Article Contributed on: 10/13/2007 4:15:22 PM
My name: Sheri Marsella
My age: 50 years old
My family: My immediate family consists of my husband
Cal, three children,
Melissa,
Matt and
Sara. We have one dog,
Oscar.
Education: I have a B.A. in Public Administration from the University of Florida and being the true Gator that I am, also received my Law degree (J.D.) from the University of Florida College of Law.
What I do: I spent most of my career working for Miami-Dade County in both transportation and affordable housing. Since moving to Louisville twelve years ago, I was able to retire and raise kids. I have been on the Louisville city council for the past five years and am pleased to be able to devote much of mytime to city business.
My favorite place in town to hang out: My favorite place in town to hang out in Louisville is probably the trails through the open space closest to my home, the Tamarisk Open Space and connecting to Harper Lake. It is beautiful and my dog and I love to take long walks and enjoy being outdoors.
What I like most about living here: Living in Louisville is a joy for many reasons. First and foremost is the people. Louisville citizens and imbued with a neighborliness and sense of community thatI admire. Volunteerism also ranks high among our citizens as is shown by the participation in our many boards and commissions.
My interests and hobbies: I like to cook and read. I crochet and take walks with my dog. Obviously, I'm interested in local government and I spend a good deal of my time at girl's competitive Softball tournaments.
My favorite thing to cook:My favorite thing to cook is probably stir fry. It always allows me to be creative and I use up whatever I happen to have in the refrigerator.
People who and inspire me (and how): I have probably been most inspired by my mother. She was the strongest person I have ever met and one of the smartest, although she never had the opportunity to go to college. She was a tiny person, but with a backbone made of steel. She didn't get to see me on city council, but I know that she's smiling about it.
How I have contributed to the community: In my years before City Council, I was active in both the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts and as a volunteer at Coal Creek Elementary School. I served one year on the Liquor Licensing Authority and about four years on the Louisville Housing Authority. The last five years I have served as the ward 2 representative to City Council. I serve on the City Council Finance Committee which reviews all financial statements, expenditures and fiscal policies. I also serve as Council Liaison to the Youth Advisory Board, the Library Board and the Louisville Housing Authority. I feel that I bring a reasonable voice to council. I believe in smart, sustainable development that will help us stabilize our revenue stream and pay for city services into the future.
The biggest issues facing Louisville now: The biggest issue facing Louisville in the coming term is economic sustainability. We need to support our existing businesses and attract new ones that will bring us the products, services and revenues that we need. Our big opportunity is the Hwy 42 area that will see a commuter rail station in just a few years. Our biggest hurdle to achieving it is Initiative 2A on the ballot this election. 2A is more that reversing City Council's decision to vest urban renewal authority in the Louisville Revitalization Commission (LRC;) it is sending the message that we are run by special interests and that we don't know what we want in the Hwy 42 corridor. We have already felt the effects of 2A when a wonderful redevelopment project in our downtown was put on hold because the developers doubt the motives behind the initiative. I feel very strongly that voting NO on 2A will significantly increase our ability to attract the kind of quality, sustainable re-d evelopment we need in Louisville.
Why I am running: I am running for re-election to city council because I bring the kind of reasonableness that our city needs. I understand that while small town character is wonderful, ensuring our ability to pay for the services that our citizens require is just as important. While open space is important, ensuring that vested private property rights are not trampled is equally valued. Having ideals is admirable, I believe I have them and they are rooted in practicality. The next four years will lay the groundwork for the transit oriented development that will sustain us, enhance our wonderful, historic downtown and bring us greater revenues, mobility and options. I want to be there to help lay that groundwork.