The Clayton Connection with Amy Callaghan Vol. 2

Hi and welcome back to The Clayton Connection with Amy Callaghan.

You may have been expecting my newsletter on fiscal responsibility. That newsletter is still in the works, I promise!

The Amy Callaghan campaign and the Charlie Schmidt campaign were sent the below questionnaire from the Political Action Committee, Clayton Watch. It was stated that the same questionnaire was being sent to all 4 City Council candidates, but I have no way of knowing if this has been done. I have no association with the PAC, and I know that many Clayton citizens are not on the PAC's distribution list. Therefore, in an effort to be accessible to our voters on the widest possible scale, I am answering the questions via all social media platforms as well as sending in my responses to the PAC. I have included the original email that this PAC sent to us at the bottom of this blog for your information. I intend to give further details to our voters and answer their questions as well at the September 29, League of Women Voters/Clayton Community Library Foundation Candidate's Forum, 7:00pm at Hoyer Hall. I hope to see you there. Thank you.

Here are my responses:

Question 1 — Landscape Maintenance District / Measure N

Do you support the renewal of Clayton's Landscape Maintenance District (LMD), Measure N?

Yes or No. Please explain your position.

Your response: Yes. Investing in our public spaces is both a matter of neighborhood beautification and a practical risk management strategy. Well-maintained infrastructure helps prevent avoidable hazards, protects public resources, and reinforces confidence in city services. Our city has relied on the Landscape Maintenance District since 1997 as a firm source of funds to accomplish this goal. More on this topic at the upcoming League of Women Voters/Clayton Community Library Foundation Candidate’s Forum on September 29, 7:00pm at Hoyer Hall.

Question 2 — If Measure N Is Not Approved

The City's Landscape Maintenance District currently provides funding for maintenance of trails, open space, roadside landscaping and community gateway entrances, as well as certain weed-abatement activities. The City reports that the district generated approximately $1.4 million in fiscal year 2025–26.

If Measure N is not approved by voters, what would you propose the City do to maintain these services and address the resulting funding needs?

Your response: : If Measure N is not approved by voters, our city will need to examine other methods of enhancing revenue in a real manner. The loss of the LMD revenue will be devastating to our maintenance staff’s ability to keep up with current levels of maintenance, let alone increasing those maintenance levels. As a Council Member, I will seek valuable feedback from the community and evaluate solutions to create meaningful impacts. More on this topic at the upcoming League of Women Voters/Clayton Community Library Foundation Candidate’s Forum on September 29, 7:00pm at Hoyer Hall.

Question 3 — Measure M / Sales Tax

Do you support Measure M, which would increase Clayton's sales tax rate by one percentage point?

Yes or No. Please explain your position.

Your response: Yes. While this tax will bring much needed revenue to the city, this does not mean that we are, or will be, financially sound. The estimated $1 million in revenue generated by this additional tax is not a stable source of revenue. Unless our economy improves, people will continue to spend less and less, which means that the sale of goods and services are not generating to their full potential. As a result, I believe that this is a good stop-gap measure for the near term, but we will need to look at additional sources of revenue for our sustained financial future. More on this topic at the upcoming League of Women Voters/Clayton Community Library Foundation Candidate’s Forum on September 29, 7:00pm at Hoyer Hall.

Question 4 — Clayton's Long-Term Budget

The City has been reviewing its budget, operations, contracts and sources of revenue as it works to address its long-term financial needs.

If elected, what specific steps would you support to maintain a balanced and sustainable City budget?

Please address both expense reductions and potential sources of additional revenue, if applicable.

Your response: We all know that the city, in connection with the Budget and Finance Committee, has completed a review and financial cleanup of the city finances. However, the condition of our city has gotten worse. Streets, sidewalks and trail systems need repair, and routine maintenance. The city will need sustainable, solid revenue sources to continue to thrive.

Regardless of whether Measure M and N pass this year, hard decisions will need to be made over the next 5-10 years. Measure M’s revenue is not guaranteed at a specific level. Because it is directly tied to spending, the City will need to increase its efforts to retain existing businesses and drive new businesses into town.

While unpopular, cuts may need to be made to city-sponsored events. Recently it was reported that The Concerts in the Grove series was left with an over $90,000 reserve when the volunteers running the series turned management over to the City/Special Events Committee. That reserve has largely dwindled away due to needless overspending. More on this topic at the upcoming League of Women Voters/Clayton Community Library Foundation Candidate’s Forum on September 29, 7:00pm at Hoyer Hall.

Question 5 — City Fees and Community Events

The City has a master fee schedule that establishes fees associated with the use of City services, facilities and infrastructure.

What changes, if any, would you support to the City's fee structure for community organizations that produce events in Clayton?

Please explain how you would balance cost recovery, taxpayer responsibility and the City's interest in supporting community events.

Your response: The city’s master fee schedule structure has been settled. However, this structure should be reviewed on a regular basis to ensure that it is fair and equitable. More on this topic at the upcoming League of Women Voters/Clayton Community Library Foundation Candidate’s Forum on September 29, 7:00pm at Hoyer Hall.

Question 6 — The Future of Clayton's Community Events

Clayton has several longstanding community events, including Concerts in the Grove, the Fourth of July celebration and the Classic Car Event.

What role should the City play in producing these events, and what role, if any, should community organizations such as the Clayton Business & Community Association (CBCA) play?

Please explain.

Your response: Any organization in town should be able to choose how/what they support. The Independence Day Parade is a tradition that must remain intact. The other city sponsored events should be reviewed for their financial viability on an on-going basis. More on this topic at the upcoming League of Women Voters/Clayton Community Library Foundation Candidate’s Forum on September 29, 7:00pm at Hoyer Hall.

Question 7 — Bringing Clayton Together

Clayton residents have expressed differing views on a number of issues facing the community.

In your view, what are the primary causes of those disagreements, and if elected, what would you do to encourage greater cooperation and civility among residents, community organizations and City government?

Your response: People have the right to their differing opinions. As a Commercial Property Manager and Broker, my job for the last 30 years has put me in the middle of nearly every transaction. I’ve had to negotiate leases and contracts that I then must manage day-to-day. Calm, clear, concise communication is my specialty. Listening to all sides of a community concern will be my priority so that the council can have a greater understanding of what our residents want and what they are willing to do for their city. More on this topic at the upcoming League of Women Voters/Clayton Community Library Foundation Candidate’s Forum on September 29, 7:00pm at Hoyer Hall.

If you've made it this far, I appreciate your support. My candidacy promises to be transparent and honest, so that is what I am doing.

~Amy

*my next newsletter will focus on fiscal responsibility, I promise.