How should Lake Placid handle growth and development—especially along US 27 and downtown—and what would you support or push back on? Would you support a Walmart in Lake Placid?
The town of Lake Placid needs to grow, but it should be measured and monitored. Many people moved to Lake Placid because of its size and stability. Growth should not affect the quality of life of its current citizens.
While a big box store like Walmart would increase the tax revenue, there are tradeoffs – wear and tear on roads due to increased traffic and increased competition to our mom and pop stores.
Where should the town be spending more right now, and where—if anywhere—should it pull back?
I find it troubling the town is depleting its reserves. If a major hurricane were to strike Lake Placid, we have no reserves to maintain and rebuild. Our roads are falling into disrepair, we experience flooding and stormwater issues – real problems for our citizens that should be addressed as priorities.
What should the CRA actually be accomplishing over the next few years, and how do you measure whether it’s working?
I believe the CRA should balance its focus and resources between infrastructure and beautification. Stormwater and flooding are problems for the town and need to be addressed.
Is there a specific decision you believe the council will face in the next year that matters to residents—and how would you vote on it?
I am in the unique position of working with the public every day, and am very aware of the concerns of our citizens. These are the decisions I hope to bring to council.
