The Stuart Centennial celebration is upon us. As the Centennial Chair, I am proud of the job that the city staff has done to make next week possible. Planning for this began several years ago under a different commission and city manager. Planning for the future is something that we need to do — not just for something like the centennial — but also for the future of our city.

I am a firm believer in the free market. But the market can only function if government provides the tools needed for its success. Government officials or bureaucrats cannot know whether a hair salon or clothes store should be in a particular location. What government can provide are clear rules and helpful employees to enable the business owner navigate the bureaucracy.

When a person wanting to open a new business seeks the proper licenses and permits, there should be one person he or she can turn to in the bureaucracy to assist in contacting the right departments. In fact, it would be my hope (in most instances) that the city’s economic development director could assemble the different departments needed at one time. This would streamline the process for the business owner tremendously.

It is the government’s responsibility to make sure the water is working, police are patrolling and the roads are taken care of. It is the government’s responsibility through zoning and codes to make sure that our residential neighborhoods are protected. Our citizens have spoken out for a certain quality of life. It is not the bureaucrat’s job to circumvent that by allowing outdoor rooftop bars and music venues, for instance, contravening the residents’ wishes.

We must plan if we want to continue to enjoy living in our city. That doesn’t mean we stop progress and change. We can have both and continue to maintain the good things about living here. I believe in the free market deciding what businesses should be opened. And, it surely does not mean that we have to allow everything a business owner wishes to the detriment of the community as a whole.