Editor’s note:Earlier this month, The Citizen e-mailed questions to candidates in Atlas, Brandon and Groveland townships. Candidates were limited to 30 word responses.Key: Incumbent (I), Republican (R), Democrat (D), No party affiliation (NPA)
Goodrich Village Council vote for three
Name, age:Wendy Ciaramitaro, 47.
How many years have you lived in the village?
Six years. I am currently building what would be my third house within the Village limits.
How many village council meetings attended in the last year?
I have attended several meetings and also Planning Commission Meetings. I do take advantage of the on-line services and have read all agendas, minutes and watched the meeting videos.
Education/Occupation:
I have a Bachelor’s Degree with dual majors in Management and Marketing. I am the Early Childhood and Expanded Learning Data Manager for the Genesee Intermediate School District.
Government-related experience:
I have lobbied at the Capitol for the Birth-Five Program. Also, secured grant funds for Saginaw County. Currently, in my 3rd year as Vice-President on the Hawthorne Ridge Condo Board.
What is your plan for economic growth in the village?
Not just waiting for an investor to approach, but actively seeking out what would best suit us. No quick judgment made without looking at all alternatives and long term growth.
What is your plan to unify the village council?
First of all, listening and respect. Focusing on a common goal, which is representing the residents of the village and in doing so, with pride and cheerfulness.
If elected, how will you improve transparency in government?
Village residents choose to live in the village and therefore, pay village taxes. Taxpayers should be able to see where those funds are appropriated. Ask questions, get answers!
What is your plan for the Goodrich Dam?
The Millpond and dam are part of the lure of the Village. Reaching out and lobbying for additional funds should be pursued to maintain it. Look to preservation groups.
Name and age:
Shannon McCafferty, 42. (I)
How many years have you lived in the village?
I have been a Village resident for 17 years.
How many village council meetings attended in the last year?
I have attended all but one council meeting and all Planning Commission meetings in the last year.
Education/Occupation:
Bachelor of Business Administration Degree; Financial Management certified; Acquisition Business-Financial Management certified; graduate of Intermediate Course in Leadership Occupation: Budget Analyst
Government-related experience:
Budget Analyst for a U.S. Government agency for 7 years; Village Council since June 2015; Village Planning Commission 2 years; Village Parks & Recreation Committee 1 year
What is your plan for economic growth in the village?
The Village of Goodrich has an image of turmoil/division. We need to unite as a positive community and welcome businesses to encourage economic growth to our 2 square mile community.
What is your plan to unify the village council?
I will promote talking “with” each other, not “at” each other, when our views don’t agree. We must be open-minded, calm and reasonable to reach a compromise.
If elected, how will you improve transparency in government?
A village newsletter (included in the quarterly sewer bills) that briefly summarizes village activities would be valuable and bring transparency to residents, especially those unable to attend meetings.
What is your plan for the Goodrich Dam?
Per our Master Plan, the Millpond is an outstanding natural feature that should be preserved and enhanced. We should seek grants for repairs to the dam and develop a community recreational area for canoeing, fishing, etc. for current and future generations.
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Name, age:
Richard Saroli
How many years have you lived in the village?
Village resident for 15 years. Attended 70% of village meetings
How many village council meetings attended in the last year?
Attended 70% of village meetings
Education/Occupation:
Bachelor of Business Administration Degree / Owner of Business Consulting Firm
Government-related experience:
Former Goodrich Council member/ President of Homeowners Association
What is your plan for economic growth in the village?
Based on a review of a significant number of Goodrich residents, there is a desire for measured growth. We must create a balance between economic growth and retaining the current environment that we now enjoy.
What is your plan to unify the village council?
Unification of the council can only be achieved once established common goals are agreed upon. What does the council want to accomplish for the betterment of the village.
If elected, how will you improve transparency in government?
Social media within the village needs to be improved to allow residents to access what the council and the village office is addressing.
What is your plan for the Goodrich Dam?
Having knowledge of the legal, financial and environmental issues I would opt to retain the dam. The DEQ’s position is that the dam currently is structurally sound. A future plan is required for the DEQ.
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Name, age:
Colin Consiglio, 45
How many years have you lived in the village?
5 years
How many village council meetings attended in the last year?:
6
Education/Occupation:
Dual Bachelor’s in Business Administration and Human Resource Management.
Government-related experience:
Over 15 years working with various municipal governments, as well as 14 years with the military as a Reservist
What is your plan for economic growth in the village?
Identify and encourage smart growth that fits and enhances our community.
What is your plan to unify the village council?
To focus on what is good for our community as a whole, not just individual “pet projects.” Keeping in mind we are neighbors first.
If elected, how will you improve transparency in government?
To make available via technology, not only information about meetings, employees and other matters through websites, but council members. i.e. Email accounts and methods to contact those who work for you, the citizens.
What is your plan for the Goodrich Dam?
To make the required and needed repairs that make the most sense for ALL of the residents of our community.
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Name, age:
Timothy M. Light , 49
How many years have you lived in the village?
I have only been able to attend two meetings in person. I keep informed of events by monitoring the Village website, Information in The Citizen and Grand Blanc View.
Government-related experience:
Although it’s not a public office, I have 15 years of service as a Deputy with the Office of the Sheriff in Genesee County and 8 years with the Atlas Twp. Fire Department.
What is your plan for economic growth in the village?
To maintain Village sovereignty, but still explore operating cost savings by exploring group cost savings for services by working with Atlas Twp and Goodrich Schools.
What is your plan to unify the village council?
Approach the position with an open mind to all suggestions and ideas from all parties with interest and prior involvement to eliminate the perceived “Hatfield and McCoy” approach.
If elected, how will you improve transparency in government?
To welcome and encourage active involvement in council/committee meetings by residents as well as media to help maintain accountability of the elected officials.
What is your plan for the Goodrich Dam?
I’d like to see research in federal/state infrastructure grant possibilities for funding to revisit the options set forth in the 2013 Feasibility Study by Wade Trim
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Name, age:
Timothy Barraco, 40
How many years have you lived in the village?
3 Years
How many village council meetings attended in the last year?:
3 in person and multiple online
Education/Occupation:
Business banker
Government-related experience:
None
What is your plan for economic growth in the village?
To use my background in business banking to make sound financial decision that benefit the community and will bring small business to our area.
What is your plan to unify the village council?
To use my skills in leadership to bring every one together and work as a team to achieve community goals.
If elected, how will you improve transparency in government?
To promote more open forums where the community can have more input on what they would like to see in Goodrich.
What is your plan for the Goodrich Dam?
To make a wise financial decision that would help fix the situation as quick as possible and at the same time put in safe guards in the even of any other unexpected expenses.