HOUSING COMMISSION
For years, neighborhood leaders have asked the City to establish a Housing Commission to protect tenants and improve blighted neighborhoods. Maggie worked hard to get this request through City Council. A citizen committee worked through the issues for 3 months, and the Commission was established in August, 2011.
NEIGHBORHOOD CRIME
Park Avenue and Brooklyn South Square struggled when a convenience store between the two neighborhoods became the single highest crime location in the entire city. Maggie organized a meeting with the neighborhoods and police officers to identify a strategy to resolve the problem.
As a result, the Police Chief, Maggie, and representatives of Alcohol Law Enforcement, along with other police officers, met with the business owner in December, 2010. The owner implemented several steps to make his location safer. Current statistics show a significant drop in crime at the site.
"Maggie has displayed a caring attitude towards improving our community and never hesitates to roll up her sleeves to tackle difficult issues. She has spearheaded efforts to rehabilitate troubled neighborhoods and represents us all on both the Neighborhood Leaders Alliance (NLA) and the Salisbury Neighborhood Action Group (SNAG). Thank you Maggie for all that you do!" Garth Birdsey
PROPERTY TAX
For taxpayers, the economy is tight and many of our citizens have lost jobs. Homeowners needed a break in their tax rates.
On the City side, revenues are down, but the City must continue to provide services to citizens. The original budget request for 2011-12 showed a significant tax increase in order to fund these services. Armed with years of experience as a business manager, Maggie combed through the figures in advance of the budget meeting and identified a number of ways to trim the budget, maintain services, and cut the tax rate so homeowners wouldn't see an increase in their tax bills. Many homeowners actually paid lower taxes,
BUS STOP
A small shuttle bus that provides service to elderly and low-income citizens required a car seat for children. Yet many low-income citizens who use the bus, can't afford car seats. Those who have one, find it unwieldy to carry around while doing errands at their destinations.
Maggie rode the shuttle with local folks where she had a chance to observe the problem and discuss the situation with other passengers. She asked that car seats be installed in the shuttle. Today more families can use this service.
"I don't know anybody except for you who is so successful in his job and still manages to spend time with the family, do voluntary work (host German exchange students) AND be in such a good mood! You're a real superwoman, Maggie!" Marlene Scheer
