League Of Women Voters Questionnaire.

Biography:

Resident since 1975, William and Mary Graduate, husband and father; I believe that government works best which governs least. Growth is healthy, but must be restrained with clear goals and direction. As a Real Estate Broker I understand unintended consequences. As a leader in Stop 22 I bring diverse persons together for debate and consensus. As a software engineer I understand technology, its promise and its limitations. As a business owner I understand competition.

1. Top three issues?

• Growth. Adhere to the goals of the citizens. Approve nothing that compromises our City’s character and charm. If we err, we must err on the side of restraint.
• Deeds. The NEW policy of government being a part of private deeds is contrary to the principals of our founding and must stop.
• Process. Citizens must be allowed to be more involved and influential in the process of government decisions.

2. What do you consider an optimum rate of business and residential development for the City?

Maintaining the qualities of character, charm and the environment must be the underlying principal for such decisions. Citizens have expressed this wish in countless ways. Ambitions to bring in more dollars, to innovate, to experiment, must not be allowed to kill the goose that lays the golden egg. We have a finite space which once built upon will be almost impossible to reclaim. The rate of growth must match our ability to absorb it without damaging our character.

3. Three areas of the City’s infrastructure.

 Our older sewer and water lines are sporadically failing. We need to continue to budget and plan for their replacement. Water is a most important issue. I support conserving water and resisting rampant growth.  I would caution against government financing of entities which operate for profit. This approach may in fact encourage increased consumption and rapid growth rather then conservation and careful growth. We must emphasize conservation rather then promoting growth.

 4. How would you encourage regional cooperation for business ventures that would promote more tourism within the city?

 Government should support business, offering information, advice and knowledge where helpful. It should concentrate on keeping taxes low and maintaining the region’s character and a healthy and beautiful environment for all. I don’t believe government should take a leading role in business affairs. Our businesses and their numerous trade organizations are more than competent to make decisions on how to best retain and attract customers.

 5. Housing Authority, the City and Deed Restrictions.

 I don’t believe the City should finance efforts to restrict the rights of private property owners. Formerly, the WRHA followed national practice and placed restrictions only in the borrower’s deed of trust. These expired when the loan was repaid. WRHA now inserts restrictions in the deed which keeps government involved with the property for the life of the property*. I believe this is wrong. In the last five years, over 60 homes now have government in their deeds.

 6. What is your position on the 3-person rule in Williamsburg ? Would you propose to change it according to your platform?

 I am willing to CONSIDER increasing the limit to four persons where logical. The criteria would likely be based on a combination of the number of bedrooms (rooms with built in closets), square footage, and whether there is more then one dwelling included on the property. Limit to two the number of vehicle permits for on street parking for each address to solve the parking concerns.

7. What is your vision for Williamsburg in 10 years?

 My vision is an unspoiled Williamsburg ; A Williamsburg that will continue to feel familiar and welcoming to returning visitors; A Williamsburg that retains its small town character and charm; A Williamsburg known for its high academic standards and intellectual vitality. A life long vacation spot for the world, not because it attracts with all day shopping adventures, but because it offers beauty, history, quiet reflection, wonder and gratitude for the American experiment.

 * - There are a number of varying deeds in use - One allows for an end of the restrictions after 20 years. Either party, if they remember to do so, may inform the other party that they elect to remove these restrictions at the 20 year mark. This notice must be received during the 19th year. If no notice is received then the restrictions are automatically renewed for another 20 years.