Rebecca Moran
Fairmont City Council, District 3
Why City Council?
I'm running for Fairmont City, Council District 3 because I believe Fairmont deserves better. District 3 deserves a council person who is there to serve on behalf of residents and businesses; someone who will listen to their concerns, lobby for the best interests of the city and everyone who lives here.
Someone who will represent the city well.
ABOUT
Rebecca Moran is dedicated to serving on behalf of all the residents and businesses of the city. Rebecca will work hard to ensure that Fairmont embodies the "Friendly City" motto by becoming a safer, more equitable, and friendly place for all.
Rebecca is a lifelong resident of Fairmont. Graduating from Fairmont Senior High School, then Fairmont State University, she then chose to stay in Fairmont to grow her family and businesses. Rebecca's experience from growing up in Fairmont, then as a homeowner, parent, and business owner lend a varied perspective to the needs of those living and working in the Friendly City.
Rebecca is a supporter of the Arts; in 2016 she founded Marion County's Art in the Park and spent several summers providing free art opportunities for local children, and was recently appointed to Fairmont Art's and Humanities Commission.
Rebecca and her family enjoy traveling, fixing up old buildings, and rescuing animals.
Issues
It's easy to talk about vague ideas that everyone agrees on. Here are some specific ways where I see the city can grow and improve.
HOUSING
Safe, quality housing is one of the biggest issues in our area, one that the City is already well equipped to address through enforcement of existing code. I hope to address unlicensed, unsafe rentals within our city limits and increase our network of local agencies that can assist homeowners with resources to repair their homes. Everyone can see the work that the BAD building program has done over the past several years; I would like to look on either side of this program. What can the city do to encourage property owners to sell or rehabilitate vacant property before the only option is to tear it down, and how can we speed up the process in redevelopment of a property once the lot is vacant?
Recreation
I see Morris Park as an underutilized park within the city system. The birding center that has been visioned for this park could be a valuable addition, as well as a slow build toward a botanic garden. Both of these things could be grown right alongside the existing disc golf course (a wonderful thing to have in our city) and the Festival of Lights that occur each year.
I would also love to reopen the discussion about replacing the skate park that was removed during the redevelopment of the Palatine area. Whether implemented as part of one of our city parks, or in collaboration with Marion County, a skate park is a great opportunity to fill a niche in recreation for young adults and create a fun art space within an urban environment.
Long term - Fairmont needs a plan to address the combined sewer system to improve the quality of water in our local streams and rivers following storms.
CO-OPERATION & PLANNING
The City of Fairmont needs to be an active partner in our region, and continue to develop our relationships with not just city organizations, but county, regional, and statewide entities. Main St Fairmont is a valuable partner; but Fairmont is more than just 4 blocks located downtown. I would love to see more interest in the Merchant St. district, along with the East Park Ave corridor and properties bordering the connector. These areas are highly visible - the first things people see when entering the City from i79.
In 2018 the City of Fairmont updated their comprehensive plan. While several of the sections of the plan have been well implemented, others have sat dormant. I feel that this plan needs revisited by both City Council and staff to evaluate whether our day to day procedures are moving us toward the goals outlined here.
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A Strong Community
Strong, resilient communities can weather any storm. As time marches on, both the needs and challenges we face will grown and change. Developing solid community foundations will help us to do so.
Our city government and civic organizations can only do so much. Every event they host, every club that is formed, every group gathering to do good...these all form a foundation of community.
But it's the people of Fairmont who must work together, get involved, and make things happen. Community is not a spectator sport. I plan to do my part as your council person by showing up. Not just at scheduled council meetings, but IN the community. When you reach out, I'll respond. I'll work for a Fairmont where every person has value - renter or homeowner, student, professional, or retiree. Those that grew up here, and those that just moved in last week - you are welcome here and I want to hear from you!
