Local · Trusted · Free
The Morning Impact — your neighborhood's most important stories, delivered every morning.
Two candidates are running for Oak Ridge North City Council Position 4 in the May 6 election.
Candidates were asked to keep responses under 50 words, answer the questions provided and avoid attacking opponents. Answers may have been edited or cut to adhere to those guidelines, or for style and clarity. Responses submitted that were more than 50 words were cut off at the 50-word mark.
* denotes incumbent
Why are you running for this position?
I love this city and the small-town presence it provides for our families. From Teddy Bear Park at the entrance to the city, to [Oak Ridge North Police Department] handing out candy while keeping every single child safe at Halloween ... this really is a wonderful place to call home. I want to help
What makes you uniquely qualified for this position?
I’ve been in the professional business world for over 15 years, owned a successful business and currently treasurer of the Oak Ridge Elementary PTO. The city will be starting its annual budget discussions in just a few more months. I can’t think of a better way for me to use
What kind of development should the city of Oak Ridge North focus on as the Robinson Road realignment moves forward?
Expanding our city’s economy and increasing commercial sales tax revenues is a key to our ability to maintain our existing infrastructure and add new amenities to our city. City Council should be targeting the types of capital improvements that can help us grow our economic footprint, and that have a ...
What are some of the biggest challenges you feel the city is facing over the next two to three years?
People already cut through our residential areas to bypass the existing traffic on Robinson Road. Keeping our residential streets from turning into racetracks once Robinson Road construction gets started will be a significant challenge, which we will absolutely have to address. I would also like for the city to find ...
What efforts can the city take to increase budget revenues?
No homeowner wants to pay higher property taxes, especially if there is an alternative source of tax revenue available to help keep residential taxes down. Our efforts should focus on working with commercial property owners to bring in new businesses that will generate additional sales tax revenues for the city.
Why are you running for this position?
I am running because we still have a lot to be done in the city, and I would like to see the current projects through to fruition. My approach as a business owner enables me to ask the right questions and make recommendations from a unique perspective.
What makes you uniquely qualified for this position?
As the incumbent I know and understand the history of the projects currently underway, and the thought process as to why we are approaching the opportunities the city is facing currently as well as future growth potential.
What kind of development should the city of Oak Ridge North focus on as the Robinson Road realignment moves forward?
We continue to focus on infrastructure regarding water and drainage, road maintenance and of course the growth of our economy as the Plaza District becomes a reality. Focusing on attracting the right types of business to our city with special attention to those generating sales tax.
What are some of the biggest challenges you feel the city is facing over the next two to three years?
As Robinson Road construction begins, it will no doubt be an inconvenience for many resident and frequent travelers through the city, but the end result will be worth it. I believe staying diligent about the cost of construction is vital since the plans were made when materials were less expensive.
What efforts can the city take to increase budget revenues?
Our most prominent area of opportunity is attracting the sales tax generating businesses to the Plaza District as it develops and creating a destination type of location for people to dine, shop and gather. We continue to look for other opportunities for funding as well, such as grants to fund ...
