Brian Cassise is one of four candidates running to serve on Saline City Council starting in January of 2020. Three seats are up for election on the upcoming November 5, 2019 ballot.
Earlier this month, Saline Journal invited each individual to share his thoughts with our readers on a specific series of questions. Responses from Mr Cassise appear below. Responses from the other candidates will appear in separate articles this week.
Saline Journal: “What would you list as your top four priorities for Saline City Council in 2020?”
Brian Cassise:
- Continuous improvement of downtown — and beyond the four corners (expand foot traffic, improve mobility, maintain beautified spaces and attract new and keep our existing businesses)
- Ensure the reliability of the city’s water and wastewater systems
- Maintain and keep a balanced budget
- Encourage community involvement
Saline Journal: ‘Is there a “proper’ length of time for a member of City Council to serve? If so, how long would you recommend, and why?”
Brian Cassise: “I’d like to clarify the question; is it geared towards the length of the term or term limits (total years).
- Length of term— Currently city council terms are two years. I think the ideal length of a term would be 4 years. The reason I believe a four-year term is ideal is for results. In college, I was on the Student Council and I have personally held many technical positions while a co-op and as full time engineer. The scope of each position is different and we gain experience and momentum based on the experiences, but the first three to six months can be a ‘get your bearings’ type of situation. If one-quarter of a city council term is spent getting aclimated, a longer term would prove to be beneficial for the community.
- Term limit (years)— As a young resident of Saline, it’s tough to say that a member should only serve the community for x-number of years. However, I think a council person should be in the position as long as they are in tune with the community and the values we hold.”
Saline Journal: “Reconcile the following aspects of Saline: Autonomous shuttle assembly, downtown car shows, new car dealerships.”
Brian Cassise:
- Downtown car shows— These would be fun events downtown. I would support and attend any car show downtown. I am a huge car buff.
- New car dealerships— Saline has a few local car dealerships; let’s all support local businesses.
- Autonomous shuttle assembly— I can foresee Saline and surrounding areas using autonomous shuttles. However, based on current manufacturing locations, I don’t foresee new production plants around Saline.
Saline Journal: “To what extent, in what ways is it appropriate for members of City Council to participate in locally-oriented Facebook Groups?”
Brian Cassise: “A council member using Facebook to encourage participation in Octoberfest or the Celtic events is acceptable.
Expressing other political views or airing ‘dirty laundry’ is not something I see as acceptable.
Saline Journal: “How would you assess the City of Saline in terms of preparations for dealing with a mass casualty event?”
Brian Cassise: “I believe any preparations for the handling of any casualty event should be left to the law enforcement professionals. We should all have an emergency response plan for ourselves and family in any situation.”
Saline Journal: “Which park would you choose for an October weekend campout with your least-outdoorsy relative? Explain.”
Brian Cassise: “When it comes to camping, I may be the least-outdoorsy of my relatives, so this is easy to relate. Basically, I wouldn’t be camping!
I would chose Wilderness Park. The choice is based on proximity to my home. It would be convenient to participate in any event and then walk home. After many years in the Boy Scouts, I have found that camping isn’t my thing. I have experienced rain or inclement weather on almost every camping trip I have ever been on. At this point in my life, I have been domesticated.
Saline Journal: “If you could ask one question to the other three candidates, what would it be?”
Brian Cassise: “What is your greatest strength that would be beneficial to the city if elected to Council?”
Mr Cassise did not provide Saline Journal with a biographical sketch.
