The Erie Economic Development Council and the Erie business community thank voters in advance for their interest in these important issues.
The EEDC also thanks the candidates for choosing to serve the Town of Erie and its residents by running for public office. This survey contains questions gathered from EEDC board members on behalf of our investors and the larger Erie business community.
Election day is Tuesday, April 5th. If you have any further questions, please directly contact the candidate themselves or visit their website for more information.
Why do you desire to serve as Trustee, and how would your personal strengths benefit the Town of Erie?
Emily Baer's Response
It’s important to me that we are building a culture in Erie where people feel safe, seen, heard, and respected. I think this is important for ensuring that we can work collaboratively and innovate to problem solve. I am the Chairman of the Board for The Front Range Center for Assault Prevention and have served on that Board for 17 years. I will bring my experience leading and organizing diverse groups to the Trustee table. Our local business owners are the authority on their experience here in Erie, engaging with them is important to understand what’s working, what’s not, and how we (the town) can better meet their needs.
Emily@EmilyforErie.com
Jeff Haverkate's Response
Ryan Kenward's Response
Christiaan van Woudenberg's Response
Andrew Sawusch's Response
Dan Hoback's Response
What is your vision for the development of the I25 & Erie Parkway project, and how would you advocate for that vision to become a reality?
Andrew Sawusch's Response
I envision the I25 Gateway location comprising of a symbiotic mix of office, retail, and residential use types. I envision the Town attaining a wide variety of businesses in this area - ranging from large to small, service to retail, and everywhere in between. The location fits well to not only draw passers-by and residents from other communities, but as well to be a place where Erie residents have a place to work, shop, and play. The front would be perfect for various retail establishments of all types, as well as commercial office buildings for primary-employment providers. The area behind this would then be able to include various types of residential buildings, providing the resident-base to support the commercial and retail establishments. As well, the location would provide an excellent transportation gateway, acting as the mass-transit hub for our community.
To make this a reality, the Town will need to play a prominent role in the development of this area. Currently, the Town has said that the developer(s) will be reliable for almost all aspects. But if we really want to see this area activated in the way that we know it can be, almost all aspects of Town Hall should be involved. This includes alternative funding mechanisms, outlining a plan for the infrastructure required, as well as to identify ways to decrease the amount of time it typically takes for applications to move through Town Hall. For this to be a priority, the Town’s leaders must truly act like they want to make this a priority – which I would.
Trustee@AndrewSawusch.com
Ryan Kenward's Response
Dan Hoback's Response
Jeff Haverkate's Response
Christiaan van Woudenberg's Response
Emily Baer's Response
As the town grows, what do you consider the role of "Old Town Erie/Downtown Erie" in our community?
Christiaan van Woudenberg's Response
It's the heart of Erie; we need to acknowledge the history, character, and tenacity of Old Town in all future development efforts. For example, we intend to incorporate Briggs and the rest of Old Town in a local bus circulator to tie together the Erie Community Center, Town Center, and Old Town. We updated the plans for Coal Creek Park to include more parking, recreation, and entertainment options to support Old Town businesses.
christiaan@c4erie.com
Dan Hoback's Response
Ryan Kenward's Response
Jeff Haverkate's Response
Emily Baer's Response
Andrew Sawusch's Response
What policies/practices would you like to implement that would support existing business in Erie, while also attracting new business and primary employment to Erie?
Jeff Haverkate's Response
I would like to see the Town work to protect the small town feeling while simultaneously opening up to the brilliant entrepreneurs and investors that will bring great services and employment with them. Right now there is too much bureaucracy in Erie. If we treat it as a team effort and always focus on what's best for the people of Erie we can get a lot done. We can be more proactive in recruiting businesses, and more willing to bring various groups to the table for consideration. If we show our support and cut back on some red tape, they will come and they will thrive, to the betterment of us all.
jeff@jeff4erie.com
Ryan Kenward's Response
Emily Baer's Response
Andrew Sawusch's Response
Dan Hoback's Response
Christiaan van Woudenberg's Response