OCTOBER 8, 2009 ISSUE
Municipal Elections 2009
Boone Candidate Profiles
In a change from previous years, the Boone town election will take place in November this year instead of October. Another change in Boone is the extension of the mayoral term from two years to four years—meaning the mayor you elect this November will serve a four-year term.
In the past week, candidates for Boone mayor and Boone Town Council received a questionnaire asking them to provide their top priority for the town and their positions on the issues of planning and growth, water and downtown. Their responses are included here—some have been edited for space.
To learn more about the Boone candidates, attend the Meet the Candidates Forum on Tuesday, October 20, at 6:00 p.m. at the Town Council Chambers on Blowing Rock Road.
For Boone Mayor
Loretta Clawson
www.LorettaClawson.com and Facebook
REASON FOR RUNNING: “I have been mayor for four years (two terms) and spent eight years on council before serving as mayor. I am very proud of what I have been able to accomplish, but there is more to be accomplished.”
TOP PRIORITY: Protection and preservation of R-1 neighborhoods and new ideas for renewable energies and conservation
PLANNING/GROWTH: “After many meetings and lots of hard work, we now have a new master plan for the Town of Boone. The new master plan addresses important issues such as denser developments that are not “sprawl,” protection of greenspace and established neighborhoods, and encouragement of walkable communities and other alternative transportation efforts.
“One of the areas that is going to grow the most is the university. Knowing this, ASU developed a master plan at the same time Boone was conducting its study. I feel these master plans are going to help both of us to work together to get ahead of the curve in planning for future growth.”
DOWNTOWN: “I love our downtown and am committed to its needs. This year, the town purchased the historic Boone Post Office on behalf of the people of Boone. We also have finally paid off the debt for the much-needed Queen Street parking lot. We also plan some significant amenities (including new lighting) for downtown as soon as the Community Appearance Commission makes its final recommendations.
“We have a long-range plan for Howard Street, which would include new lighting, sidewalks, benches and other amenities as well as infrastructure repairs and updates. Our most recent project estimate indicated the project will cost $4.2 million. While we don’t have the money for the project at this time, we couldn’t go forward even if we did because 12 of the 26 parcels have still not granted right of way for the project.”
WATER: “The Town of Boone discovered several years ago that we are running out of water availability. After much input and consideration from town citizens and experts, the town decided to move forward with a new water facility to address our long-term needs. Town citizens approved the funding for the project in a ballot referendum last fall. Boone is working hard to ensure the new facility goes above and beyond the state’s requirements for superior environmental quality of the project.”
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: “I am especially proud of our newest park across from the armory. This new park is a demonstration project of how to accommodate storm water runoff in a beautiful and forward-thinking way. The new park contains a bog that takes in storm water runoff from 33 surrounding acres. The bog banks are planted in native wildflowers and clover.
“Boone residents, our small businesses and our local government are facing a serious national recession and pressing community needs. It’s not an easy task to meet our challenges in the current environment, but I believe where there’s a will there’s a way.”
John Mena
REASON FOR RUNNING: “I would like to be the next mayor of Boone because I would like to see Boone grow into an environmentally responsible community for others to follow. We can have a sustainable, healthy environment for our children to grow up in, but we need to act now.”
TOP PRIORITY: Downtown revitalization
PLANNING/GROWTH: “Planning and growth go hand in hand with any business or municipality. We have to create mixed use, high-density corridors catering to students, medical personnel and retired people whenever possible. We need to provide sidewalks and bike lanes, green spaces, community gardens and community centers.
“Boone can be a model for sustainable development. Boone is still small enough that if we have a progressive agenda for implementing smart, common sense, sustainable growth, we can make a difference in our community and help preserve our fragile environment.”
DOWNTOWN: “In the past, downtown Boone was the epicenter of life in these mountains. We still have a very vibrant and diverse downtown despite the lack of municipal support and depressed economic situation. I would like to work with Boone’s Town Council to step in and refurbish, improve and reinvest in our downtown, to bring in new businesses, to create new jobs and to attract tourist and residents.
“Downtown’s infrastructure is in desperate need of updating. Most of downtown’s sewer and waterlines were installed in the ‘20s and ‘30s and need to be replaced to avoid major problems in the future. Insufficient storm water drainage creates rivers in our streets and adds to possible flooding. I would like to start the Howard Street project; after all, we’ve spent 20 years planning it.”
WATER: “Water conservation is only really thought about when we are faced with a water shortage. We rely on one source for water and one source only—the New River. There have been many years that because of drought conditions, our water supplies have been threatened and private wells have dried up.
“Water conservation systems and rainwater cisterns need to be incorporated into all planning of developments and new buildings to alleviate increased water needs as our area grows. These systems can then be used for small communities as well as individual homes to supplement and replace the need for increased water demand on the New River. Replacing old toilets in town will also save hundreds of millions of gallons of water each year. We can live without a lot of things—water is not one of them.”
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: “We are at a crossroads as to which direction our elected officials will take us. We can continue on the path we’re on, or we can head in a more sustainable direction that other cities, towns and communities have already started down. Sustainability will not be easy nor happen overnight. It will take a lot of planning, hard work and sacrifice. It is up to us as individuals, as a community and as a town to decide—sustainability or obsolescence?”
Tim Wilson
REASON FOR RUNNING: “I feel that it is time for a change in local city government. The current council spends too much time and money studying issues and takes little action. We need council members who are not afraid to make decisions and who do not put every issue before a committee for further study. Our council should have authority and be accountable for their decisions.”
TOP PRIORITY: Attracting and supporting small businesses
PLANNING/GROWTH: “In recent years, the council has focused on planning which eliminates or severely restricts growth. This growth plan discourages incoming businesses and residents by making locating here cost-prohibitive.
“We need government which encourages small business to relocate here. We need to offer incentives by streamlining some of the restrictions currently in place. We want people and business to feel welcome in our town. We can allow reasonable growth without jeopardizing Boone’s future.”
DOWNTOWN: “We have lost much of the character of the downtown area. It has been replaced with an area which is not attractive and in which many people feel unsafe. The current council has spent a good deal of money and time studying the problems of the downtown area. We have seen little tangible results from the committee studies which have been done.
“We need to make some final decisions about the Howard Street Project and either implement the plan or abandon it entirely. Boone needs action now if we hope to restore a healthy and safe downtown area.”
WATER: “Currently Boone is not facing a shortage of water. Ample rainfall has erased the threat of drought. Decreasing numbers of small businesses in downtown have decreased the demand for water.
“The council needs to make some definitive plans for the improvement and expansion of water sources and for more controlled water consumption in the future. We need to be able to provide water and sewer to all areas being considered for annexation to Boone’s [extraterritorial] zones. I feel that Boone needs to work closely with the county to provide water and sewer to our citizens.”
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: “Having lived in Boone most of my life, I have seen a lot of change in the area. Our city government has become very complex. It places many demands and restrictions on our citizens. I feel that town government needs to refocus on our people. We need council members who can make solid decisions for protecting our community, for encouraging positive growth and for providing services to our citizens.
“We need to be able to trust our council to make responsible decisions without having to appoint committees to study every issue. Our council needs to be accountable to our people!”
For Boone Town Council
Andy Ball
REASON FOR RUNNING: “I am running for a seat on council to preserve the quality of life in Boone. To me, that means protecting the environmental, cultural and historical aspects of our town. I began volunteering and following community issues when I moved here in 2001 and have since worked organizing community outreach efforts and civic participation. I believe the current council has been headed in the right direction on many issues, and I look forward to bringing a more diverse perspective and new ideas to these discussions.”
TOP PRIORITY: Growth and infrastructure
PLANNING/GROWTH: “The Town Council has seen a Smart Growth Audit, a new Land Use Master Plan and recently revised Comprehensive Plan and Unified Development Ordinance over just the last two years. Through last year’s planning charrettes and related public hearings, we have agreed that we need to see more mixed-use development in some areas, more density in some areas, and have identified primary growth corridors along which future growth would ideally be planned.
“I still believe there are some areas within our UDO that can be revisited and clarified for the mutual benefit of those who work to develop and build in Boone and all town residents.”
DOWNTOWN: “Our downtown is one of the most economic, historic and cultural centers of Boone. As a resident of Queen Street, I walk and bike downtown daily and see our small businesses continuing to open their doors to serve residents and visitors. Our local businesses are doing quite well despite the recent national economic downturn.
“There are improvements to the streetscape we still need to make both on King Street and our downtown side streets, but it will take a combination of funding sources to get them done. On the council, I plan to work with the [Downtown Boone Development Association] and town staff to identify available grants and make downtown improvements a priority.”
WATER: “The good news is that the town’s water conservation measures, including the Every Drop Counts program, have resulted in a reduction in demand over the past several months’ usage reports.
“The other news is that we still need to secure a primary water source, as our future growth needs indicate we will be hitting 90 percent capacity in the next five to 10 years. The site the current council has sought on the New River was the most economically viable choice, and scientific projections showed that it will have a negligible impact on the flow and quality of the river. I’m an avid kayaker and use the river often, so I look forward to seeing this project through and making sure every step is taken to assure that it leaves the smallest footprint it can.”
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: “Through my experience in town issues, in county politics and at the university, I have gained a unique perspective on how each functions and how frequent communication can help get things done. I hope to bring about a renewed sense of cooperation in this area and will keep those lines of productive dialogue open.”
Rennie Brantz
Rennie Brantz on Facebook
REASON FOR RUNNING: “Boone is at a critical turning point in its history. The economic recession is threatening existing programs, future growth and our identity as a caring community.
“My goal has been to make Boone a better, more attractive place to live, work in or visit. I am running for re-election because I want to continue these initiatives. I also think I can bring my experience, commitment to Boone and judgment to the new challenges facing Boone today and tomorrow.”
TOP PRIORITY: Preserving and enhancing the quality of life in Boone.
PLANNING/GROWTH: “Boone needs to plan for growth over the next 20 years and beyond. The needs of our citizens, Appalachian State University and Watauga County make growth inevitable.
“Over the past four years, Boone has been well served by careful planning that has involved expert studies, public involvement and reasoned decisions. This is how we have approached water needs, smart growth and land use planning. I believe communities make wise decisions when they gather crucial information, consult with experts, engage the entire community in open discussion and then make decisions.”
DOWNTOWN: “I think the most important improvement needed in downtown Boone is a more prominent identity. This can be accomplished in several ways. First, we need to emphasize the historic dimension of downtown by establishing a downtown historic district, renovating the downtown Post Office and developing historic walking tours and signage.
“Second, the completion of the Howard Street project will improve the appearance and ambiance of the downtown. With a new streetscape, cafes, galleries, shops and apartments combined in mixed use development, Howard Street could be transformed into a vibrant and vital part of our downtown that would draw citizens, visitors, and students, enhance the downtown economy, and improve the overall appearance of our town.”
WATER: “Boone is reaching the limits of its available water resources. Engineering studies indicate that our needs will continue to grow and that additional water will be needed. The citizens of Boone understood this need and voted for a $25 million bond issue to finance the construction of a new water intake on the New River.
At the same time, the town has undertaken a very successful water conservation program, which has reduced water consumption over the past year. But if Boone is to expand over the next 20 years, it will need additional water resources. I have supported the town's water project because it has been carefully and thoughtfully designed by expert engineers, closely reviewed by state and environmental agencies to make certain that the New River will not be harmed, and openly discussed in town committees and public hearings every step of the way.”
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: “If re-elected, I intend to carry forward a number of projects now underway and to support economic development and environmentally friendly growth; the preservation of our Boone neighborhoods; stronger historic preservation; better communications between the town, Appalachian and Watauga County; exploration of new transportation strategies; and improved city services and town beautification.”
Harold Frazier
REASON FOR RUNNING: “The underlying motive for any candidate running for a public office should be to effectively and vigorously protect the life, liberty and property of the individuals that he represents—this is why I am running for office. I also intend to exercise my keen understanding of local economic policy, local social policy and the role of government in order to allow the citizens of Boone to create a town in which they are happy to live and work.”
TOP PRIORITY: Economic growth
PLANNING/GROWTH: “I support Boone growth that is smart in character, and I believe that smart growth is found by favoring consumer choices and prices over bureaucratic planning and government guesswork.
“I believe that "Flex Growth" tools such as voluntary open-space protection (encouraging developers to leave room for open space), more flexible zoning codes that allow mixed-use developments, avoiding subsidies for only certain types of businesses and providing efficient roads for growth all work together to both provide for the needs of the town and keep costs low.
“One of my top priorities for the town of Boone is to restore an environment…which is conducive to responsible economic growth—where individuals are able to provide services and facilities to those who need them without being burdened by unnecessary regulations, unnecessary fees and certain unnecessary specifics of the UDO (Unified Development Ordinance).”
DOWNTOWN: “Downtown Boone should be a top priority for anyone interested in keeping one of the historical aspects of the town intact and vibrant. I support working to make roads in downtown efficient, clean and beautiful. This can be done by competitively sourcing cleaning efforts (sidewalks, paving, drainage, lighting, etc), replanting dead trees instead of filling the holes with concrete and allowing businesses in downtown to do what they do best: sell their goods.”
WATER: “First and foremost, water access should not be used by the Town Council as a stranglehold against individuals trying to start businesses. Water should be available much like power and telephone services. I believe in reducing the burden of excessive impact fees and water footprint fees to the point where their only purpose, as originally devised, is to pay directly for the expansion of water services the town is forced to offer.
“Given the recent significant loss in high volume water consuming businesses along 421, water availability is even less of an issue for the town, not including the offers from other local water sources which add approximately 10 million gallons to the supply.”
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: “Having been a resident of Boone for 21 years, I am well aware of the challenges the area faces and the commitment that is required to take on those challenges. My understanding of economics, the proper role of government and my ability to abstractly reason though complex social problems place me in a prime spot to find fair, cost effective and efficient solutions to our problems.
“You can be sure that if I am elected to the Boone Town Council, I will be accessible, reliable, objective and productive as your representative.”
Grant Holder
REASON FOR RUNNING: “I arrived in Boone in the summer of 1988 and have seen a rather remarkable combination of change in some areas and stagnation in others. I travel a great deal and have seen small towns like Boone with their streets full of tourists spending money. I am running because I think Boone is falling behind its competition in the High Country and want to see it develop more of its own identity independent of its association with the university.
“Like most, I want to see Boone remain comfortable and manage its growth in a way that benefits everyone regardless of income.”
TOP PRIORITY: Walkability and business investment
PLANNING/GROWTH: “I am one who would encourage growth, but I want it to be intelligently done. I would like traffic patterns, a common theme of appearance and type of development taken into consideration. Neotraditionalist thought, which I endorse, takes type of developments and encourages them around nodes of pedestrian or mass transit activity.
“In the past, some development has appeared to be placed at random, no doubt brought on by the scarcity of land; in the future, I would encourage the production of student housing in areas closer to campus and nearby to supporting structures (food, etc.) necessary to improve our quality of life (and again, relieve the pressure on our crowded roads).”
DOWNTOWN: “Efficient economic development needs planning. What is downtown to be? Would everyone say we are satisfied with downtown? Can it become a vibrant spot for shopping and nightlife, or are we to let the university take over the whole thing? Downtown is key to making sure Boone always retains it identity outside the university. Brand, market, and encourage business and investment. Many options are possible as long as we do not succumb to the dreaded ‘we've never done that before’ malady.”
WATER: “Water belongs to the people. It is to be used by all the people for their benefit and without unreasonable fees or surcharges. Boone's problems with ‘drought’ appear to have eased to the point where the Town Council should only have to deal with appeals when permits are denied.”
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: “Boone must be a community where permanent residents, university students and temporary residents all feel comfortable and well served. Students are a big part of our life here; they must feel as though they are Boone residents as much as ASU students. What kind of economic development would encourage some of them to stay, to make their own lives and careers in Boone? As with any town of any size, this is the single most important question. Not scarcity, or policies of fear derived from it, but a focus on generating abundance and possibilities for the best and the brightest to remain among us.
“I am running for Town Council because I think Boone is ready for some new thinking, and I'm am excited to offer my ideas to help do what we all really want, which is take Boone to the next level.”
Jamie Leigh
REASON FOR RUNNING: “As a CPA, I am the only current candidate/council member with an extensive financial professional and educational background and believe that these skills and experiences are particularly relevant at a time when Boone, like towns of all sizes, must make tough choices about how to best use limited financial resources.”
TOP PRIORITY: Fiscal responsibility
PLANNING/GROWTH: “Growth is bound to happen; I don’t think we can stop it entirely, but we can guide it intelligently. That is why I wholeheartedly support the Smart Growth principles…which now serve as the basis for the proposed comprehensive Land Use Master Plan.
“Because a Smart Growth focus is designed to promote a sense of community, prevent urban decay, encourage environmentally sound growth patterns and methods and preserve Boone’s unique history and character while still allowing for well-planned growth and development, it will ensure that future decisions and plans reflect our community’s long-range vision and values and help us retain the quality of life we enjoy.
“I believe that we should totally rewrite the UDO to make sure it is consistent and reasonable throughout while at the same time guaranteeing that it achieves the regulatory purposes for which it was intended. We want to require smart and safe development…without placing undue burdens on responsible developers.”
DOWNTOWN: “There are a number of cosmetic challenges still to meet to ensure that downtown Boone retains its charming historic character and takes full advantage of its treasured status, including new streetlights, sidewalk improvements, benches, landscaping and more.
“The Howard Street revitalization is another wonderful downtown project that I am strongly behind, but it’s also one that, because of its large price tag, will require a variety of creative non-tax financing sources to complete.”
WATER: “Residents rely on their elected officials to ensure that the town has an adequate, clean and safe water supply while acting as responsible stewards of the environment in which we live. I believe that the planned new water intake facility on the South Fork of the New River meets that challenge.
“The fact of the matter is that Boone’s existing water supply will reach capacity in a few years, a shortfall that conservation techniques alone cannot alleviate. So town leaders planned ahead, as they should have, to design a water intake plant that will keep water flows close to original levels, return clean treated water to the river, cause no recreational disruption to the river and be housed in an aesthetically pleasing barn-like shell. I feel the only legitimate criticism involves a concern for pharmaceuticals in the river, a problem that is not local to Boone but rather a national one for which scientists across the country are trying to find solutions.
“Not only do we need to expand our water saving programs, we also need to make a bigger push in communicating with residents so they are fully aware of steps they can take to help conserve.”
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: “My philosophy is simple and straightforward: in order to retain and enhance our quality of life and the character of this community that we all love, it is vital for us to proactively address, in a comprehensive and coordinated fashion, those issues that are most important and pressing.”
Matthew Long
www.LongForBooneTownCouncil.com
REASON FOR RUNNING: “I am a native of Boone and graduate of Appalachian State University and resident of Boone who truly cares about the future of this town. I feel that there is no better time than the present for me to be involved in the work ahead to make the necessary changes for a better Boone now and for the future. I feel that with my experience in owning and running a small business, as well as my experience and certification in ‘green’ building and development, that I can be an asset to the Town Council.”
TOP PRIORITY: Rewrite the Unified Development Ordinance to allow for smart growth and environmentally responsible development
PLANNING/GROWTH: “Boone needs to actively engage smart growth. We need to make necessary revisions to the current UDO. There are many dated and non-practical development codes that are contradictory to smart growth and development. Building and developing property in a “green” way is currently impossible with many of these non-practical development rules and regulations. Allowing for higher, more dense usage in specific areas, such as downtown Boone, will also help generate tax revenue in a time where we the state has taken many revenue producing properties away.
“We need to also bring some clarity to the new UDO by limiting the vague, ill-defined regulations. We must ensure fair and consistent development rules and regulations for residents and businesses.”
DOWNTOWN: “We should focus on downtown Boone revitalization projects that have never been started or completed. Encourage further revitalization efforts projects for downtown Boone by implementing the new UDO that will encourage new residential and commercial development and renovation for downtown Boone.
“We must make downtown the hub for residents, businesses, students and visitors by providing a parking solution. I feel that the town needs to really explore the possibilities for a parking deck that would facilitate more visitors and customers to downtown Boone businesses. This ‘real’ exploration should include financing. I think there are numerous financial options for a project like this, including a private third party. I think in the meantime, we need to explore options for more meters and enforcement on weekends.”
WATER: “As a municipality grows, so must the utilities—in this case water. However, I do believe the first thing the town should do is educate and provide incentives to the citizens on water conservation options for existing homes and businesses, as well as conservation methods in new construction and development.
“I plan to better educate myself on exactly where the town stands on its immediate needs for additional water sources and any possible future shortage. I will work hard to use tax dollars wisely on this issue.”
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: “I promise to do my best to serve Boone in an ethical, responsible way. I will work hard to protect the interests of citizens and business owners, and I will work hard to ensure that tax dollars are used wisely.”
The Missing Candidate
High Country Press received responses to candidate questionnaires from every Boone candidate except Thomas Wilhite, a candidate for Boone Town Council. If we receive a response from Mr. Wilhite, it will be published in a future issue of the newspaper.
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