Answer:  I have been employed by SCS Engineers for 12 years (2 years in Reston, VA, and the last 10 years here in Tampa).  SCS is an environmental consulting company that focuses on solid waste management, particularly landfill design; landfill gas system design, construction, and operation; recycling; and landfill gas-to-energy projects.  I head up the landfill gas group in our Tampa office.

Answer:  No.

Answer:  I am an extremely hard worker, am always looking for better ways to do things, and understand the importance of looking at both sides of an argument.  I readily admit when I am wrong or do not know an answer, and the people of Temple Terrace can be assured that I will listen to their suggestions on how to improve our city.  As an engineer, I think I will bring a unique set of skills to the council, which I think is important, given that a number of the big projects on the horizon are public works-related projects.  Also, as a member of the MPO's Citizens Advisory Committee, I have a sound understanding of transportation issues and how regional transportation and planning issues affect Temple Terrace residents, whether those decisions are within or beyond our city's boundaries.  I think when voters look at the breadth of my platform they will agree that I won't be a one-dimensional Council member and that I have the vision to ensure that Temple Terrace remains a great place to live and work for years to come

Answer:  Like nearly everyone, I am frustrated and disappointed with the way this project has languished.  People are upset because there has been no visible progress.  Even if Pinnacle/RAM stayed on board, we were realistically over 2 years from having anything constructed and finalized, once you factor in the time for demolition, site work, construction, and move-in of tenants.  But regardless of the reasons we got to this point, the recent departure of Pinnacle/RAM is not necessarily a bad thing, since their plan was not in the long-term best interest of Temple Terrace.  We now have an opportunity to start fresh and to do this project right.  First, we need to admit that we can't just sell the land and abandon the project, as some have suggested.  The City would lose too much money as a result of the depressed real estate market and we owe it to the taxpayers to be smarter than that.  This shortsighted approach would also likely yield a shopping center that would be outdated in 10 to 20 years, anyway, putting us right back where we are now. 

Answer:  Speaking with voters over the past few weeks, I can tell you that there is a strong desire for an arts and cultural center in Temple Terrace.  I agree that it would be good for the city and agree with the approach that Council started, which relies on public and private money to fund it.  If/when we construct such a facility, I will advocate that it be constructed as a "green building" that has lower energy  needs, and hence, lower operating costs.  Masque Theater, while not the sole reason for the proposed center, is a tremendous asset to the community and the folks who are now running it have put a lot of effort into their productions and arts education in general, and deserve the community's praise.

Answer:  In talking with business owners and residents, the general consensus is that the departments within our city government do a good job of meeting the needs of the city.  One thing I have heard is that the City should sit down with the Chamber of Commerce more frequently to hear their thoughts on what can be done to improve the business market in Temple Terrace and ensure that government is not posing undue burdens.  But the biggest thing City Council needs to do differently is to plan for the future, engage with the public more, and provide real leadership.  City Council needs to be more proactive instead of reactive and provide recommendations on ways to improve our efficiency, reduce operating costs, improve local mobility, and ensure connectivity of our city with future mass transit.  Our leaders should recommend that City departments look at everything for potential cost savings, including ideas like installing power-saving LED traffic signals.  We also need to engage residents with our schools to increase our community involvement with them and ensure their success.  Council members should be providing ideas and suggestions and working with City staff, not just sitting in meetings casting votes.