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Mayor ready for new term

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Written by Brian McCauley

Wednesday, 15 April 2009 08:00

Paola Mayor Artie Stuteville may have been unopposed in last week’s election, but she knows she will face many challenges during her new term as a city leader.

“My No. 1 thing is taxes,” Stuteville said. “I want to maintain taxes where they are.”

Stuteville, who also drives a taxi and operates a laundromat in Paola, said she understands the city’s mill levy may slightly increase to keep up with valuation changes, but she plans to work hard to keep things steady for taxpayers likely facing tight budgets of their own during the struggling economy.

She also is excited about pushing forward with some current projects and even planning some new ones.

“We’re getting the fire station moving along, and it looks like we’re going to have about 70 percent local contractors,” Stuteville said. “It’s a good thing for Paola.”

“We’re also getting ready to get the PUA online,” Stuteville said, referring to the joint water project between Paola and Louisburg. A new water plant along the Marais des Cygnes River will provide water for both cities.
Stuteville sits on the PUA’s board of directors along with other city officials from Paola and Louisburg. Former Louisburg Mayor Arlen Thompson, who lost in last week’s election to challenger Curt Shreckengaust, also has sat on the board.

Despite Stuteville’s enthusiasm, she also understands that the city can’t ignore the current economic struggles plaguing municipalities and residents across the country.

“We need to continue working on streets, but we just can’t keep up the level we have the past couple years,” Stuteville said referring to the multiple street projects undertaken as a result of the city’s recent emphasis on street repair. Street improvement was the No. 1 request from city residents during a survey conducted the last time the city’s comprehensive plan was updated.

Streets likely won’t be the only area to face a tighter budget in the future, as Stuteville said city officials must find ways to get through the struggles just like everyone else.

“The same things that impact people are affecting the cities,” she said.

That won’t stop Stuteville, though, from working with city staff on some projects that can be tackled once the economy turns around, such as a comprehensive plan for Lake Miola, and a plan for sidewalks and trails throughout the city.

“Things will pick up, and you have to have a plan for when they do,” she said.

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