These are raw notes I took at a "State of the City" speech delivered by Mayor Hancock at the Killeen Convention and Converence Center, beginning at 1800 on March 26, 2012. I did not capture all the detail of the talk, but I believe I recorded all the major points. By "raw notes" I mean that I took down the ideas I heard, in the order I heard them. These are not Mayor Hancock's words; they are my telling of what he said.
He was asked to hold a Mayor's town hall meeting. Decided instead to do a "state of the city" talk. Where we've been, where we are, where we're going.
Was elected to city council in 2000. Police and FD were ill-equipped and under-staffed. Council passed a large tax increase; it was a good council. Plans that had been under way for 20 years were coming to implementation: airport, convention center, etc. If the citizens want something the council has to give it to them, keeping in mind that the city manager is responsible for first providing infrastructure.
KPD was understaffed and needed equipment. It's gotten better. Same with KFD.
Other good things have happened: Tree City, U.S.A. "Playful City". Dept. of Agriculture Certified Retirement Community. Keep Killeen Beautiful won an achievement award. "New Geography" says Temple-Belton-Killeen is the "number one area for jobs". There are many more. We're not a small town any more. What we've accomplished [presumably over the last 12 years] is noteworthy.
Federal and state representatives have supported Killeen. We got $450000 from EPA for sewers; $260000 for fire engines; Dept of Energy, $1 million; $1.8 for hiring police officers. Airport improvement grants: $7.2 million.
There have been several transportation projects, like 201 overpass and extension.
We've kept a AA bond rating. Fund balances are at good levels. 54,000 voters; only 3,000 vote. The council still needs to listen to the non-voters.
You'll have good city councils in the future. Mistakes might be made, but they'll have the city's best interests in mind.
Friday First Baptist Church will reopen as a city building. Anyone who can't see that it's positive, you're blind.
Religion is an important part of any city. We should give churches credit for increasing quality of life.
This is a diverse city.
Don't diss the museum. It will be valuable and a big success and bring in a lot of tourists. It will be largest military museum west of the Mississippi. The army will help with exhibits and operations.
We need to increase investment in infrastructure to bring in more business: expand 201; improve rail; build a second runway.
Listen closely: We get things done by working together. The city runs the city well, but doesn't do economic development well because it's not our business; we need effective partnerships. It is the private sector that drives things outside the city's core competencies. When KEDC was put together "city fathers got it right".
This council last March went through a terrible time. There was a recall over it. Since the whole thing is over and done, and there will be a new council, I ask you not to dwell on it any more: it's over. Get behind the newly elected public representatives. Have some forgiveness in your heart. Forgive and forget.
He was slandered last month. He forgives that man. Everyone should follow his example and do the right things for the city.