Candidate Profile: Michael Todd

     Valley News will feature a candidate for City or Grain Valley School board in the weeks leading up to the April election. Information is provided by the candidates and edited for space and clarity. This week, we profile Michael Todd, candidate for Mayor.
     My name is Michael Todd and I’m seeking re-election for Mayor on April 7th.  As a lifelong resident of Grain Valley, I have experienced many changes from when I was a kid growing up here.  I believe these changes continue to make Grain Valley a great place to grow up.  That is why my wife Tosha and I are raising our family here.
     During my time as Mayor, many great things that have happened in Grain Valley.
     We continue to reap the benefits of the work that we did to the I-70 Interchange.  New businesses such as Temp Stop, Taco Bell, and QuikTrip are great additions to town.
     Businesses such as Price Chopper are doing well and are drawing people from outside of our community to shop in Grain Valley.
     We have lowered the city property taxes in Grain Valley a total of 7% over the last two years.
     We have been able to put together one of the most qualified city staffs in the state.  Our staff have a wealth of experience and knowledge and are a true asset to Grain Valley.
     Community events are growing.  We had huge numbers again this year at Trail or Treat and the Holiday Festival.  This past year also saw record numbers at the Grain Valley Fair as it also continues to grow and become one of the premier festivals in the area.
     We acquired the Nichols Building in downtown and were able to move the Grain Valley Assistance Council to part of the building, giving them a much-needed larger space to serve our community.
     We have started Youth Outreach Programs with the addition of Camp Focus through the Police Department and the additions of events like the Mayor’s Pool Party and the Mayor’s Movie Party.  These were all hugely successful in their first year and we hope to see them continue to grow.
 
     All the above items are just a snapshot of the work we have done that make me very proud of our city. However, I do not want to stop there.  
     Two years ago, I spoke of the need for a year-round aquatics center and on the ballot this April for citizen approval will be a new recreation center along with a whole new “Community Campus.”  If approved by the voters, I want to be a part of overseeing the construction of that campus, which will be one of the biggest additions that Grain Valley has had in years. 
     Over the next two years I also want to increase the number of police officers that we have on the streets in Grain Valley.  The first step in doing this is underway with the inception of a Police Advisory Board.  We hope to have recommendations from that board later this year on how to make Grain Valley even safer.  Additionally, with our growing community there are a several intersections in town that need our attention with the addition of new turn lanes and other improvements. 
     Finally, with the acquisition of the Nichols Building I would like to see us establish a Senior Center where we offer activities daily for Seniors, plus offer meals a few times a week.
     As you can see we have accomplished a lot, but there is more to do.  I would appreciate your vote on April 7th.  Thanks for your time.
 

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