The Oak Ridge North candidate forum, hosted by the Voter Awareness Council, was held April 9 at Oak Ridge North City Hall, giving city residents the opportunity to become more informed on candidates' views on city issues.
City residents have the opportunity to vote for candidates for positions 2 and 4 on the council. Belinda Sipp and incumbent Clint McClaren are the Position 2 candidates and Bruce Bernhoft and Richard Barlow are the Position 4 candidates
Candidates were first given up to three minutes to introduce themselves and then another three minutes explaining what they would like to accomplish while in office.
The candidates answered a range of questions submitted by those in attendance regarding Robinson Road traffic concerns, city economic growth, stoplight and traffic light concerns, and enhancing community involvement.
When asked about how they think residents living on Wickwood Drive would be affected by planned construction of Robinson Road, the candidates had a variety of answers.
"I know there are concerns [about the Robinson Road construction]," McClaren said. "Putting up sound barriers or constructing a walk park [in that area] are options."
Burnhoft agreed with McClaren in that sound barriers and parks could be solutions to the effects brought on by the widening of Robinson Road. Burnhoft also said the city would need to be determine how much more traffic will be traveling along Robinson Road.
"We need to find a solution that is fair to the people," he said. "We need to also look and see how this [construction in residential areas] has been dealt with in the past."
Barlow said he has seen the rezoning plan for Robinson Road and is not in favor of it, but taking in to consideration the concerns of the city's residents is the highest priority.
"We're a city of homes—we need to focus on that," Barlow said. "Take consensus from the people—see how they will be affected."
Sipp agreed with Barlow in that the residents thoughts and concerns on the construction of Robinson Road should be taken into account.
"I think residents have to speak out," she said. "It's important to hear their grievances."
Candidates all had the same views when asked about encouraging new business to open in Oak Ridge North and retaining existing businesses.
"We just need to advertise and promote more, we have the location and the traffic flow," Burnhoft said.
Sipp said she agreed that businesses and the services they provide need to be displayed more extensively through ads and promotions and that the city has the resources it needs to be successful.
"We just need to encourage them with everything we have already," she said.
McClaren said one of the resources the city has is the Economic Development Corporation.
"There's been progress in the EDC," he said. "We have grants that include business development grants."
Barlow said the overall qualities of the city attract new businesses to the area.
"We have two-minute access to the freeway, unlike The Woodlands," Barlow said. "We have a great police force, which is a huge advocate for businesses."
Oak Ridge North residents at the forum were encouraged to vote in the upcoming city election, with early voting taking place from April 27 to May 5. Election Day is May 9. Voting is held at Oak Ridge North City Hall, located at 27424 Robinson Road in Oak Ridge North.
The Oak Ridge North candidate forum, hosted by the Voter Awareness Council, was held April 9 at Oak Ridge North City Hall, giving city residents the opportunity to become more informed on candidates' views on city issues.
City residents have the opportunity to vote for candidates for positions 2 and 4 on the council. Belinda Sipp and incumbent Clint McClaren are the Position 2 candidates and Bruce Bernhoft and Richard Barlow are the Position 4 candidates
Candidates were first given up to three minutes to introduce themselves and then another three minutes explaining what they would like to accomplish while in office.
The candidates answered a range of questions submitted by those in attendance regarding Robinson Road traffic concerns, city economic growth, stoplight and traffic light concerns, and enhancing community involvement.
When asked about how they think residents living on Wickwood Drive would be affected by planned construction of Robinson Road, the candidates had a variety of answers.
"I know there are concerns [about the Robinson Road construction]," McClaren said. "Putting up sound barriers or constructing a walk park [in that area] are options."
Burnhoft agreed with McClaren in that sound barriers and parks could be solutions to the effects brought on by the widening of Robinson Road. Burnhoft also said the city would need to be determine how much more traffic will be traveling along Robinson Road.
"We need to find a solution that is fair to the people," he said. "We need to also look and see how this [construction in residential areas] has been dealt with in the past."
Barlow said he has seen the rezoning plan for Robinson Road and is not in favor of it, but taking in to consideration the concerns of the city's residents is the highest priority.
"We're a city of homes—we need to focus on that," Barlow said. "Take consensus from the people—see how they will be affected."
Sipp agreed with Barlow in that the residents thoughts and concerns on the construction of Robinson Road should be taken into account.
"I think residents have to speak out," she said. "It's important to hear their grievances."
Candidates all had the same views when asked about encouraging new business to open in Oak Ridge North and retaining existing businesses.
"We just need to advertise and promote more, we have the location and the traffic flow," Burnhoft said.
Sipp said she agreed that businesses and the services they provide need to be displayed more extensively through ads and promotions and that the city has the resources it needs to be successful.
"We just need to encourage them with everything we have already," she said.
McClaren said one of the resources the city has is the Economic Development Corporation.
"There's been progress in the EDC," he said. "We have grants that include business development grants."
Barlow said the overall qualities of the city attract new businesses to the area.
"We have two-minute access to the freeway, unlike The Woodlands," Barlow said. "We have a great police force, which is a huge advocate for businesses."
Oak Ridge North residents at the forum were encouraged to vote in the upcoming city election, with early voting taking place from April 27 to May 5. Election Day is May 9. Voting is held at Oak Ridge North City Hall, located at 27424 Robinson Road in Oak Ridge North.
