Dennis Frazier, Samuel V. Greenholtz, Michael Oakes, Rebecca A. Orenstein, Mark S. Snyder, Stephen R. Chapin Sr. and Kenneth A. Yowan (seeking one of three council seats) were asked these four questions:
* What do you view as the city's three most immediate needs?
* Considering the anticipated growth in Westminster, how should the city assure adequate services for its residents (i.e.: water, roads, fire and emergency services, public facilities)?
* Do you believe the county and towns can meet the 1994 mandate for 15 percent recycling? Do you support mandatory or voluntary recycling? Why? How would you meet the costs involved in recycling?
* What is your view ofthe relationship between the mayor and council? If changes are needed, what steps would you suggest to achieve a productive government?
STEPHEN RAMSEY CHAPIN SR.
Age: 50
BIODATA: I am a long-time Westminster resident and a retired small businessman who believes that wehave the right to expect the best from our city government. I will bring common sense and vision to make this happen. I will apply my public service experience as: member, Carroll County General Hospital board of directors, Westminster Rotary Club president-elect, Westminster United Methodist Church past administrative board chairman, and member, Carroll County YMCA past board of managers. I am respectful of our retired citizens, serving on the board of directors of Timber Ridge and a Continuing Care Retirement Community consultant.
NEEDS: 1.Ending the bickering between the City Council and the mayor which has plagued our great city. 2. Determining if our tax rate is fair. Whyis there a large budget surplus every year, sound business practicesor are we overtaxed? 3. Maintaining the economic vitality of our beautiful downtown.
GROWTH AND SERVICES: The key to adequate planningis slow and controlled growth. We must adopt a growth plan patternedafter the report of the city's Growth Management Task Force and we must stick to it. Short-sighted exceptions to growth plans reduce the charm that makes our city unique and beautiful.
RECYCLING: Recycling makes sense because it reduces our amount of garbage going to landfills and it uses our valuable raw materials more efficiently. Our pride in Westminster and its beautiful landscape will ensure that voluntary recycling and volunteer support will meet our recycling mandate.
COUNCIL-MAYOR RELATIONSHIP: I will work closely to end the bickering between the mayor and City Council. The tragedy of the past year is that while the councilmen were trying to score political points, they were distracted from our city's real problems. We have the rightto expect the best from our government.
DENNIS FRAZIER
Age: 34
BIODATA: Married to Debbie 12 years. One son, Christopher. Christopher attends Westminster Elementary. Graduated from South Miami Senior High. Attended two years at Morgan State and two years at Towson State. Graduated from Towson State with a B.S. in 1979; graduate work atLoyola College. Have been a teacher/coach for 12 years. Now teachingat Loyola High School. President of the Greens of Westminster Homeowners Association (two years). Vice chairperson of the Westminster Parks Board. Member of the Tree Commission for the city of Westminster.
NEEDS: Westminster has to attract more business so the majority ofthe work force does not drive out of town to work. Westminster should not try to build in to or up to something we moved out here to get away from. Westminster has to do more to protect the environment.
GROWTH AND SERVICES: I think the growth of Westminster has to be slowed down to let the services catch their breaths. The building permitsshould be limited to 2-3 percent of the total residential buildings in Westminster, not to 20 per builder per quarter as the now are.
RECYCLING: I believe the mandate for recycling can be achieved. This should not be done by making recycling mandatory but by making it convenient. Instead of trash pick-up two times a week by the city, one pick-up for trash, one for materials to be recycled. Therefore, increase costs should be small.
COUNCIL-MAYOR RELATIONSHIP: I believe the inability of the city council to work with the mayor is counterproductive for the city. I think the council should give the mayor back the powers that have been enjoyed by mayors of Westminster for over 150 years.
*SAMUEL V. GREENHOLTZ
Age: 45
BIODATA: Married, two children. Wife, Janice. Children, Scott and Donna. Employed by C&P; Telephone Co. as a long-range planner. Member, Grace Lutheran Church. Serve as council liaison to planning and zoning commission. Chairman, Westminster Recycling Committee. Past member, Carroll County Recycling Committee, Carroll County Board of Zoning Appeals. Member: Westminster Optimist, Westminster Elks. Past president of the Westminster Jaycees. Former member/officer of the Greens Homeowners Association. Member C&P; Telephone Co. Carroll County Community Relations Team. Committee member, Carroll County Special Olympics Spring Games. Past president of the Westminster Girls Softball League. Life member of the Jaycees.
NEEDS: 1. Growth. The need to monitor growth so that the community can provide the required services. We can not continue to overcrowd our schools. 2. Taxes. Maintain current rate and conservative fiscal policies. 3. Recycling. We must reduce the amount of waste that isbeing placed in landfills and preserve our natural resources.
GROWTH AND SERVICES: I think the current council has provided for this anticipated growth by establishing the ad hoc Committee on Growth. Itscharge is to review all services provided by the city and recommend changes and a long-range plan. Many recommendations have been instituted and the committee continues to function.
RECYCLING: Yes, we can meet the 15 percent reduction through a voluntary program. However,that is not enough of a reduction. We must think in terms of 50 percent. To reach that amount a mandatory program will be required. Curbside recycling, composting and other programs need to be instituted assoon as possible.
COUNCIL-MAYOR RELATIONSHIP: First, I feel we have a productive government already. The relationship between the mayor and council, while not ideal, does provide a checks and balance system rather than a "rubber stamp" government where everyone agrees on everything. The relationship has improved recently because both sides have compromised on major issues.
MICHAEL OAKES
Age: 38
BIODATA: Married, two children. Independent business owner. High school graduate.
NEEDS: 1. Revitalization of immediate downtown shopping area. 2. A city government capable of working with each other to resolve important issues as they arise. 3. Improving the quality of life for everyone by looking to the future needs today.
GROWTH AND SERVICES: Make today the first day of the future -- begin finding financial resources to purchase, develop or improve what we need or have today, not five or 10 years down the road when costs are higher and the facilities are not more in demand.
RECYCLING: Yes, if people are willing to think about someone besides themselves. Voluntary, no one likes government telling them what to do. Mandatory would be costly in enforcement and increase dumping in public or private areas. If recycling is going to work, everyone must pay their own way. Give some incentives.
COUNCIL-MAYOR RELATIONSHIP: PETTY -- the system works, every day, everywhere -- problem lies with fact that no one seems to bewilling to set their ego aside and try and resolve conflicts throughnegotiations. The root of conflict is sometimes difficult to find but once found, all parties involved should work to one goal: resolution.
REBECCA ALEXIS ORENSTEIN
Age: 48
BIODATA: Owner of Rebecca Orenstein Photography, a portrait and commercial photography business.Graduated from Western Maryland College with highest honors in 1974.Member: Downtown Westminster Task Force, Cultural and Performing Arts chair, 1990. Founder of TreeAction, a citizen's watch for preserving and enhancing the environment in neighborhoods. Member of the Westminster Business and Professional Association; member of Carroll County Human Services Commission, 1990. member of Westminster East Main Street Task Force, a city-state review panel studying downtown Westminster. I have attended Westminster City Council meetings for the past year.
NEEDS: 1. A vigorous turnout of voters to send a powerful message that the fighting in City Hall must end. 2. A user-friendly, accessible council that is personally and politically responsive to all citizens and their needs. 3. Growth management dedicated to a vision and a plan to prepare for inevitable growth.
GROWTH AND SERVICES: Westminster government must prepare for the future with an updated Comprehensive Plan. Our successful growth future depends on goals such as revitalizing our downtown district; carefully weighing the use andaesthetics of proposed developments and annexations; protecting our historical and environmental legacy. Public opinion should be respectfully and frequently sought.
RECYCLING: With area recycling bins always filled, participation in the mandate looks positive. Since citizens have demonstrated interest, voluntary curbside recycling should be given a serious look. Recycling is very new as a profitable industry. As it develops, so will options for returning revenue to the city.
COUNCIL-MAYOR RELATIONSHIP: Voter response will be the ultimate statement. I offer my candidacy and my promise that my ethics and personality would not allow me to participate in a destructive situation that has seriously altered local government. Rebecca Orenstein would fight only for Westminster, its citizens, and a solution for their problems.
*MARK S. SNYDER
Age: 36
BIODATA: Married:Teresa Donofrio Snyder; two daughters: Anna and Molly. Educated in Carroll CountyPublic Schools. Undergraduate study, Loyola College; UMBC. President, Snyder Body, Inc. (manufacturer/distributor of truck equipment) board of directors, Carroll Transit System. deacon and president of governing board of St. Paul's United Church of Christ. Instructor, Junior Achievement "Project Business" program. Westminster City Council since 1987. Personnel Committee Chairman (created first employee pay scale). Solid Waste Committee chairman (initiated bidding of garbage contract resulting in $75,000 savings the first year). Public Improvements Committee chairman (currently overseeing research and design of city space needs). Parks Board (1982-86).
NEEDS: 1. Maintenance, upgrade and development of infrastructure and resources (i.e. water, sewer and streets). 2. Stimulation and development of existing, proposed and future economic and industrial bases. 3. Full evaluation and prompt action in addressing the space needs required to properly and efficiently operate our city government.
GROWTH AND SERVICES: The Growth Management Task Force effectively addressed many concerns. They are: 1. Revised city zoning laws to eliminate the most dense residential zoning use. 2. Limited the number of building permits issued to adeveloper quarterly. 3. Implemented the sewer moratorium to allow completion of the treatment plant expansion before capacity was reached.
RECYCLING: Yes, by simply composting and recycling yard wastes. It doesn't take a sophisticated recycling program to reach the assigned goal. Much thought and education is required to make next steps toreach 25-40 percent recycling. Voluntary compliance and enhanced educational efforts are logical first steps in a successful recycling program.
COUNCIL-MAYOR RELATIONSHIP: The relationship between our six elected officials has not stifled the focus or the long-range plansof our city. As I conveyed to the mayor in private and affirmed in open council, I will continue to extend my hand as a sign or willingness to work through any differences.
KENNETH A. YOWAN
Age: 49
BIODATA: Married with two grown sons and three grandchildren. Graduate of University of Maryland. Employed for 25 years as physicist at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory. Former member and chairman, Westminster Zoning Board of Appeals, 1979-83. Former member Westminster City Council, 1983-86. Former president, Carroll County Chapter of the Maryland Municipal League. Chairman, Westminster Downtown Task Force, 1990. Life member, Maryland State PTA.
NEEDS: 1.Returning those powers to the mayor that he had when the voters elected him. 2. Adopting a definitive written policy relating to a balanced but manageable growth both in the residential and commercial sectors. 3. Charting a course for Westminster's downtown renaissance as called for in the Downtown Advisory Task Force Report.
GROWTH AND SERVICES: Only by forward-looking planning, constant review and a successful working relationship with those county and state agencies directly responsible for part of the infrastructure (e.g., some roads, fire, etc.) within the city. Areas of future concern will include the Westminster bypass and probably a fire department substation..
RECYCLING: Yes. Voluntary recycling has been quite successful, coupled with an increasingly educated and informed citizenry. However, to meet higher future goals and reduce our dependence on landfills, curbside recycling will undoubtedly become necessary in the near future. Promote markets for recycled goods and use of recycled materials, particularly paper.
COUNCIL-MAYOR RELATIONSHIP: Council changed our basic form of government (city charter) and spent $100,000 of unbudgeted money in hastily hiring a city manager simply to get back at a mayor with whom they didn't get along. Council's lack of respect for our traditional form of government cost taxpayers dearly. Restore former charter.
(Vote for three council members)