Ray Parker
Why did you decide to run for the Oak Ridge North city council?
I want to provide quality representation for all homeowners and businesses in Oak Ridge North.
Why do you believe you are qualified to be on the Oak Ridge North city council?
I have 11 years of experience coordinating FEMA Public Assistance, the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program and emergency management initiatives. I have 35 years experience in the construction industry, including light and heavy commercial, multi-family, industrial and residential projects. I have held the positions of project officer, engineer representative, field inspector, construction manager, project manager and chief inspector. I have participated in road, bridge, water, sanitary sewer and storm line installation, and retention and detention ponds projects.
What would you contribute to the city of Oak Ridge North?
My areas of expertise include construction management, cost estimating format, development planning, FEMA public assistance, preliminary damage assessment and prior Oak Ridge North planning & zoning.
What do you think is the most important issue facing the city, and how would you propose to solve it?
It was brought to my attention that the city of Oak Ridge North will have to tear down shop buildings behind City Hall because of asbestos—the same thing for the building the police department is using for drugs and other different equipment they have on Robinson Road. I’d like to know if there will be [an] abatement. There are companies that do asbestos abatement.*
What are your plans and/or solutions concerning the Robinson Road project?
It’s a difficult subject mainly because of the noise of the possibility of homes losing property because of the widening of Robinson Road. It’s a difficult issue and will take a lot more study than what’s been done already. I don’t believe there is going to be an easy answer.*
* Response came from a candidate forum hosted by the city of Oak Ridge North on April 6, 2016
Tom Coale[/caption]
Tom Coale, Icumbant
Occupation: CPA [email protected]
Why did you decide to run for the Oak Ridge North city council?
There are several items to be handled in the city [in the] near future—the thru traffic problem, the setup of the TIRZ and the replacement of the water distribution system—that I think I can assist the city in handling in the best manner. Also there will be two new council members who will face the challenge of getting up to speed. I believe I can aid them in that process.
Why do you believe you are qualified to be on the Oak Ridge North city council?
First, the knowledge of the city and the challenges facing the city gained by the six years I have served on council. Second, I am a CPA and have worked in construction and real estate development for over 50 years. This enables me to understand and make informed financial decisions for the city. My understanding of the construction process has enabled the city to better manage their construction.
What would you contribute to the city of Oak Ridge North?
My contributions to the city of Oak Ridge North are as follows: My knowledge and experience as a CPA, over 50 years’ experience in construction and real estate, my listening to the citizens of the city [and] my desire to make the best decision for the city after getting the best information available.
What do you think is the most important issue facing the city, and how would you propose to solve it?
The number one problem is the flow thru traffic in both east-west and north-south directions. My way to find the best solution is to study all and any possible solutions. Engage the citizens for their input and then work to implement the best plan to solve the problem. Robinson Road is only a part of this problem. We must provide a good north-south route for our citizens as part of any solution.
What are your plans and/or solutions concerning the Robinson Road project?
See above answer
