Strategy for Salem
Jim Wallace is committed to making a difference for our children and the future of our community. That’s why he’s running for Salem City Council. (Please vote Nov. 5.)
Stronger Schools
We need a school board that will establish a clear vision and high expectations for quality teaching, engaged learning, and effective school leadership. Strong schools equal economic opportunity for our children.
- It is paramount that we continue to put the right people on the School Board. Our new members have recognized that we were headed in the wrong direction. We are now correcting the course. We need to ensure that we continue to place people on the School Board who are committed to the new course of direction.
- We need to mandate that Salem Schools take advantage of all positions offered by the Roanoke Valley Governor’s School so that children interested in the sciences and research have more opportunities to develop their skills.
- We need to mandate continuous improvement within our schools and not be satisfied with being average. In 2005, Salem was in the top 5% of schools in Virginia for student performance as measured by statewide testing. We need to return to these high standards.
- We must address teacher morale to retain Salem’s great teachers.
- We need to do more to address drugs and vaping in our high school.
Economic Development
Economic development is crucial for Salem and its citizens as it helps foster growth, create jobs, and improve the overall quality of life by fostering a vibrant economy.
- Continue our downtown revitalization efforts so we can attract new businesses.
- Economic development activities must remain proactive to grow our revenues, which allows us to minimize tax increases.
- Continue to attract new industries, providing residents with more employment options and potentially higher incomes.
- Develop a plan to help Salem grow and retain younger generations who want to live and raise families here.
Stronger City Government
Create more accountability, transparency, and due diligence.
- Develop a strategic and operational plans for every department to move the comprehensive plan forward.
- Each item on the plan should have an objective and associated with each objective should be performance measures that allow the city to demonstrate accountability for results with progress reports.
- We need better due diligence before committing city resources.
- Eliminate 2 x 2 meetings and replace them with work sessions so we are transparent with the public with our governance.
An attractive city with well-maintained infrastructure, green spaces, and appealing architecture can enhance the overall well-being of its residences while attracting new businesses, tourists, and residents.
- We need to enforce our existing codes.
- Create architectural standards for our main thoroughfares, such as Main Street, 4th Street, and Apperson Drive.
- Reduce spot zoning and special exception permits.