This is
just a high level overview of recent activity on the Council. If you would
like more details or specifics just let me know I am happy to provide
them. Also, if you have ANY issue I am happy to
help. My email is danielmcclurejr@gmail.com and my cell
phone is 405-919-5730. Please don’t hesitate to contact me. I
have also set up an email update system to provide you details on some of the policies
I have been working on. Feel free to shoot me an email and I will
add you to the list or sign up at www.DanielMcclure.org.
Daniel
McClure
Councilman
Ward 1
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