Introducing … Edgar Schroll

Also in the “5-for-5” race, Schroll is up against OS City Council Position 5 candidates Lisa Scott (the appointed incumbent), Lorraine Hardin, Patrick Daugherty and Robert Doering. Schroll’s answers to the NBN questions:

What, if any, do you assess to be major areas of concern in OS — and what if any are your plans to fix them?

Irresponsible growth; facilitate smart growth that enhances the day to day lives of our residents and provide infrastructure that will help our tourists better navigate our city.

Green spaces; I propose that the city purchase distressed and foreclosed properties and simply keep them undeveloped to ensure green spaces continue to enhance our community.

Our fresh waterways; First and foremost the city needs to provide a budget and become a full partner in the maintenance of our fresh waterways.

Sidewalks for our downtown business corridor; after seeing the positive outcome of the bike paths installed along the southern end of Point Brown and the ease of their completion, I would like to suggest that we continue this idea along this busy stretch of Point Brown. Why can’t we build a walkway through the green space in the center of Point Brown? By adding a walkway, handicap exits and entrances along with crosswalks we could provide safe access to everyone.

How would you communicate with residents? I would address this issue by ensuring there is communication to the public on the issues the council is working on, ensure that all proposed plans and ordinances are readily available to the public and regularly engage with our community.

OS looks to be on pace for record revenues — what should the money be spent on?

We need to make real investments in our fresh waterways, our green spaces, road maintenance (primarily weed control), and sidewalks for our down town Point Brown business corridor. This would be a smart investment in our city’s future.

What are your thoughts on the golf course?

The golf course is a non issue, it’s not real. No one wants to remove the golf course for any reason.

-What are your thoughts on the firing and subsequent lawsuit of former OS Fire Chief David Bathke?

The city’s lawsuit was a blow to both trust and transparency along with a huge financial cost. If this would have been brought before the city council, it would have never happened.

What “fresh” ideas do you have to tackle the weed/algae problem on the city’s fresh water system?

First and foremost, we need to fund an actual budget for maintaining our fresh waterways. We also have no easy way to address the disposal of yard waste, weeds and toxic weeds. I propose that we make an investment in a local compost site where people can bring their yard waste, including toxic weeds from our fresh waterways and turn them into compost. Other cities have done this and turned yard waste into cash. A project like this could become self-funding.

What is your track record as far as listening to and responding to complaints from citizens (and/or customers)?

From day one I have replied to every email and post whether they agreed with my idea or not. I value all concerns. I believe that family should be the focus of every community, and that everyone deserves kindness, equal access, and to have their voices heard

With a strong field of candidates — why should someone vote for you?

Over the past few years, I have been watching our city government become more divided and less productive. We are not focusing on the needs of our community, growth, green spaces, our freshwater ways, infrastructure and affordable housing (not low income housing, affordable housing). I come with common sense ideas and solutions. I am willing to listen to all ideas and viewpoints, I believe that family should be the focus of our community, that everyone deserves kindness, equal access and to have their voices heard. That’s why I choose to run.

How would you communicate with residents especially in times of crisis like the pandemic?

I would address this issue by ensuring there is communication to the public on the issues that the council is working on, I would also reply to each and every email and letter sent to my office by the public ensuring that all proposed plans and ordinances are readily available to the public and regularly engaging with our citizens. This is the promise that I make to you.

What is your vision for the town? Another Seabrook? Add marina like Westport? What do you picture the future to be?

We are a community of retirees and also a tourist destination. Unlike Seabrook we have a public school system, a fire and police department. We are a city not a time share. As for the marina, I would love to see it rebuilt. However it is part of the Quinault Nation not part of the city and there is also the issue of dredging that had previously been done by the Army Corps of Engineers. We need to keep our focus on projects that we can actually facilitate.

How do you feel about dumpsters on the beach and affordable housing?

Dumpsters on the beach are not a viable solution to trash left on our beach especially during holiday weekends. We need to dig deeper and really address this annual problem. We need to continue this conversation, look at all ideas and find a better long term solution.

Affordable housing is a must if we want to attract and retain highly qualified educators. Affordable housing will make it easier for our local schools to both keep and attract new teachers and staff; it will also help our local businesses find the much needed man power to keep their businesses staffed.

What do you think about more crosswalks in the business area?

Cross walks alone are not the answer. We need a comprehensive solution, especially in our down town business corridor. We need a solution for safe access to this part of town, for our residents, our tourists and our handicap community. We also need a bike path for this section of road; safety should be our top concern.

How do you feel about off leash dog parks?

I love dog parks, we are a community of retired families. Pets are part of our families.