Crooks has deeply oriented himself with the issues facing Independence in order to make sound decisions on behalf of the residents. Looking to the future, he believes that the decisions he makes today will have a profound impact on Independence 30 years from now. On every position he takes, he incorporates a simple approach, by asking the question, what will this decision's future impact be?

On specific issues, Crooks has taken firm stands. Most importantly, he has involved himself with:

Taking the City of Independence in a Strategic Direction
In order to prepare for future opportunities, whether seen or not yet revealed, Crooks believes that the City of Independence should operate from a financial and management standpoint, according to plan. The importance of strategic planning for the long term interests of our community, when it comes to capital improvements, downtown redevelopment, relationship with the schools, communications with our resident and business community, conserving greenspace and safety has been demonstrated in other communities. Crooks believes we can do the same thing in Independence.

That's why as Chairman of the Public Buildings and Lands Committee, Crooks organized the “public buildings inventory,” so that city department heads could accurately assess current city facilities' assets and needs. Doing so has helped our community budget for these needs in the future.

To stay on the cutting-edge of sound municipal management for Independence, Crooks is working toward his ultimate goal of drafting and maintaining a strategic plan-of-action for Independence.

Supporting the Business Corridor of Rockside Road
As a business owner himself, Crooks understands the importance of Independence's lifeline – the many businesses and industries that have chosen Independence as their home. As a member of the zoning board of appeals, Crooks understands that in an energized marketplace, businesses need exposure to compete. Businesses have often found comfort in Crooks' willingness to place signage and added exposure on their buildings and properties within reason so others can patronize their locations.

Support of Independence Local Schools
As a graduate of all three public schools, Crooks invests a great deal of time working with students of the Independence School District. He has served as a varsity baseball coach since 2002 and actively works with the Independence High School student council, serving as guest speaker and presenter. Crooks believes in the attitude that students need to roll up their sleeves and learn, and that the district must also roll up its sleeves and lead, teach and be accountable to residents from a curriculum and financial standpoint.

Senior Needs Support
As part of Independence's future generation, Crooks realizes the importance of taking care of our community's “greatest generation.” That's why he enjoys spending time with many Independence senior citizes, listening to their stories of how they contributed to make Independence the wonderful community it is today. He actively works with the seniors as a Trustee for the Independence Historical Society, maintaining the grounds at the Bramley Home, and through the public policy process.

Crooks was a co-introducer on 2007-34 which proposes the creation of a senior citizen continuum of care package for Independence residents. Offering single-family homes on smaller lots, congregate living, assisted living, and nursing home care, Crooks believes this proposal helps meet the needs of a segment of our community's population. At the same time, he realizes that all of our seniors' needs cannot be met with one proposal and has publicly argued that we must also address the needs of senior citizens who do not wish to leave their home. Crooks believes that the only way to know for sure who needs what, that the City must engage in an information gathering effort.

Maintaining our Community's Heritage
As a student of Independence's history, Crooks has worked, and will continue to work, to preserve the way of life in Independence. To him, that means incorporating the Western Reserve style and a public education aspect into our Downtown Redevelopment plan. It also means preserving the fact that our community is one of faith and a belief in God. To this end, Crooks believes that focusing on our community's heritage helps to provide a basis for decision-making for moving forward toward the future.