With elections coming up soon, the Mirror would like to pose these questions to the candidates. This platform gives the candidates a chance to offer more granual, in-depth, well-thought out answers to basic, fundamental questions, and gives them a chance to provide information that gets missed or glossed over during the candiate forums that rely on soundbites, and severely limit response times. If the candidates don’t bother to respond, citizens can take that as they will.
Please send responses to capecharlesmirror@gmail.com, and we will publish them in their entirety. Add any other comments about why you think you are a good fit for Cape Charles government.
We can meet in person, but time is quite precious. Readers should also comment, provide questions they feel are relevant and need in-depth discussion. Submit your questions in the comment section below. Candidates, please check the comments for relevant questions.
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1. DO YOU THINK OUR MAIN STREET/DOWNTOWN IS HEALTHY AND SUCCESSFUL? IF NOT, WHAT WOULD YOU DO TO CHANGE THAT?
2. WHAT’S MORE IMPORTANT FOR OUR TOWN (AND COUNTY) RIGHT NOW: BUILDING NEW HOMES AND COMMERCIAL SPACE OR REHABBING/EXPANDING/BETTER UTILIZING OUR EXISTING HOMES AND STOREFRONTS?
4. SOME PEOPLE CONTINUE TO SAY THAT WE HAVE TRAFFIC PROBLEMS DURING THE TOURIST SEASON. THIS OF COURSE INCLUDES PARKING, AS WELL AS REVERSE-ANGLE PARKING. WHAT DO YOU THINK? HOW WOULD YOU MITIGATE THOSE CONCERNS OR CHANGE THE SITUATION?
5. IF YOU COULD CHANGE ONE THING IN OUR ZONING CODE, WHAT WOULD IT BE AND WHY?
6. HOW DO YOU PLAN TO INVOLVE RESIDENTS IN THE DECISION MAKING PROCESS IN OUR TOWN?
7. IF SOMEONE CAME TO YOU WITH A PROPOSAL TO BUILD A NEW PIECE OF PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE IN OUR TOWN (ROAD, STRUCTURE, OUTDOOR VENUE, ETC.), HOW WOULD YOU EVALUATE WHETHER OR NOT THAT PROJECT WAS WORTH IMPLEMENTING?
8. IF ELECTED, WHAT THREE STEPS WOULD YOU TAKE TO PUT OUR TOWN ON A FIRMER FINANCIAL FOOTING?
9. IF THE TOWN RECEIVED A $1 MILLION GRANT TO USE FOR THE TOWN ANY WAY IT WANTED, WHAT WOULD YOU PROPOSE AND WHY?
10. WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE PLACES TO SPEND TIME IN OUR TOWN?
11. WHAT DO YOU LIKE BEST ABOUT CAPE CHARLES? WHAT DO YOU NOT LIKE ABOUT CAPE CHARLES?
Thank you for the questions I will begin working on them today. When I get them answered I would like to meet with you if you have time.
Note: Copy, just shoot me an email at capecharlesmirror@gmail.com and we’ll set up a time.
A blanket cap on short term rentals, given the extreme high cost of renovation and thus needing sufficient income to carry the rehabilitation investment, most likely will stop redevelopment and simply leave dilapidated structures. A more reasonable approach is to impose stricter parking standards in the residential district. Allowing accessory buildings and additional sleeping space without adequate off street parking leaves the profit to the rental owners while transferring burdens to the public. Tie short term rental licenses to having enough off street parking on site that supports the residential rental use. Non rental structures need not be affected as it only applies for a rental property. Require at a minimum in the residential district two vehicle spots for three bedrooms and one spot per additional bedroom off street with practical design standards i.e. not having cars sticking out blocking sidewalks. This will limit the occupancy to match the house while still allowing growth and redevelopment. In the commercial district promote the Town parking lot with clear signage. Invest in the parking lot and a quality public bathroom.
You got to be kidding……