Town Council: The Big Question

Question 4: What question do you find yourself being asked most frequently by prospective voters and how do you handle it?

Carrie Ford (Facebook, Twitter): Voters ask why I am running. My reason is simple: though it goes without saying that I believe Verona is amazing, I also believe it can be made even better.

I am committed to making meaningful improvements in public safety. Our community must be made more walkable. Many residents have shared with me that they were initially attracted to Verona because of the seemingly easy access to Verona Park and downtown. Upon moving here, however, they have told me they feel safer driving to and from Verona Park and local businesses because they are concerned the sidewalks and crosswalks are too dangerous to walk. I will collaborate with local and county agencies to develop a comprehensive safety plan. A key step will be properly marking shoulders, on-street parking spots, and cross-walks. I will also advocate for education and community outreach initiatives to reinforce safe driving habits.

I am also dedicated to enhancing our downtown business district. Unfortunately, our vibrant and energetic community is not fully represented on the Avenue. While we are seeing some positive changes, we could be doing more. I will work with business owners to understand and address their concerns. Revitalization of downtown goes hand-in-hand with modernizing our ordinances. Many of Verona’s ordinances are hindered by outdated language, as well as ambiguity or impracticality which can make them difficult to enforce and has deterred businesses from investing in our town. Along with updating ordinances directed at business signage, we need to revisit and review our zoning requirements to ensure they reflect modern business interests.

I believe, as residents and taxpayers, we deserve a governing body that is committed to keeping our community informed about projects as early in the process as possible. It should be a priority of the Council to ensure information concerning town governance is easily accessible through environmentally conscious mediums. I will advocate for more access to information, by means such as making reports and studies available in electronic form, regularly updating the town’s website, and making better use of the town’s other social media platforms and proactively seeking residents’ feedback on services with online or in-person surveys.

Similarly, the Council must be fiscally accountable. The overage of nearly half a million dollars on the turf fields at the hilltop (bringing the project’s total cost to just under $6 million) is unacceptable, especially considering this spending was not reviewed and approved through the proper channels. The Council is now discussing spending additional sums on items at the hilltop. Since our tax dollars are an investment in our town, it should be the Council’s primary objective to ensure Verona’s funds are properly managed to maximize their return. I will manage spending through strategic investments in services that enhance the lives of all residents and infrastructure that is crucial to our town’s stability and longevity. We need a balanced approach to town matters as the town employees and residents, alike, deserve the respect of the Council.

Everyone I have spoken with has shared with me their concerns but also their deep affinity for Verona, whether they have been residents for decades or newcomers to the community. I have even been contacted by former residents who have expressed excitement over the future of their hometown. It is undeniable that when Verona’s charm takes hold of your heart, it stays with you. I would be honored to serve the community and build on Verona’s foundation for the better.