GET BULK TRASH & BRUSH OFF CURBSIDES & STREETS
Sarah hopes to work with city leaders on implementing a system that will allow citizens to schedule bulk trash pick-up. (By phone or online)
The technology routes the trucks based on need. Other cities have had great success with these systems. It saves money on fuel costs and keeps trash off curbs and streets.
MORE AFFORDABLE HIGH SPEED INTERNET IS POSSIBLE.
Families need high-speed internet without breaking the bank. In Maryville, affordable fiber-optic internet is possible. We could save as much as $100/month but the city must make it a priority. As your Councilwoman, she will do just that.
BETTER Monthly Utility Bills
The city can make it easier for families to make monthly utility payments and should eliminate unnecessary fees.
By offering an "Equal Payment Plan," a.k.a. "Budget Billing," you could have the average costs for utilities at your address distributed evenly over 12 months. This makes it easier to budget and gives customers peace of mind.
STRONGER Small Businesses & Communities
HER commitment to small businesses, & East Maryville revitalization.
EAST MARYVILLE
The disparity between West Maryville and East Maryville has gone on far too long. It’s time to make a drastic, long-range investment in East Maryville, which is our city’s most diverse area.
The disparity between West Maryville and East Maryville has gone on far too long. It’s time to make a drastic, long-range investment in East Maryville, which is our city’s most diverse area.
Note: I do not believe in defunding police. I support law enforcement. Nothing in my platform indicates otherwise. This has been confusing for many people. If you have questions, please contact me at Sarah@electherron.com.
SAFER for all
HER plan to ensure the most secure internet service, to invest in the health and wellbeing of all citizens and to protect black and brown lives.
HER position on Funding Public Schools
Sarah believes in fully funding schools and does not support public dollars being used for private education.
She looks forward to being a good partner to the School Board.
Sarah will always look out for teachers by looking closely at the budget to ensure educators' receive pay raises. This means evaluating the costs of benefits to make sure there wasn't so much of an increase, teachers are actually paid less.
As she listens to voters, Sarah will be adding to her platform throughout the campaign. Follow HER on Facebook & Instagram.
What is Digital Equity & Inclusion?
Digital Equity & Inclusion is woven throughout Sarah’s platform.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) has accelerated our reliance on technology and that will not change, even after recovery, so Sarah has a plan to bring Digital Equity and Inclusion to Maryville.
DIGITAL EQUITY & INCLUSION ensures all individuals and communities have the information technology capacity needed for full participation in our society, democracy, and economy. It ensures all individuals and communities, including the most disadvantaged, have access to, and use of, information and communication technologies (ICTs).
This includes 5 elements:
1) affordable, robust broadband Internet service;
In Maryville, this means installing fiber optics to the few neighborhoods that don’t have it. Then, court Internet Service Providers and offer to lease municipal fiber optics at a low cost in return for providing competitive rates to residents and businesses. Fast fiber optic internet would be available to everyone at the lowest possible rate.
2) Internet-enabled devices that meet the needs of the user;
In Maryville, this means supporting device sharing programs and accessibility software that could be administered by the Library or local community partners. The city should start by pursuing outside investment from government or private grants. Once programs are established, the city should invest in targeted marketing to ensure citizens who need low-cost and/or accessible devices know how to obtain it.
3) access to digital literacy training;
In Maryville, this means establishing a Digital Literacy Alliance to pursue private grants (Verizon, AT&T) and support from local businesses to expand Blount County Library technology training, webinars, resources and public IT support as well as nonprofit Adult Education programs.
4) quality technical support; and
In Maryville, the Digital Literacy Alliance program would include public IT support available to citizens by appointment.
5) applications and online content designed to enable and encourage self-sufficiency, participation, and collaboration.
In Maryville, this would mean housing robust, easy-to-find resources on the city’s website, including but not limited to directories for health services, educational and employment resources and a listing of civic organizations. Content would be based on research - citizen surveys, analytics and data from community partners.
Digital Equity Starts at the Library
Public libraries are community anchors in providing internet access, devices and digital literacy training. I support fully funding our library without exception. The library offers unparalleled programs, resources, and services. However, our library often lacks the resources and support to innovate and adapt to the evolving needs of the community. Not only should the library always be a funding priority, the city should be promoting and marketing services and programs to the residents of Maryville.