Scott Neely's platform can be broken into three main categories: Restore, Rebuild, and Reclaim:
Restore:
- Skilled Trades Education Enhancement: Neely aims to restore focus on skilled hands-on education in Mesa schools. While celebrating the influx of tech companies, he recognizes the need to ensure that not all students aim for traditional white-collar careers. Neely plans to expand programs like EVIT to cover missing skilled trades, securing a robust future workforce.
- School Safety and Student Health Initiative: Neely is committed to restoring safety in Mesa schools. He pledges to create a task force to address violence and drug issues within educational institutions. Additionally, he will prioritize student health by implementing a "say no vape" program to combat the rising vaping-related incidents among young students.
Rebuild:
- Education Funding Accountability: Neely acknowledges the importance of education funding but emphasizes the need for responsible management. He plans to work closely with the school board to conduct a full audit, ensuring that tax dollars are efficiently utilized for classroom purposes rather than administrative expenses or inflated salaries.
- Business-Friendly Tax Reform: Neely recognizes the impact of high sales tax rates on local businesses. To rebuild Mesa's economic landscape, he proposes a tax reform initiative to make the city more competitive. By reducing sales tax rates, Neely aims to retain and attract medium and small businesses, fostering a more vibrant economic environment.
Reclaim:
- Public Safety and Homelessness Mitigation: Neely vows to reclaim Mesa's reputation by addressing public safety concerns and homelessness. He highlights the need for adequate law enforcement staffing and continuous training to combat crime effectively. Neely advocates for making panhandling illegal to deter vagrancy and drug-related activities, ultimately lowering crime rates in the city.
- Infrastructure Focus and Public Transport: Neely opposes the expansion of light rail in Mesa, citing its adverse effects on small businesses and the neglect of essential infrastructure. He proposes redirecting resources towards improving existing infrastructure and supporting small businesses along neglected routes, reclaiming Mesa's economic vitality.
Neely's outsider status and commitment to addressing critical issues resonate with voters seeking genuine change. By focusing on restoring essential services, rebuilding the economy, and reclaiming the city's identity, Neely presents a comprehensive platform aimed at building a better tomorrow for Mesa residents.