I want to share with you my support for the development of the Eastgate Commerce Center in the Little Blue Valley. This is an opportunity for our community to attract new employers who can provide family-supporting jobs that Independence desperately needs. New tax revenue generated will support public services such as police, fire, and parks and all 3 school districts will see increased assessed valuations. That new revenue will enhance their ability to educate the next generation of workers who will find employment opportunities to allow them to stay in Independence. This opportunity will likely never come again so I urge you to support this project so that we can further enhance the local economy here in Independence.

I ask you to support the development of the EastGate Commerce Center. In a recent study of utility rates in Independence, it was indicated that the addition of 27 new industrial customers would allow us to be more competitive with the electric rates we offer our residents and businesses. This project with over 10 million square feet gives us the opportunity to attract those industries we desperately need to grow our economy and provide family supporting jobs. I urge your support for this project.

When Independence committed $30 million dollars to the construction of the Little Blue Parkway, it was done to open up opportunities for development. We now have an opportunity with the EastGate Commerce Center to take advantage of this investment and attract new employers and jobs to Independence. As we look at other communities around us that are growing, they are doing so because they have been able to attract companies who provide family-supporting jobs but currently, we don't have the modern facilities that companies need to be successful. That can all change with your support of the Eastgate Commerce Center project. I urge you to make a difference in Independence and vote to give the necessary approvals so this project can move forward.

I write today to share my support for the Eastgate Commerce Center and ask you to do the same. The largest majority of jobs in Independence are in the service industry which is typically low paying and lack benefits such as medical, dental, and retirement programs. Industrial jobs which could be created within this development can help raise the median income and provide those needed family-supporting wages and benefits that will help take families out of poverty. We have an available workforce but many of them go outside our community to find work. Help us bring those workers back to Independence by approving the EastGate Commerce Center project when it comes before you.

I ask for your support of the Eastgate Commerce Center project. Currently, we have over 5,000 households living in poverty with a total household income below $15,000. The potential for employment within this development provides the opportunity for our residents who struggle the most to be able to have access to family-supporting jobs and benefits. I urge you to vote yes for the required actions which will allow this project to move forward.