Josh McCarthy Announces Candidacy as Mayor for the City of Gillett

Today I, Josh McCarthy am announcing my candidacy as Mayor for the City of Gillett. I look forward to serving the community for the next two years as your Mayor. Born, raised and now I have a family here with my wife Katie. We are both deeply rooted into the Gillett community. In 2017 I was elected as the city’s Ward 2 Alderman representative and was re-elected in 2019. When re-elected in 2019 my fellow council members voted myself as Council President, which led to my current role as Interim Mayor. I love serving the residents of Gillett. The interactions with citizens to make Gillett a more desired place to live with thorough knowledge, the ability to work with the elected council, and a plan for Gillett’s future.

In the three years of serving we as collective government bodies have accomplished many things, the most notably is the continuation of the planned road construction projects. Most road construction projects usually take 3-5 years from the first plan to the final landscaped terrace. These are just not repaving but total water, sewer, curb, and gutter. Having met and established many business contacts in the few short years in city hall, with advice from our very experienced and well dedicated city employees, help myself and the council make decisions that are cost saving and efficiently performed to enhance Gillett’s well-being. Opening the roads up to all ATV/UTV traffic in the city. Now all roads in the city can be accessed and traveled by your toy of choice. Whether it be hopping on the trails or just taking a stroll now it is made much easier.

Moving forward as your Mayor three things I would want to accomplish are construction, debt reduction, and beautification of the city of Gillett.

Construction as mentioned earlier continuing the projects we have started. In 2020 the rest of First Street Orchard Circle and North Harding Street is currently on track to be completed. In the planning stages now is the Washington Street box culvert/ bridge. We submitted a grant application that could potentially fund 80%-90% of that project. Talks are ongoing with the state about the HWY 22 project. Construction also includes the residential side of things as well. Housing shortage in our community is a problem. Just a handful of family size homes are for sale and basically little to nowhere rental properties. There are four lots still available in the Ridgewood subdivision in a very beautiful section of the city. Multifamily housing (apartments) or duplexes would be ideal in a few select locations of the city. Growth and construction go hand in hand so I would like to explore annexing land to expand the city. In that theory expanding tax base instead of raising Gillett’s mill rate (tax rate) for future projects moving forward.

Debt reduction is always easier said than done. Tough decisions have to be made but instead of borrowing to get what we need to equip our city employees with the proper functioning equipment, we need to be saving and having a plan when to purchase them. There is no way around million-dollar road construction projects when borrowing but creative saving NOT creative spending practices. Budget time is very stressful and not easy but the willingness to start now to change the city’s financial ways. The more we can get the debt reduced the more funds available to provide outstanding services for the city. The services that the city does exceptionally well in is public safety. We have a top-notch police force and a superb fire department. In order to adequately fund these vital areas we need to budget accordingly to keep our residents safe.

Beautification of the city should always be in mind. The city has attractive parks and they are maintained well. There are some blight spots within city limits that will be addressed. I would like to budget for the repainting of the main street light poles and would like a new side walk incentive started. The sidewalk incentive would include the city budgeting a certain amount of money to fix the broken concrete paths. A property owner could request their stretch of sidewalk be replaced and would split the costs 50/50 with the city. I like to walk and take in the small community feel but many sidewalks are busted up, raised or just mangled. I would like the children and families of the city to be able to use our sidewalks more effectively. As a father of three pushing a stroller in some areas are challenging or I need to avoid them all together. We are currently a member of Tree City USA and I would like to explore being a member of Bird City USA.

Communication is a very important and a good communicator is vital, of which I believe I am. I am very open and willing to meet or speak with anyone because I work for you! There are all sorts of things that I will be researching and continuing to make the City of Gillett a premier location to thrive. I am looking forward to your vote and am extremely proud to serve as your Mayor!