pascagoula first: a blueprint for tomorrow today

7/29/2019 Pascagoula First: A Blueprint for Tomorrow Today

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Pascagoula First: A Blueprint for Tomorrow Today

Published by the Frank Corder for Mayor Campaign 2013

http://www.cityofpascagoula.com/



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INTRODUCTION

It has been my honor and highest privilege to serve the

people of Pascagoula as a City Councilman. Each day mypassion is to make our City a better place to live, work,

worship and play. I have diligently sought to engage the

community by always being available and accessible. My

goal continues to be for everyone to “Think Pascagoula

First” - to shop, invest, live, buy, and dine right here in

Pascagoula.

I am proud of Pascagoula and proud to call it home from my birth. My

family chose to invest ourselves in this City, to raise our family here and to seek to

lead, or follow where necessary, to move Pascagoula from good to great.

I am proud that I invested myself in this City at an early age, not waiting

until I retired to try and make a difference. Admittedly, being involved in public

service has been a struggle at times but the opportunity to serve the great people of

this City is something I will always cherish and I hope to be able to continue as our

next Mayor.

Pascagoula is at a tipping point. Much has been accomplished as we

redevelop and revitalize our great City, and I am proud to have been a part of leading the way on many of the projects currently underway, but there's still much

more to be done. We must have a vision that is acted upon now!

Pascagoula needs a Mayor who has experience in City government, who

knows how City government works, one who knows the ropes and how to lead a

City not only in the good times but in those difficult times ahead. We need

someone at the helm who has cultivated the necessary relationships at the state and

federal levels to help Pascagoula, who doesn’t shoot from the hip, and who has an

undying passion and vision that can be translated into action for the betterment of

every citizen and business, not just a select few.

The next City Council could see a significant turnover. Having an

experienced, knowledgeable Mayor will be vital. Our campaign offers the only

candidate that can effectively lead on day one, who has a plan for the people of

Pascagoula to understand and who will see it accomplished.



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Pascagoula deserves a Mayor whose only agenda is to see the City prosper,

who will be a cheerleader when appropriate but ready to take a stand for sound,

principled governance when necessary; someone that will lead from the front while

understanding that he is ultimately only a servant of the people. We need a Mayor

who will be open with the public when facing challenges, taking the time to

explain what is happening and why, ever ready with a path forward.

For all these reasons and more I have decided to run for Mayor of

Pascagoula this spring, 2013.

I have spent many hours listening to you, your neighbors and friends.

Herein contained is a blueprint for Pascagoula based on those conversations, a

vision for tomorrow today. This is our action plan for the next four years. This is

what we will pursue for the City and I will lead with these ideals in mind.

Please take a few minutes to consider this vision. Feel free to offer up your

thoughts as well; after all, it is only through open dialogue and communication that

Pascagoula will thrive.

I humbly ask for your support, assistance, and vote as we strive together to

make this vision a reality.

Think Pascagoula First!

Sincerely,

Frank Corder

Candidate for Mayor

City Councilman (Ward 4)



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POLICY OUTLOOK



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Strengthen and revitalize neighborhoods

Encouraging homeownership is the key to strengthen and

revitalize Pascagoula’s neighborhoods. When a family

owns a home, better care and maintenance is practiced to

ensure the property retains its aesthetic and monetary value.

Homeowners are also more engaged in their communities,

schools, churches and local government, all areas that make

for a more cohesive city.

The City must provide an environment that welcomes new home construction and

rehabilitations. Permitting and inspections should be easily achieved and well

understood. A dedicated staffer must hold the hand of these residents. Fees should

be kept at a minimum and incentive programs for new construction and significant

rehabilitation should be considered as fiscally possible.

Community leaders must encourage neighborhoods to get acquainted and form

coalitions to advance their area in a positive manner. Neighborhood meetings and

projects should be nurtured and encouraged by the City, seeking to unite neighbors

and create a better, more amiable sense of community.

Offer the best possible constituent services

The primary role of municipal government is

to carry out policies and laws as well as to

provide municipal services such as garbage

collection, water and sewer utilities, police

and fire protection and the like. Local

governments are funded and exercised by the

people within the municipality. As such, the

best possible constituent services should be

delivered to the people at the lowest cost.

The City Council and the staff of the City must be business friendly and think

customer service just as in a local business. Every department must exude a

constituent focused attitude, creating an environment where people and businesses

want to locate and where answers can be found with a smile and a willingness to

help.



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Provide safe streets and walkable neighborhoods

One of the many things that make communities feel like home are safe streets and

walkable neighborhoods. People want to know that their travels, whether in their

vehicles, on their bicycles or on foot, are safe and easily undertaken.

City streets must be maintained, free of potholes, surfaced appropriately and at

times milled and relayed. Neighborhood streets are just as important as major

thoroughfares.

The City Council adopted a Complete Streets initiative, meaning that streets when

redeveloped must also provide sidewalks and other amenities. Sidewalks and bike

paths make it safer for our children and elderly, while also encouraging healthy

lifestyles and contributing to the City’s recreation offerings.

Promote citywide beautification

Pascagoula is poised for progress but we must put our

best face forward as a City, individuals and businesses.

Visitors to our city must see the beauty of our

community, not litter or blighted properties.

First impressions matter. That is why we will

implement a Mayor’s First Impressions Task Force. This group of volunteers will

work alongside Code Enforcement to solve our aesthetic challenges and urgeresidents to take pride in Pascagoula.

We must have pride in our community and demand better from ourselves and our

neighbors. We must aggressively combat these challenges and continue to partner

with Pascagoula Pride and other organizations seeking to beautify our city.



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Support, attract and retain local businesses of every size

The Pascagoula area has a long, proud tradition of

being Mississippi’s leading industrial county. We

celebrate our private industries and must continue to

explore ways to partner with them, not demonize their

enterprises. The jobs and opportunities these industries

provide are vitally important and we must cultivate

them and seek others to buoy our economy.

A healthy community must also offer a variety of small

businesses, retail and service providers, from mom and

pop shops to recognized chains. Growing and

supporting our small businesses is a must if our

community is going to attract new residents and similarbusinesses.

We must continue to offer local tax abatements and other incentive plans to

encourage businesses to locate here, to redevelop properties and to hire local

workers.

City government must convey the need to support local businesses to enhance our

demographic numbers so new businesses can see the merit in joining our

community. We must all Think Pascagoula First if we want more retail and dining

options.

The City must offer a quarterly business roundtable hosted by the Mayor and City

Council so innovative ideas can be bantered about and explored. It is only through

open dialogue that the City can both understand and better support local business

and industry.

In addition, the City must provide a thorough Doing Business in Pascagoula kit as

a guide for start-ups along with a dedicated point of contact that can hold the hand

of entrepreneurs and business executives. Pascagoula must have a welcoming

attitude and a pro-active outreach program.



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Enhance recreational opportunities for all ages

The recreational opportunities in Pascagoula are

varied and accommodate all ages, but we must

enhance these programs and facilities to better serve

our community. We must take better advantage of

our natural resources while incorporating our heritage.

The City Council recently adopted a Parks and

Recreation Master Plan. Contained therein is a path

forward that seeks to redevelop youth facilities such as baseball and softball,

complete facilities with lighting and parking such as at the soccer complex, and

provide opportunities to consolidate properties in an effort to reduce expenditures

and place some properties back on the tax rolls.

Other facilities and recreational opportunities must be considered, such as a

performing arts center, sportsplex, natatorium, and outdoor venues. The Point

must be completed in a manner that best accommodates our local fishermen while

providing areas for other community events. The

Beachfront Promenade project must be

completed to enhance walker safety and protect

the area. We must continue to work with the

Army Corps of Engineers to finalize the beach

project in a manner that is both safe and

aesthetically pleasing. The Lighthouse andhistoric pathway project must be completed and

promoted as a new attraction on the Coast. These are just a few of the many

prospects.

Adult sport and game leagues are another area where our local recreation efforts

can be expanded.

Pascagoula is also blessed to have an active senior program. The Senior Center is

providing a tremendous service to our community and to our seniors through

exercise, pottery, dance, games and more. Maintaining and expanding this service

is important as we continue to welcome retirees to our community.

An active parks and recreation program is a necessity to a growing, vibrant

community and the City Council must balance the need to provide these services

with fiscal realities.



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Preserve a strong, well trained Police and Fire Department

Pascagoula’s first responders are arguably the best

in the state and we must preserve a strong, well

trained Police and Fire Department as we focus on

a healthy community.

The City Council must ensure that these departments

are well funded and well trained. We must invest in

them for the safety of us all. We must also ensure

coordination between other agencies and seek ways to involve the public in safe

practices and neighborhood watch. Pascagoula must be a community that values

the law and those entrusted to uphold and defend it.

Ensure disaster preparedness

Every Pascagoula citizens knows full well the effects of

natural and manmade disasters having experienced the impact

of hurricanes and oil spills in recent years. Our city must be

prepared for such unexpected disasters in terms of healthy

reserve funds, manpower, disaster plans and contracts, and in

its relationship with county, state and federal agencies.

Having a Mayor who can lead in these areas on day one is critical. Pascagoula

cannot afford on the job training in such times of trial. Experience and training

matter when it comes to leading during disasters.

Celebrate our heritage

Pascagoula truly is Mississippi’s Flagship City. The Mayor and City Council must

tell our story and promote our heritage and history. Our maritime traditions arestrong and the achievements by our citizens, both past and present, should be

celebrated. We are Pascagoula and we must be proud of it.



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Engage local communities of faith

Healthy communities have strong, engaged and active

communities of faith. Pascagoula is blessed with many

churches and outreach organizations seeking to mend hearts

and lives. As a City, we must engage these local

communities of faith and partner with them to meet

challenges within our area for it is faith that can feed

the soul while setting a new course for those who may need

a hand up to become productive members of society.

A bi-annual Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast would be a good place to start the dialogue

with ministers from all faiths who are willing to explore ways to transform lives

and make a difference in Pascagoula.

Continue to upgrade infrastructure

A city and its residents run on infrastructure. It is imperative that the City Council

understand the importance of continuing to upgrade, enhance and replace water,

sewer, and gas lines as well as streets, curbs, gutters and other fundamental

infrastructure.

Taxpayers expect their investment to be implemented with qualitywork and in a timely manner and the City must ensure its work

and the work of those contracted meet the expectations of our

residents.

Also, the City Council has and must continue to provide clean,

safe drinking water and protect the means of distribution. This is essential to a

healthy community day in and day out as well as during times of disaster.

Consolidate municipal properties as appropriate

An assessment must be done to determine which city properties are essential and

which can be consolidated and placed back on the tax rolls. Reducing our

operating needs and our citizens’ fiscal burden while continuing to provide the best

possible constituent services is one way to stretch our tax dollars further.



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Maintain conservative fiscal sanity

We must control spending while investing in

our future. Such is the essence of conservative

fiscal sanity. You live within your means, you

maintain healthy reserves in case of

emergencies and you seek to cut expenses

where appropriate. We must plan not only for

the here and now, but for tomorrow, for the next

generation. We must leave a healthy fiscal

legacy for our children and grandchildren.

Pascagoula residents have not experienced a local millage (tax) increase in a

number of years and we must not increase it during these tough economic times.

In fact, the City Council must seek ways to lower the millage rate over time,reducing the burden on us all. The Mayor must also share these concerns with

other local taxing agencies such as the County and School District.

City leaders must understand that grants are still tax dollars and if you live on

grants, you will die because of grants. There are always strings attached; we must

make sure those strings aren't suffocating us long term.

While the City is presently in good financial condition, we are transferring funds

annually to cover budgetary shortfalls between accounts. We must stop this and

allow each fund to stand alone with directed cuts and consistent management. TheCity Council has taken the steps to do such and the plan must be continued to

achieve this goal.

Further, it is imperative that the Mayor and City Council look for and obtain the

best possible rate of return on the taxpayers’ investment. Such actions musttranscend political and personal preferences and be centered on what is best for the

general welfare of the City.

All of this will take an honest, open conversation between the Mayor, City Council

and the public. Tough decisions must be made and that require straight talk.



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Cultivate tourism through marketing

Our community offers a wealth of history and opportunities for family fun; we are

a hidden jewel that the Mayor and City Council must uncover and promote. Our

natural resources, heritage sites, industrial history, and more can and should

translate into tourism dollars for our area.

We must cultivate, develop and promote ourselves seeking to welcome Coast

tourists, inviting them to experience Pascagoula and share in our great community.

Nurture the arts, festivals, and our creative community

Pascagoula has a number of annual festivals that draw thousands to ourcommunity, creating business opportunities and showcasing what we have to offer.

From the Live Oak Festival to Downtown for the Holidays to parades and other

events, Pascagoula is an emerging community for those who seek

quality time with friends and family while finding a bargain. The

City must continue to support these festivals while encouraging

others.

The City has developed Arts on the Avenue which has quickly

become a great place to nurture our creative community. Our

painters, potters, photographers and poets now have a place todisplay their work while also offering a place to train others.

We must continue to promote and encourage the arts in Pascagoula and find new

ways to cultivate local creativity. We must also explore the movie industry

through the state’s film office and find ways to tap into these emerging

opportunities.

Hold public forums around the city to engage citizens

One important way to create and retain an open dialogue between elected officials

and the public is to hold public forums. The Mayor should be holding annual State

of the City addresses for the general public as well as hosting ward meetings with

City Councilmen seeking to listen and engage with residents.



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Coordinate with County, State and Federal officials

As the county seat, Pascagoula is the local governmental hub. Having a Mayor

who has cultivated the necessary relationships and who knows the players in local,

state, and federal government is a must if our City is to be properly represented and

considered.

The Mayor and City Council must represent the public’s interests whenever

appropriate and reasonable, whether locally, across the Coast, in Jackson or in the

nation’s capital.

Work alongside our local school system, hospital, non-profits and

other community assets

The Mayor and City Council must be able to effectively

work alongside our local school officials, hospital,

non-profits and other community assets. It is important

that municipalities cross promote and celebrate the

successes of its community partners while also being

engaged in their endeavors.

Ensure limited, principled governance in policymaking

You know how to govern your life and business better than City Hall. We need

sound, principled governance, not more government. Freedom erodes slowly when

government is left unchecked.

Pascagoula needs a Mayor who will lead with this in mind while seeking reforms

at the local, state, and national levels that enrich our liberties. Less state andfederal intrusion on your lives and better coordination on measures potentially

impacting you here locally is a must.



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Involve local youth

The youth in Pascagoula must have a seat at the table when discussing our city’s

future. A Mayor’s Youth Council should be formed to mentor local youth, involve

them in decision making and help them understand the role municipal government

plays in their lives.

If Pascagoula is to grow and retain citizens we must begin with our youth, for it is

the youth of today that will lead our city tomorrow, who will be the taxpayers and

business leaders. Involving our youth now will pay dividends for generations to

come.

Always be available and accessible

It is important that a Mayor be available and accessible to

the people he represents. Holding public forums,

providing phone number and email, employing social

media and sending weekly email updates are all ways to

stay in touch with the community.

The most important way to be engaged in the community

is through participation in the community – attending

school functions, participating in youth sporting events,and being involved in a local church, among other things. A Mayor should be in

the community, supporting its citizens.



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GOVERNING OBJECTIVES



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I will lead the City to accomplish these goals over the next four years. I will have an open

dialogue with the citizens along the way, letting you know the path forward and the challenges

we face.

Ensure the Riverfront and Lowry Island developments break ground

Revitalize blighted properties such as the old Belair Shopping Center

Place a renewed emphasis on the Highway 90, Market Street, Ingalls Avenue, Chicot Street and Downtown

corridors, to include business development and aesthetics

Implement new retail and residential incentive plans

Form a Mayor’s First Impressions Task Force aimed at tackling citywide beautification

Seek to remedy the hardship on citizens and businesses caused by trains during rush hours

Continue the emphasis on infrastructure upgrades

Maintain transparency and good ethics in government

Pro-actively recruit new economic development opportunities of all sizes

Form a Mayor’s Youth Council

Have a balanced budget without raising the millage rate while finding opportunities to cut local taxes as

fiscally able

Host quarterly Business Roundtables so the City Council can engage local businesses, hear their concerns

and seek solutions

Publish a thorough Doing Business in Pascagoula kit for start-ups

Continue to push for FEMA to reassess the flood maps as well as working with state and federal agencies

to reduce the risk variables affecting our local insurance market

Host a bi-annual Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast to engage local communities of faith and partner with them to

improve our community

Appoint a City Council representative to all city sponsored boards and commissions

Ensure that appointments to city sponsored boards and committees continue to be vetted and not rubber

stamped

Host ward meetings and a public State of the City town hall meeting annually

Promote Pascagoula’s interest to our state and nation while seeking innovative solutions to our challenges

Pursue city property consolidation and enhance recreational opportunities for all ages



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AFTERWORD



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Fellow Citizens,

The municipal elections this year are truly important. It is imperative that we elect

people whose motivation is just and whose vision and record are sound.

We cannot sit idly by and accept the way things are; if we do, our City will plateau

and eventually decline. We must think of our future while honoring our past, plan

for tomorrow while taking care of today. What we do now matters and we must be

deliberative in our actions, not shortsighted.

As our next Mayor, I will cast a wide vision while setting realistic measures of

success. We can and will accomplish these goals contained in this action plan.

It is imperative that our City have a Mayor who can lead on day one. Our

campaign is the only campaign who has consistently taken the time to both

understand the City and engage with our citizens.

I ask you to help me revive the pride in Pascagoula and catch the vision. Join

hands with me and help Pascagoula rise on a tide of passion, experience and

leadership.

I'm ready to push Pascagoula forward alongside you. I hope you will join me as

we revive the pride in our great City and chart a path toward an even brightertomorrow!

Thank you again for placing your trust in me and for giving me your vote in the

past. I now ask for your vote and support for Mayor of our great City of

Pascagoula this spring.

Please share your concerns and offer your suggestions. I want to hear from you

over the coming months and beyond. I covet your prayers and encouragement

along the way and welcome your offers of support and assistance.

Thank you for reading and as always, Think Pascagoula First!

Frank



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ABOUT THE CANDIDATE



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Frank Corder is the Ward 4 City Councilman. He was elected in a Special Election in 2008 with

54% of the vote and reelected in 2009, running unopposed. Before running for office, he

conscientiously attended City Council meetings for many years and volunteered on many city

boards and projects.

Frank was born and raised in Pascagoula. He attended Pascagoula High School and theUniversity of Southern Mississippi.

Frank has served on and chaired numerous city and civic boards and committees, a few of which

include Sounds by the Sea, Kiwanis Club, Pine-Burr Bay Rivers Area Council of Boy Scouts,

Jackson County National Day of Prayer, Pascagoula Main Street, and the Pascagoula

Renaissance Commission.

He has coached local youth T-Ball, soccer and flag football. He chaired the Dixie Youth World

Series Committee in 2008 and served as a T-Ball representative on the board. He currently sits

on the board of the Singing River Soccer Club.

Frank is currently on the Elections Committee within the Mississippi Municipal League and on

the National League of Cities 2013 Small Cities Council Steering Committee, where he

previously served on the Democratic Governance Panel and the Information Technology and

Communications Policy Committee. He has completed all three levels of the certified municipal

official program within the Mississippi Municipal League – basic, advanced and professional

development.

Frank was named Mississippi Volunteer of the Year in 2006 by the Mississippi Economic

Council for his efforts to help Pascagoula post-Hurricane Katrina. He was named to the

Sunherald’s South Mississippi Business Leaders Top 10 under 40 in 2007 and to the Mississippi

Business Jour nal’s Top 40 under 40 in the state of Mississippi in 2010. Frank received the Mississippi Main Street Special Service Award for a Public Official in 2008.

Frank is a conservative Republican and has served on the Jackson County Republican Club

Board of Directors. He assists his family’s business, Corder’s Creamery & Garden Bar, as

business and marketing advisor and writes for Yall Politics. He also has experience in banking,

radio/television hosting, business management and ministry.

He is married with two children, both of which attend Eastlawn Elementary in the Pascagoula

School District. Their family attends Eastlawn United Methodist Church where Frank serves on

the Pastor-Parish Relations Committee. He is also an ordained minister.



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PASCAGOULA ELECTION SCHEDULE:

Republican Primary Election –

May 7, 2013

Primary Runoff (if needed) – May 21, 2013

General Election – June 4, 2013

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

228.623.1236 * [email protected] * www.frankcorder.com

Publication paid for by Frank Corder for Mayor

pascagoula first: a blueprint for tomorrow today

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