Posts by johnbarnesforwestu

Dear Neighbor: 2024 will be the 100th anniversary of West U’s birth as a City, and, as West U residents go to the polls over the coming weeks, you will be selecting the inaugural Mayor and Council for West U’s second century. The past century has brought incredible change, transforming our town from a sleepy,…

Resident safety has to be the foremost concern of any Mayor or Council Member. While it is tempting to react to every anecdote or reported occurrence, a thoughtful, data-driven, expert-led approach will produce the best policies in this area, with projects narrowly tailored to meet objectively verified needs, and achieve the maximum benefit from the expenditure…

Dear Neighbor: A transparent and accountable government is essential for West U residents to be able fully participate in their City and to trust that public decisions are being made with residents’ best interests foremost in mind. In pursuing this goal, we now have the opportunity to not only restore what has been eroded in…

I’d once again like to thank Dick Cancelmo and the Rotary Club of West U for giving me and other Club Members the opportunity to volunteer in the Dugout at Challenger Division Baseball this past Palm Sunday afternoon! This incredible program gives boys and girls with physical and mental challenges the opportunity to put on…

Dear Neighbor: As is the case throughout our region, flood control is the one need that supersedes all others in West U.  Flooded homes need no electronic sentries, flooded cars need no new streets, and displaced residents benefit little from parks and hiking trails. West U needs a Mayor who: (a) has a plan for…

Dear Neighbor: A few weeks ago, I sent out a message soliciting your input on the Facilities Master Plan (FMP) that had been approved by the current Council; specifically, phase 2 of the FMP, which would involve the demolition of the existing Community/Senior Center and Library on Auden St. and the construction of new facilities…

Dear Neighbor: I have two upcoming events next week which were put together by wonderful friends. I’d love to see and talk with you, so please come on by! No RSVP is necessary for either. Come and go as you can. Yard signs will be available for pick-up. If you are unable to attend an event…

Dear Neighbor: Spring is finally upon us! The leaves and flowers are at last emerging from their winter slumber; birds, bees and butterflies are once again whirling overhead; youth sports are gearing up for another exciting season; and families are heading off for Spring Break! In keeping with the season, I have been out walking the…

Dear Neighbor: Starting this Sunday, your West U Rotarians will be volunteering in the Dugout concession booth at the games of the Challenger Division of WULL (West University Little League). The Challenger Division is a baseball program for boys and girls ages five through the final year of high school or 22 (whichever comes first) with physical…

Why Good Leaders Want to Hear What You Want Dear Neighbor: Good leadership for our community requires that we actively reach out to residents on the front end, soliciting residents’ opinions and input on a project prior even to the design stage.  In this way, projects can be selected, designed and constructed in the ways that most…