The first terms of Councilmen Scott Foster and Douglas Pons are up this year, and both are running for re-election.
With no other candidates filing paperwork to appear on the ballot, Foster and Pons are running unopposed to reclaim their seats.
WYDaily sent an identical questionnaire to both City Council candidates. Unedited answers from Douglas Pons, the owner of the Knights Inn on York Street, are presented here. The election takes place May 6. Find your polling place, open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Election Day, by clicking here.
For Scott Foster’s answers, click here.
1. How did your experience differ from the expectations you had heading into your first term on City Council?
The only expectation I had of myself was to diligently represent the interests of the people and businesses of Williamsburg. I am proud to say, and believe, I have successfully achieved that expectation.
2. How are your expectations for the job different for the next four years?
They aren’t.
3. Last year, the College of William & Mary agreed to pay the city $120,000 each year to help offset costs for emergency services on campus. Is this monetary relationship sufficient as the college continues to buy real estate within the city? Should it extend beyond emergency services?
I think it was a great gesture for the college to agree to make these payments for the benefit of citizens and students alike. The College, which is made up of thousands of students, faculty and staff brings a tremendous amount of value to the city that cannot be measured in dollars alone. The economic and cultural impact these individuals provide, in terms of spending and volunteering, contribute so much to our community. I feel these alone more than make up for any disparity between tax collections and those services. The additional benefits to our community are far ranging, from sporting events to exhibits at the Muscarelle, and more. Continuing to work to develop that relationship is mutually beneficial and rewarding for us all.
4. Talk about the relationship between the city and college and what changes, if any, you would like to see.
My sense is that for the most part the Town and Gown relationship is at a high point. By most accounts there is significant satisfaction among all residents, whether they be students or not.
Being born, raised and making my home in Williamsburg, I have made a lot of personal relationships over the years and I feel that I have a good sense of what residents of the city are looking for. However; students come and go every semester and I would like to reach out to that group and learn how I can work to make Williamsburg a place that they will not only enjoy while they are here, but one that they will want to choose to make as their home after they graduate.
5. What is your vision for the Arts District? What steps need to be taken to achieve your vision?
I think the city has done well to establish the Arts district by providing benefits unique to that area. I’d like the city to continue to play a supportive role as the arts district becomes more successful and self-sustaining.
6. Mayor Clyde Haulman said at a budget retreat in January the city should look for new revenue streams to supplement tourism. Do you agree? Why or why not? If yes, what are your ideas for creating new revenue?
Not entirely. While I do believe there is room for diversification I believe greater emphasis needs to be placed on enhancing what we are rather than trying to be something we’re not. I don’t believe there is an opportunity for the City of Williamsburg to attract a business that can “supplement tourism”. I do see tremendous opportunity to diversify our offering to visitors. Art’s, culinary experiences, sports, ecotourism are just a few that can be great demand generators for Williamsburg. I’d like to help find ways for the college to expand smartly, particularly in the graduate programs. I also see the Riverside at Quarterpath as having potential to bringing in a new economy. To date, council has sent the message to the folks at Riverside that the city is “open for business” and that we will remain flexible.
7. As commercial real estate continues a slow road to economic recovery, what can the city do to help quicken the pace locally?
This picks up on the question above. The city needs to continue working with its partner businesses to enhance what has made this a great place to live, work and visit. We can’t simply rest on our past achievements and believe the future will come easily. We need to work harder to ensure our future than we do to protect our past.
8. Name specific goals you would like to set for City Council to achieve over the next four years.
- By 2018 I would like to see a return to pre-recession levels of tourism in the city.
- Give our schools more resources to even better prepare our young people for the workforce or post – secondary education.
- Enhance the quality of life for all residents of the city by developing a local economy that supports lower taxes, higher employment rates, a mix of affordable housing, and a safe and secure environment.
- Encourage more programs to create a more visually appealing, vibrant and environmentally sustainable city.
