This thread is from 2008 - Billy Wood [Ward II]

[IAG]

Local Roswell Business owner Billy Wood has announced he is seeking election for City Council Ward II.

The 64 year old businessman says, “Roswell needs to be pro-business for growth without compromising the will of the people. I made this decision to run for City Council because I think the people of Roswell need an un-biased voice on the council dais that will listen to them, and do what they want. I have NO agendas, hidden or otherwise, and am willing to be that conduit for the people."

Wood also believes in term limits, to make sure that complacency and agenda-driven issues aren't allowed to jeopardize the overall well-being of the community. "I think for city council, eight years should be the limit of service. There are a number of good people in the community that can bring fresh ideas to the table if given the opportunity. These people often go unheard when there's stagnancy on the council. "

Wood is a Licensed Tax Consultant and has operated his own Tax Consulting office for 14 years, 9 of those years in Roswell. Wood says he is pro growth, pro business and opposes tax increases other than what is needed to operate the city in a proactive way.

Wood says he would also like for the city to revisit some of the old ordinances to see if there is a way to reduce some of the red tape to make it easier for companies to relocate and bring jobs and business to Roswell. "There are undoubtedly a number of outdated ordinances on the books, and if they don't address current issues, they need to be gleaned. Also, if they are a hindrance to the ability to bring business to Roswell, or to the growth of current businesses, they need to be changed or eliminated altogether," Wood stated. "It's important to maintain a good balance between economic development and protecting the historic and cultural relevance of the community, too. Using common sense when making these decisions - and being plugged into the concerns and needs of my constituency will allow me to have a positive impact on the next few years for Roswell."

Wood is a US Navy Veteran and his background also includes a stint in Law Enforcement for 13 years, was a volunteer Firefighter for 3 years and a Volunteer disaster team member for 10 years.

For more information please call: Office 622-3956, Home 624-1681 or Cell 420-2317
You may also post your questions on [www.talkroswell.com] I will try and reply to all.

Post your question or comments for Billy Wood. See ->[Ward II Map (http://www.roswellmysteries.com/images/docs/WardMap.pdf)]

[kralspaces]

1) What is your position on the $7M Bond Issue for the Aquatic Swim Center?

2) Please answer the same questions I posted for Mr. Henderson if you support the project funding strategy.

[Billy Wood]

1) What is your position on the $7M Bond Issue for the Aquatic Swim Center?

I do not support the $7M Bond Issue for a new Aquatic Swim Center. Maybe someday but I don't think now is the time for it. If it is ever time for an Aquatic Swim Center, I don't think it should be paid for with a Bond Issue or by Increasing Taxes.

[mfish]

WOW! What an exciting press release! ;) I especially like the fact that you believe in term limits and understand that it takes "new blood" to get new ideas promoted in Roswell!

I'd vote for you if I lived there! Good luck with your campaign!

[Rainbow]

Yeah...Billy's decision ought to inspire those of you who have been sitting back wanting change...congratulations for stepping up to the plate.

[Billy Wood]

This is what a concerned citizen had to say.

Statement:
My concern is with your lack of prior involvement in the city, until this forum. It just seems like you are running to just get someone else out, not because you have this vision and passion for the cities future. I believe city councilors need to be leaders, which is what is lacking with the current bunch.

Answer:
My vision is whatever the CITIZENS want. You are right I don't have a personal vision and I don't have a personal agenda, other than to truly represent the WILL of the people of Roswell. It's not the city council's role to tell the people what should happen - it's the role of the people to tell the city council what they WANT to happen. I'll listen to the people and vote accordingly each and every time. The councilors are paid employees of the citizens, and I intend to act like one. That may be contrary to the attitude that's been prevalent in the past, but I think the people are ready for a refreshing change, and I represent that change. Also "change for the sake of change" is not what I represent - I represent a change for the better because I have committed to listen to, and act on behalf of the citizens.

I believe if a person is elected as a councilor that has a vision or an agenda, that will become personal and what the citizens wants takes a back seat to that vision and agenda. That is the trouble now with the current council, just take the $7M+ Aquatic Swim Center as an example. I believe this is personal.

There is a thin line between Leaders and Dictators and sometimes it is hard to stay on the right side of that line. If you listen to the people you represent and not what you want to do, you will always stay on the right side of that line. If both wants are the same then that is a win-win for all not just one.

Billy Wood

[mfish]

So far, two things about you impress me. One, your answers to the questions that have been asked of you.

And two, the fact that you're taking the TIME to answer the questions.

Every council candidate should follow your lead and sign on to this forum - they might even learn something about the true feelings of the citizens of Roswell ...:eek_yello:

[Raider]

Mr. Wood,

What do you think Roswell should do about our police officers low salary and the fact that police officers are leaving Roswell at a alarming rate? If you do think they should be paid more, where is the money going to come from?

[Billy Wood]

Mr. Wood,

What do you think Roswell should do about our police officers low salary and the fact that police officers are leaving Roswell at a alarming rate? If you do think they should be paid more, where is the money going to come from?

Thank you for this question:
I know the question is about our police officers, but my answer will cover our first responders.

Having a law enforcement and firefighters background myself I know what is required of our first responders. Everyday they go to work they don't know if they will sleep in their own bed when their shift is over. They do their job everyday so we the citizens can go about our own normal day without having to live in fear and thinking about things like that.

Order and safety is one of the first things that is formed in any new community, town or city and is one of the pillars that holds things together.

Yes, I believe our police officers and firefighters should be paid more. It cost lots of money in training a first responder. From the date of hiring It takes on an average between 2 to 3 years before that person becomes productive enough to start paying back what it cost for the training.

Roswell can not continue to be the training ground for other cities.

The city must start looking at prioritizing spending of tax dollars. Funding the essential services that is required to operate the city first, by doing this I believe there will be funds available for our first responders.

"Shall the city issue up to $7 million of general obligation bonds for the purpose of constructing, equipping and improving a family aquatic center?"
I do not understand this at all when our police department is under paid and under staffed. If anything it should be "Shall the city issue up to $7M to bring out first responders up to par".

[concerned]

I believe that we need someone like you on our city council

[ltccuster]

Henderson got his crony job in city hall, then retired and then came back as a paid consultant. He's been a lousy councilman and now he wants us to re-elect him. Get Henderson out of city hall and off the city payroll once and for all.

[ltccuster]

This guy looks pretty good for Ward II. He's got to be better than Henderson.

[Red Ryder]

I live in your ward and intend to vote for you.

I hope if elected you will continue to respond promptly to consttituent inquiries as you're doing now.

You have experience as a policeman and fireman (first responders). You commented about it taking appr. 3 years before a new police or fire person knows the job well (I'm paraphrasing). That's right! It takes about 3 - 5 years on the job before a police officer can really handle any kind of call on his own with confidence. Your knowledge of police and fire depts will be helpful on a city council where most members have no background or on-the-ground experience with either police or fire people.

You're the "new blood" that's needed on the council. I'll call you to get a yard sign for my yard and contribute to your campaign.

Good luck!!!

(Incidently, I do not know Billy Wood and have never met him to my knowledge).

[Billy Wood]

I live in your ward and intend to vote for you.

I hope if elected you will continue to respond promptly to consttituent inquiries as you're doing now.

Thank you Red Ryder for the kind words and for your support and vote. Yes when I am elected I will continue to respond as much as I can. One thing is a must, we need to get more citizens involved with what the city council is doing and get the other council members to listen to the input.

You can call me at my office or home with your address if you like. Again thank you for your support. I look forward to meeting you.

[Billy Wood]

Let me be the first one to say. When I participated in the LRAA forum moderated by Mr. Rick Kraft, I don't think I did well at all. It was my first time speaking in that type of forum, I was nervous and unable to maintain a good train of thoughts. I know my responses were not as smooth is one would expect from a politician but then I am not a politician, I am just a normal working Roswell Citizen. Simply put I will listen to your concerns and I want to serve YOU to the best of my ability as YOUR representative on the city council.

Ok, Now you can pile on I can take it.

[justme]

I belive for your first time you did quite alright i hope you win over steve henderson(i think i spelled his name right), Whats your opinion on the unity center?

[Alfdom]

It is more important that you answered the questions with thought and honesty. It is not easy to think and give a good answer under the glare of television lights. The ability to do so is rare.

Your performance was fair.

[kralspaces]

It looks like you have at least a 100:1 ratio of yard signs to your opponent. Do you think Mr. Henderson thinks he has it in the bag?

Unity Center? Both Henderson and Stubbs said the city has provided some great activity centers for our youth: Boys and Girls Clubs, Yucca Center, Unity Center,... What? Unity Center is a great place for our kids? That along tells us a lot about having those old farts back on CC.

I have already stated that the Unity Center should be part of the Multi-purpose Recreational Center. What part of 'multi-purpose' do our CC's NOT understand?

[Red Ryder]

I noticed this morning that the Billy Wood campaign yard sign is missing from my front yard. I understand from a reliable source that other Billy Wood yard signs have also been taken. Could it be that we're seeing dirty politics right here in li'l ole Roswell?

It seems to me that anyone who goes on anothers private property without permission with the intent to commit a theft is a trespasser and a thief.

[justme]

Yes they are a thief we have always had poeple stealing signs from front yards in roswell,

[mfish]

Kralspaces wrote: "Unity Center? Both Henderson and Stubbs said the city has provided some great activity centers for our youth: Boys and Girls Clubs, Yucca Center, Unity Center,... What? Unity Center is a great place for our kids ..."

Maybe someday Stubbs will give an explanation as to why the "Roswell Girl's Club" had to be absorbed into the "Roswell Boy's Club," which then became "Roswell Boys & Girls Club."

Along with another failed and defunct project called "Unity 2000" or "Reach 2000" or some such blather - ( never really figured the relevance of that one from the inception - must have been some grant money to spend or something)... Judy Stubbs had the honor of gracing both of those boards with her membership right around the time they started the long, painful downward spiral ...
The Girl's Club basically came to the Boy's Club and said, "here ya go - we're broke." I do feel it turned out to be good thing however - they probably needed to be combined ...

Oh - has anyone ever seen the "ceement pond" at the Boy's & Girl's Club, by the way ...:snitch: It's not a bad pool at all - just like that public access swimming pool at the RIAC near the college ... that's not a bad pool, either ... I'm assuming they still operate it ...
I heard the Elks pool was also very nice ... and the one at the Roswell Country Club used to be a nice pool - but I haven't seen it in years. There's a membership pool on Linda Vista for the neighborhood use - and another on Gaye Drive (or used to be anyway). How many OTHER co-op, membership, or public access pools are there in Roswell ...?

[Billy Wood]

I belive for your first time you did quite alright i hope you win over steve henderson(i think i spelled his name right), Whats your opinion on the unity center?
Thank you for the kind words about my performance at the LRAA forum. I don't know much about the Unity Center at this time, after I am elected I will look into it and even if not elected I will still look into the Unity Center.

[Billy Wood]

I noticed this morning that the Billy Wood campaign yard sign is missing from my front yard. I understand from a reliable source that other Billy Wood yard signs have also been taken. Could it be that we're seeing dirty politics right here in li'l ole Roswell?

It seems to me that anyone who goes on anothers private property without permission with the intent to commit a theft is a trespasser and a thief.

The yard signs are no big deal other than it is a crime and should not happen. I thought it was funny in a way. I think one of three things or maybe all 3. (1) There were someone(s) with spare time on their hands and needed something to do. (2) There is someone(s) that is worried about the outcome of this election. (3) There is someone(s) that just don't like me. I think it is number 2 myself.

I also want to thank those people that called my about their sign missing and saying they had already voted for me but ask me to come and put up another one because they want others to vote for me as well. Again thank you for your vote and support.

[kralspaces]

We move over the weekend and hired a couple of young 20 year olds to help. One of them just lost his new job so I thought I would help him out, as he help us out. I confirmed with the boys 2 days before and on the morning of, they didn’t show up? I called them twice and had to leave messages both times. I called the parents and had to leave messages. I then put out a sign on our busy street “help wanted - $20 hr.” and no one stopped. I called Billy to post a message to see if anyone was around that could help and Billy dropped his campaign walk and came over to help. Billy saved our day. He helped us with 2 loads. It was a long day. Thank you Billy.

Why did the boys not show up? I talked with one yesterday and he told me that he asked his mom to call me because he got a job (don’t believe him). The boy is 24 years old and has his own cell phone. His mom has a cell phone and she didn’t call back either after I called them several times. The boy committed to help me move but apparently was afraid to call and let me know otherwise. How simple would a phone call have been? I would have been able to get another crew. Well, my wife actually did. She ask 2 boys (mid 20’s also) down the street from the new place and they offered a couple of hours. When we offered them some money, they turn it down. We ended up giving them a Starbuck gift card the next day. These boys live in Phoenix and were just visiting family, so I guess there are some good people living in Phoenix (just kidding, mfish).

[mfish]

Let me be the first to say that you sir, ran a very good campaign, and gave your opponent a run for his money.

Sure, Henderson got the "RDR" endorsement - of course, Henderson spent some money with the RDR, too and that goes a long way with the paper - they don't like Walmart because Walmart doesn't buy Sunday inserts, for instance ... and sometimes that endorsement can be a kiss of death ... but based on what I've been told, you beat him in several precincts, and he better watch his step during this term as a councilor.

Maybe he'll finally give up that cushy city job he has now ... the one that is paid for through a temp agency ... the one he retired from ... yet still gets paid to do while drawing retirement ...

GOOD JOB, BILLY!! I expect great things from you because you can be as effective if not more so, as a private citizen. And you have some very good ideas - like term limits. I hope the locals who are members of this forum rally around you and the things you hope to accomplish in Roswell - Timothy Dominguez - get to know Billy Wood!

[Swadlo]

Thank you Billy. You and Timothy are what this town needs. A breath of fresh air. The old stuff is getting stagnent.
Take Care

Swadlo

[Billy Wood]

The results are in for City Council ( Ward II ) I was defeated by 273 votes 914 to 642

First, I want to thank the citizens in ( ward II ) for having faith in me and for their vote.

I want to thank my wife Kim for her support, help and for putting up with me through all the campaigning. I want to thank Juliana Halvorson for all her hard work in designing all my campaign supplies, handouts and yard signs. I want to thank the rest of the people that help with my campaign there are too many to list by name.

Now lets get down to business and get the members of Talk Roswell organized, although I wont be on the city council to be a voice and vote for the citizens we can still get things done. First we need to get organized and not complain and start coming up with workable solutions.

Thanks to all,
Billy Wood

[Daisy]

I was sorry to read that you lost your run for cc. I read what you stood for and liked it a lot. I would have voted for you, had you been in my ward. As it was, I had no choice since I am in ward 1. Maples :yucky: !!

[Alfdom]

I had said your ward will always be the hardest to win. Your vote total suprized me. You did far better than I expected.

Organizing is an interesting word.

[Billy Wood]

Now lets get down to business and get the members of Talk Roswell organized, although I wont be on the city council to be a voice and vote for the citizens we can still get things done. First we need to get organized and not complain and start coming up with workable solutions.

Thanks to all,
Billy Wood

If there is any interest in forming a Roswell Local Government Watch Group/Forum?
Please contact me using the PM system click here to >> (PM me (http://www.talkroswell.com/talk/private.php?do=newpm&u=1))
Post all comments about a watch group (here (http://www.talkroswell.com/talk/showthread.php?t=288))

[Swadlo]

Talked to Billy last night and he has some good ideas.

It is about a year and a half until the next city election. Why don't we, the folks on Talk Roswell, pick a candidate for each Ward and the Mayor, then run as a package.
We could consolidate the funds of all 6 candidates and reach more folks through advertising than each person campaining seppratly, without bankrupting the folks running.

We have all said or heard enough to know we all want a better Roswell. So lets stop talking about it and do it.
What do you folks say. Shall we get started??

I say yes.

Swadlo

[Serio Aldenevich]

It might be premature with the next elections 1.5 years away but I'd like very much to find some good candidates for mayor and CC.

[mfish]

Actually, NOW is probably a good time to start.

First, it gives the potential candidates an opportunity to become better known in the community - and to become better versed on the real issues facing the community.:yikes:

Secondly, if the candidates are REALLY good, and it's apparent they plan to run - it might scare off the dead weight that currently takes up space in those seats ...:naughty:

[Red Ryder]

I agree with the dead weight (deadbeats) taking up council seats now.
How do you go about creating a slate of good candidates who will agree to run a year and a half from now? Some get intimidated and scared off when they see opponents show up at the last minute with the apparent backing of the powers-that-be.

I suspect the city hall machine is already doing this by encouraging the incumbents who rubber-stamp everything staff does to run again and lining up more cronies to fill any anticipated empty seats.

It takes a few bucks to run a campaign and contributions are not easy to get.
Money is a factor.

I'd like to see Stubbs, Henderson and Maples off the council.

Anyone hoping to go on the council ought to attend council meetings and especially council committee meetings long before the election. Some people have ran for the council who never did that and don't know diddly-squat about city government. Their interest in city matters begins when they declare their candidacy.

I'd like to see a credit report on each candidate before I hand them the city purse. If they can't spend and manage their own money wisely I don't want them spending taxdollars. It'd be nice, but not allowed, to have a minimum IQ requirement for candidates. I don't think there's any kind of a background check done on them, criminal or otherwise. We've had some real losers on the council. Representative government. The functionally illiterate need representation on the council and they have it.

[Billy Wood]

I agree with the dead weight (deadbeats) taking up council seats now.
How do you go about creating a slate of good candidates who will agree to run a year and a half from now? Some get intimidated and scared off when they see opponents show up at the last minute with the apparent backing of the powers-that-be. It takes a few bucks to run a campaign and contributions are not easy to get. Money is a factor.
If we get organized this is something we can do. Yes it takes money if we really want change is an organization this is something that we would need to fund and the candidates don't have to account for the contributions before declaring their candidacy.

I suspect the city hall machine is already doing this by encouraging the incumbents who rubber-stamp everything staff does to run again and lining up more cronies to fill any anticipated empty seats.
My opinion this is how Stubbs & Maples are back on the CC. They knew far in advance about two seats were going to be open. The two CC members that did not run for re-election knew they weren't but would not make it public.

I'd like to see Stubbs, Henderson and Maples off the council.
We are stuck with them for 4 years like it or not.

Anyone hoping to go on the council ought to attend council meetings and especially council committee meetings long before the election. Some people have ran for the council who never did that and don't know diddly-squat about city government. Their interest in city matters begins when they declare their candidacy.
I am guilty of the above but I do know right from wrong and I am for what is best for Roswell and not just a few. I tried to get 2 other people to run for [ward II] but they would not, so I ran myself. Being an unknown I didn't do to bad I pulled 42% of the vote that is not saying very much for Henderson.

I'd like to see a credit report on each candidate before I hand them the city purse. If they can't spend and manage their own money wisely I don't want them spending taxdollars. It'd be nice, but not allowed, to have a minimum IQ requirement for candidates. I don't think there's any kind of a background check done on them, criminal or otherwise. We've had some real losers on the council. Representative government. The functionally illiterate need representation on the council and they have it.
I agree with all of the above but [not the IQ requirement] Had I been elected those were some of the things I was going to try and get passed along with term limits.

The only way things will get changed is for Talk Roswell members to organize into a Roswell Local Government Watch Group one person will have no effect with the CC. but an organization with numbers and votes will.

[Swadlo]

I'd like to see a credit report on each candidate before I hand them the city purse. If they can't spend and manage their own money wisely I don't want them spending taxdollars. It'd be nice, but not allowed, to have a minimum IQ requirement for candidates. I don't think there's any kind of a background check done on them, criminal or otherwise. We've had some real losers on the council. Representative government. The functionally illiterate need representation on the council and they have it.

It does not matter whether or not you are conservitive with your money or not. Spending money becomes a problem when you are spending someone elses money. Other people's money is not watched as close, as when some one is spending their own money. Our city council members, present and past, have proven that over and over again.

We need some one who will watch the city's money better than their own. And someone who will not turn their job over to the city manager to make all the business transactions for the city. The city council should make the final say so, not the city manager. We need some one who is more concerned about the city and the constituants instead of the good ol boys.

The only requirement to become a city council member is To be a registered voter and a citizen of the ward you are running for.

Swadlo