Q1
How long have you lived in the town you're campaigning in?
Q2
What is your occupation?
Self Employed Computer Programmer
Q3
What experience qualifies you for a town council position?
I worked a summer job computerizing my home town, following the process of Zoning, Planning, and Building. I am the treasurer for the Warrior's Mark Association and the Summit Skating Club.
Q4
What changes would you like to see in Summit County? Your town?
I want to stop discrimination against home owners, neighborhoods, and certain companies. All residents should be treated equally and fairly. It shouldn't matter what neighborhood you live in, or what company you work for.
Q5
What is your experience with vacation rentals?
I Short Term Rent 3 bedrooms in my house. I feel that I was forced to by the evil STR Caps. I feel it is very corrupt that I have to pay for a 7 bedroom license when I only STR 3. I even LTR 1 room, yet still pay a fee on that.
Q6
What impact do you feel the vacation rental industry has in Summit County? Your town?
There are certainly some bad apples, mostly when it comes to noise, trash, and parking. I believe proactive CS Officers could handle this. Right now they don't. Otherwise, I think it is great. It is better to have destination guests that stay here than day trippers who clog the roads and don't shop in town.
Q7
How do you feel about the current taxes in place for vacation rentals? Do you think more should be added? Do you think any should be reduced?
You should not be charged a fee for rooms you don't rent! Like I said, I am charged for 7 rooms, when I only STR 3. I LTR 1, and live in 3. The current policy encourages people to not live in their own home, and rent the whole home out. The fees should be reduced, and based on the number of rooms.
Q8
Do you believe we have a workforce housing problem in Summit County? And, if so: what are your suggestions to increase workforce housing?
I believe in a proposal I read about from Burlington, VT. No STR license for the first 3 years of ownership. Then do as you wish. This provides a LTR pool during the transition period. I also want a Town Rental Guarantee Program for LTR, where the Town screens tenants for the landlord. The Town pays for any damages and for any early termination of a lease. In exchange, the tenant does not pay last month or security deposits, making it easier for everyone to LTR.
Q9
Are there any other key issues on your campaign platform that you would like to share with us?
I want bus service to all neighborhoods. The Golf Corse, The Highlands, etc. Everyone should be treated equally. The purpose of Municipality is that we pay taxes to get services back. Not that we pay so only some people get services back.
