A Carroll woman who recently retired after more than 14 years of civil service to the city’s residents has announced she will be seeking one of the three council seats on this year’s ballot come November. JJ Schreck is a former Carroll Police Department Sgt. and is now a behavioral specialist with Homecare Options. She says she has a passion for this city and the people; however, she is taking action now because she and many other residents feel their voices are not being heard.
Schreck gives an example of city leaders turning away from the will of the voter
Schreck has had personal experience with feeling the same way. She sent an email to every council member and the mayor earlier this year with questions and concerns. She did not receive any response. She re-sent the email after three weeks and her questions were not answered or her concerns addressed. Eventually, one council member responded saying only, “we received your email.”
Schreck also believes there is a skewed focus as the city works to spend tax dollars on amenities and non-essential services instead of on recruiting and retaining businesses and the residents to support them. The word “progressive” is used to describe Carroll frequently, but she says it is no longer accurate
When it comes to the housing issue that new and existing residents often face, she says we are not thinking far enough outside of the box. We need to utilizing existing resources, empty buildings in different areas of the community for example, to come up with cutting-edge housing options that are truly affordable to a broader range of income levels. Shreck says new viewpoints, new ideas and new voices, like hers, are needed on the council now more than ever.
Schreck is being supported by the Carroll Citizens for Common Sense Government, a local Political Action Committee (PAC) with the goals of bringing back common-sense spending through representatives who respect the voice of the people. They are solidly committing to business retention and growth, diving into the issues and not simply rubber stamping pre-determined outcomes and working to represent each and every resident of Carroll. Volunteers and supporters for the PAC are needed, and those interested can get more information from the group’s secretary, Margaret Saddoris, through the contact details included below.
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To contact Margaret Saddoris for more information on the Carroll Citizens for Common Sense Government, call:
712-371-3454
