Catch the Vision COMMUNITY
OPPORTUNITY
FAMILY “I believe in the future of Charlestown, because I believe in the goodness of its people.”
- Mayor Bob Hall www.mayorbob2011.com
LEADERSHIP IN CRISIS HURRICANE IKE ‘08
P
V E O N R COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP
LE
AD
IP
ICE STORM ‘09
ERSH
MANAGEMENT LEADERSHIP
2009
28%
2011 WATER PROJECT
$$$ 10 MILLION DOLLARS grant money in 8 years
4 PHASE SIDEWALK PLAN
2011
70%
2010
53%
Charlestown Seniors Going to College
EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP
About Mayor Bob Mayor Bob Hall is serving his second term as mayor of the City of Charlestown (2008-2011). As mayor, Bob serves as the executive of the city. A former small business owner, Mayor Bob pursued public life to make needed improvements to Charlestown such as upgrades to the city’s roads and sidewalks, parks, commercial developments and housing. Mayor Bob’s goal is to make Charlestown a better place to live, work and educate children. Mayor Bob has expanded activities through the Charlestown Parks and Recreation Department, implemented technology initiatives through the city’s Redevelopment Commission, introduced new communication channels through the city’s Multimedia Communications initiative and provided a solid vision for the city’s economic development.
Welcome Mayor Bob has established partnerships between the City of Charlestown and the Office of the Lieutenant Governor of Indiana, the Office of Community and Rural Affairs, One Economy, the Kentuckiana Regional Planning and Development Agency, the Indiana Department of Education and the Greater Clark County School Corporation. Educational advancement is a key component of Mayor Hall’s vision for the future of Charlestown. Mayor Hall pursued the implementation of a One-to-One Computer Initiative at Charlestown High School and Charlestown Middle School, opened a computer lab for public use at the city’s Arts and Enrichment Center and introduced free WiFi access at Greenway Park.
“I’m proud to have my kids here... “A lot of changes in our city come from It’s a good place to have a family. Mayor Bob Hall. I just wish my mother and Bob and Virginia Hall are people you can identify with.” my father could see all the changes...” Kay Vaughn
“I’m proud to come into town. Mayor Bob has
Betty Buckner, Thompson Street
saved the people of Highview subdivision $10,400 at each household down there with the sewer..”
Paul Collier, Lakeview/Highview
Committee to Re-Elect Mayor Bob 2011
The city of Charlestown is being noticed by people all over the region. Great things are happening here that are changing the way people look at our community. The dramatic increase in the percentage of our children going to college has caused others to look at our schools differently. People come to our community for our Christmas lights. We’re known for our city’s appearance, focus on technology and civic groups. This book is meant to highlight the accomplishments of the eight years that I have had the honor to be Mayor.
There is one important thing I would like to communicate to the reader: Being Mayor is like being a coach of a winning championship football team. The coach’s job is to give direction, vision, motivation and accountability to the team he coaches. Good coaches understand that they are part of the team, and knows that he/ she can’t play all the positions. Winning takes great playersand staff. This booklet shows the accomplishments of our staff, our dedicated city services people, our principals, teachers, civic groups, great volunteers, many
partnerships and the support of this great community. It is about this great community and the goodness of its people. I hope you enjoy it.
“Mayor Bob has a vision for Charlestown. Very few people you’ll meet have vision like him.” Steve Dean, Chief of Police
The Five Es of Focus Charlestown was once a boomtown. Our economy depended upon the Indiana Army Ammunition Plant for our jobs, our livelihood and our community’s well being. But with the disappearance of these jobs, it became apparent to me that we had to change the way we look at growing and sustaining our community. The conventional route is a road to nowhere in this era. The success of our city depends upon our ability to recognize that we can no longer do business the way we did in the past. That’s why I put together a team of business, government, education and civic leaders to examine the challenges facing our community and identify our areas of focus to allow our city compete in the 21st century global economy. We used the metaphor of a chart at an eye doctor’s office to identify the biggest areas of focus. Similar to the large “E” at the top of the chart, these are things that anyone can see. We identified five areas to focus on: Enlarging our Vision Enhancing the City Enriching the Quality of Life Economic and Workforce Development Emergency Preparedness and Safety
With those areas of focus identified, we got to work. We recognized that technology is the way of the future for businesses of all sizes, and we began pursuing new ways to bring technology into our community. We created new programs to bring together our community and enhance the relationship between the city’s government and its citizens. We courted new developments and new businesses to come to Charlestown. Now, three and a half years into my second term as mayor, the results are apparent. Our kids at Charlestown High School and Charlestown Middle School will be the first in the state of Indiana to enjoy the new One-to-One Computer Initiative, and the high school students will do so in a new, state-of-the-art building. We’ve renovated our streets, revitalized our parks and provided a wealth of activities for our residents. In reality, all five areas affect one another. Enhancing the City provides benefits that also Enrich our Quality of Life. Improving Economic Development offers more opportunity to strengthen all the other four pillars. We have created a better place to live, work, raise and educate our children, but there is still much to be done.
Enlarging Our Vision Dream no small dreams, for they have no Purchases that once took place at shopping malls power in them to stir the hearts of men. and specialty shops can now be performed on the -Aristotle Web. The Economic Development AdministraWe can no longer look at things as we did in the past. We live in a changing, dynamic world, and we must recognize that we are no longer simply competing against our neighbors in Jeffersonville, New Albany and Louisville for business – we are competing in a global economy, where emerging economic powers like China, South Korea and India are now able to provide cheap labor while producing quality products and services. We can keep our principles and values, but we must take this reality into account. We recognize that the Internet is contributing to the transformation of the global economy. Our world has become smaller. Information that once took a trip to the library or the effort of researching in an encyclopedia to access is now available for a few keystrokes and the click of a mouse.
1 Mayor Bob 2011
tion estimates that more than 2.5 million Americans earn their living on eBay.com alone, and 20 million go to work on the information highway, running Web sites and telecommuting to their jobs from the comfort of the kitchen table. To better prepare Charlestown for the 21st century global economy, we are adding technology to our overall strategy. We believe that Internet access will someday be viewed as a utility similar to electricity or water, and we are working toward providing access for everyone through WiFi hotspots and free DSL access for those who cannot afford it. In the coming months and years, we will be pursuing a technology park in Charlestown and explore other options to continue making technology a part of our city’s culture.
As you evaluate Charlestown’s position regionally, long-term planning becomes clearer. Our city is destined to become the community of choice to live, work, educate and raise a family. Clarksville is the retail center of the region. Most of our citizens are content to drive the 15 minutes to shopping malls and not have all the traffic congestion here. Jeffersonville is an extension of Louisville, with its density housing, large population and riverfront position. The River Ridge Commerce Center alone has enough commercial and industrial property to create tens of thousands of new jobs for the region in the next 30-40 years. Charlestown’s distinction in the region is to become the best community to raise a family. To fulfill that
potential, we must invest in having the best schools, great quality of life programs, convenience shopping, great city appearance, public safety and infrastructure. We must continue to partner with the River Ridge Commerce Center to prepare job sites for the future and prepare Charlestown for the families that will move into the region to work at River Ridge. Charlestown will once again become the boomtown it was 70 years ago with the arrival of the Ammunition Plant. This time, by understanding our position in the region, we are much better prepared to take advantage of our unique strengths as a community. Visit our website for more information on our longterm plan. www.mayorbob2011.com
Mayor Bob 2011 2
Enhancing Our City A city’s infrastructure is its underlying foundation. The city’s continued growth and viability depend on sustainable maintenance and improvement of such basic installations and facilities as streets, utilities, parks and other amenities. Because of the infrastructure’s importance to a city’s health, Mayor Bob took aggressive actions, beginning with his first term to immediately improve the city’s outdated water system. He fixed the water hydrants – half of which didn’t work – and installed new ones where needed. Old water meters were replaced with state-of-the-art electronic meters. Miles of water mains have been replaced. Hydrants and valves have been added to the system. The city is currently implementing another major water project -the 2011 Water Project- as outlined in the recent water pamphlet. To view an electronic edition of the pamphlet, please go to the city’s website page www.cityofcharlestown.com/charlestown-water-system-booklet. Over his two terms, Mayor Bob has brought more than 10 million dollars in grants to the city for much needed infrastructure improvements.
This amount is more than the last two administrations combined. He acquired new equipment to keep the streets free of snow and debris. He added an Animal Control Officer as a city service. Our parks were not a reflection of a tight-knit community that enjoyed civic pride. Instead, they projected civic decay and neglect. We built on previous efforts to revitalize Greenway Park, constructing covered bridges, a concession stand and handicapaccessible public rest rooms. Today, the park has become one of Charlestown’s primary venues for events and activities. We continually look to new ways to make our city a better place to live, work, raise and educate our children. In recent years, we secured a $1 million grant from the federal government through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 to make enhancements along Ind. 3 in the heart of Charlestown. The four-phase sidewalk plan is well underway, making the area safer for both pedestrians and motorists.
Much has been done, with much more to go. The current Wastewater plant was built during the Mayor’s first term after he secured 2.5 million dollars to upgrade the ailing system. Today the plant treats about a million gallons of wastewater a day, and has the capacity for the city to grow more than twice its current size before requiring expansion. The city has ensured future expansion by also reaching an agreement with River Ridge to purchase another 100 acres adjacent to the wastewater plant over a ten-year period for the price of one dollar.
ti on
Water Infrastructure
Waste Water Management
City Maintenance
The
S olu
The city maintenance facilities were obtained through the city’s partnership with River Ridge for the price of one dollar. With 64,000 sq. ft. under roof and 13 acres of land, the city’s equipment is well-kept out of the weather. Many pieces of equipment stored here came from the DRMO program at no cost to the city. Excess equipment was auctioned off to the public in April, bringing in more than $140,000, which was used to purchase police vehicles and other needed equipment.
Water pipe that was patched 4 times instead of being replaced.
3 Mayor Bob 2011
Mayor Bob 2011 4
City Services
Highway 3 Project Mayor Bob has added and improved city services during his eight years as mayor. He started an Animal Control department, street sweeping, greatly improved snow removal, brush pick-up and converted sanitation routes to the 90 gallon can automated service. The city recently added a camera-equipped vacor truck to allow our own inspections and repair. Also added is a new track hoe to reduce costly repair expenses and expand capabilities.
Before
In 1999 and early 2000, our city looked very different than what we see today. The highly visible medians on Highway 3 were not maintained. These areas were the first impression visitors encountered when driving through our city. The road itself, along with many other throughout the city were severely damaged with corrosion and neglect. Additionally, none of the city’s streets were swept or plowed, making winter driving dangerous and inconvenient. In February of 2000, Mayor Bob met with the Indiana Transportation Department about the terrible conditions of Highway 3. After several visits, they committed to re-paving it in 2001.
After City Square Revitalization
5 Mayor Bob 2011
Mayor Bob 2011 6
State of the City The mayor is proud of the fact that during the toughest economic time most of us have faced in our lifetimes, we have been able to make major budget cuts-from 3.1 million in 2008 to 2.9 million in 2011-and still have balanced budgets each year, without raising taxes or cutting services. In fact, the city has a surplus of over 3 million dollars in our Capital Accounts. This is an increase from 1,060.00 in 2008, when Mayor Bob returned to office, to 3,059,646 dollars in 2011. There is no question that the city is in sound financial condition, with a year’s reserve that will be available to protect the city from further economic downturns. Our budgets are approved by the Department of Local Government Finance (DLGF) and audited by the Indiana State Board of Accounts (SBOA). As stated earlier, in spite of a weak economy and major cuts, we have not overspent our budget by one cent. This fact has been confirmed with a perfect 2010 audit of the city’s finances by the SBOA and further endorsed by the DLGF. As a spokesperson for the DLGF stated in a recent newspaper article concerning allegations of overspending, “The department cannot approve a budget that is not funded.” All information regarding the city’s budget can be obtained at city hall or by visiting the SBOA website.
10 Million Dollars in Grant Money The city has received over $10 million dollars in grants during the eight years Mayor Bob has been in office. This amount is more than the last two administrations combined.
Mayor’s Car The mayor is assigned a 2005 Ford Taurus with 90,000 miles. The car was purchased through the Auto Auction in 2008 for $5,950. Currently, it has a retail value of approximately $3,000.
10 Ra % te s L o an wer dL ow S e w Ta er xe s
Mayor’s Salary
Mayor’s Salary NO RATE INCREASES
In 2008 the city council approved a 15.2% salary increase for the mayor’s office. The salary was increased from $39,950 to the current amount of $46,021. The salary had not been increased in eight years and represents an annual increase of 1.9%.
There is nothing that effects a community more than how that community feels about itself. The Beautification Committee was founded during the mayor’s first term, after hearing so many complaints during his campaign about the dirty appearance of the city. Clerk Treasurer Donna Coomer had heard the same complaints during her campaign, so the two decided to form the CBC in February of 2000. If “imitation is the highest form of flattery”, then Charlestown is honored to be a trend setter. Since starting the Beautification Committee, Jeffersonville, Clarksville, Sellersburg, Memphis and New Washington have all formed similar groups.
Current number of City Employees both full and part time. 45 full-time 13 year round part-time 13 seasonal/occasional workers* * This category is comprised of the summer park kids and the kids that work as Digital Connectors. The city paid a combined $14,000 to all these kids.
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Mayor Bob 2011 8
Building Better Neighborhoods
Four-Year Sidewalk Plan The sidewalk plan in historic Charlestown is designed to connect the businesses, schools and parks to all the neighborhoods. When completed in 2013, it will add both beauty and functionality and will be used by many for safety, leisure and exercise.
9 Mayor Bob 2011
Because no zoning or housing codes were enforced before the Mayor Bob’s first term, Charlestown citizens that could least afford it were being taken advantage of by what some would call “slumlords”. Drainage was a large issue in many areas of the city - especially Glendale. Strays and wild animals posed not only a nuisance, but a safety hazard. The Glendale project fixed drainage issues and grants made it possible for new houses to replace many of the old, unsafe houses. The mayor also created an Animal Control Department to address the stray situation.
Mayor Bob 2011 10
Parks Greenway Park
Greenway Park 1999
Family Activities Center Plans were finalized and approved in August of this year to build the city a new Family Activity Center. The center will be located next to the new skate park, across the road from the high school. The first phase of construction will begin in the spring of 2012 and include an upscale sprinkler park, playground and multi-use parks building. Later phases will include a miniature golf course (puttputt) and a YMCAtype structure with year-round pool.
• • •
(2012) Upscale Sprinkler Park Playground Multi-Use Parks Building
(Later Phases) • Miniature Golf Course • YMCA-type structure with year-round pool
Greenway Park 2011
Church Street and Skatepark
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Mayor Bob 2011 12
Economic Development Economic Development is like two sides of the same coin. One side is the challenges and needs of the present; the flip side is preparing our city and future workforce for the opportunities in the near and distant future. Mayor Bob’s administration has worked to help Charlestown businesses through these tough times with incentives and rebates, while laying a foundation for the future economies being developed through technology by taking the lead in implementing technology initiatives in our community and schools. Through our partnership with River Ridge’s Reuse Authority, we will have a new industrial park in the old ammunition plant over the next five years. We believe education is the number one economic development tool a community has at its disposal to attract new businesses. Through a partnership with the Greater Clark County Schools Board of Trustees, the City of Charlestown is taking measures to ensure that the city’s children receive the best education possible. Children at Charlestown High School and 7th and 8th graders at Charlestown Middle School are now participating in the state’s first-ever One-to-One Computer Program, designed to give our youth better access to information, improve performance metrics in our schools and enhance communications between students and teachers. In this program, each student is provided with an Apple Mac Book computer, outfitted with software that gives students the ability to research information on the World Wide Web, write papers and prepare presentations. The One-to-One Computer program is modeled after a similar program in Greene County, N.C. Six years after the program’s implementation, their community has seen marked decreases in teen pregnancy and drop-outs, along with increases in state-administered standardized tests, enrollment in honors-level classes, college applications and a
13 Mayor Bob 2011
remarkable 94 percent college-acceptance rate. If this percentage seems extraordinary, consider the progress our own schools have already realized: in just the last three years, the percentage of Charlestown graduates going to college has soared from only 28% in 2009, to 70% in 2011. Through a partnership with One Economy, the City of Charlestown has also introduced a new program for youth called the Digital Connectors of Charlestown. In this program, students learn to connect our community through technology, provide adult technology education classes, design Web sites and edit and produce video. The youth who participate in this program are our city’s future leaders, and are gaining life skills necessary for success in the modern economy. In addition to the One-to-One program, Greater Clark County Schools has a new state-of-the-art facility at Charlestown High School with updated classrooms. The construction was completed in time for the 2010-2011 school year. A student’s expected annual earnings increase by as much as $20,000 with a college degree versus a high school diploma. We are preparing our children for the challenges of the 21st century global economy by providing them with an education that emphasizes technology, communication and the power of the Internet. Also through the city’s partnership with Greater Clark County Schools we have implemented a technology curriculum at Charlestown High School that includes Internet & Computing Certification (IC3) for all students. A+ Certification, Microsoft Office Specialist Certification, and a Certified Web Design Certification are also available. Pre-engineering courses are being offered as part of Project Lead the Way and a partnership is being established with Oakland City University so that college credit can be given for some classes.
ISTEP scores
2010
2011
Higher test scores at all Charlestown schools Mayor Bob 2011 14
Digital Connectors We started the state’s first Digital Connector program in March of 2009. It is comprised of kids aged 14-18 that help build websites, shoot and edit video and assist the schools and local businesses with technology. The hands-on experience these kids receive is preparing for them for future careers while also teaching valuable real-world social skills. This has been a hugely successful program for the kids and the community. It has been noticed throughout the state and modeled in other communities. The kids have been able to travel with Lt. Governor Becky Stillman, introducing the program to other communities and schools.
CEEF The mayor is very excited about the Charlestown Excellence in Education Foundation (CEEF) that he founded in 2009. The CEEF Foundation provides students with financial assistance and guidance with the sometimes daunting task of applying for higher education. In 2009, only 28% of our graduating high school seniors went to college. That percentage has grown in just three years to an incredible 70% in 2011.
2009
28% 2011
70%
2010
53%
Charlestown Seniors Going to College
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Mayor Bob 2011 16
Enriching the Quality of Life Fostering civic pride and connection is an important component in the development of a community. By providing activities for our youth and families, we create memories for our children that are connected to Charlestown and increase the likelihood of them staying, or returning here to raise their own families. “Generations of Pride” is more than a slogan. It is the heart of our community. Through partnerships with the Charlestown Parks and Recreation Department and other commu-
nity groups, we provide activities like Movies in the Park, Street Dances on the Square and Back to School Bash. The Founder’s Day Celebration, now in its 11th year, and Light Up Charlestown are the city’s crowning events, drawing crowds from many surrounding communities. This wide attraction also has economic value. By increasing tourism to and awareness of Charlestown, the community’s activities draw new business and new citizens, ensuring our city remains a viable presence in the region.
STREET DANCE ON THE SQUARE 17 Mayor Bob 2011
circus
Enriching the quality of our lives extends beyond providing activities. It also entails helping others in our community. Mayor Bob and Ruthie Jackson cofounded the North Clark Outreach Center (NCOC) to help fill this need in our community. It is run by a group of unsung volunteers that have incredible compassion for the needy of our community. Over 520 people are helped with necessities through the Outreach.
MOVIES IN THE PARK
Mayor Bob 2011 18
TRUNK OR TREAT
FOUNDER’S
DAY CELEBRATION
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Mayor Bob 2011 20
Our city’s Christmas Light Celebration has become known throughout our region. Many visitors come from surrounding communities and go back home with an excellent impression of our city. These impressions last, and keeps Charlestown uppermost in people’s minds when they are deciding on a new location to live, work, raise and educate their children.
CHRISTMAS
CITY 21 Mayor Bob 2011
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Emergency Preparedness and Safety Block Watch
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Hurricane Ike and Ice Storm Everyone was taken by surprise when hurricane Ike affected our region in September of 2008 and the ice storm some time later. Through the efforts of the city’s Neighborhood Block Watch, we were able to quickly identify residents dependent upon electricity to power their medical equipment and provide generators, set up emergency shelters and provide food and clean water for those in need.
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Candidates Who Share Our Vision These candidates share our vision for the future of Charlestown. To see continued progress, it is important to get out and vote...
Catch the Vision - Vote November 8 25  Mayor Bob 2011
Mayor Bob 2011  26
$10 Million in Grants
COMMUNITY EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP
ONE-to-ONE COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP
OPPORTUNITY Parks Events
FAMIL
www.mayorbob2011.com Paid for by the Committee to Re-elect Mayor Bob Hall Steve Dean Treasurer