|
( Continued from page 9 )
Why are you running for office ?
It is an honor and privilege to serve the Town of Arlington , its citizens , and my community , whether as Alderman , Chairman of the Design Review and Finance Committees , or as coordinator of the various community events in which I participate . I firmly believe it is vital to keep qualified and passionate people in positions of leadership to maintain the success and progress we have achieved to date . Arlington is poised for further economic growth and development , and I want to ensure that the plans , regulations , and guidelines we have worked hard to establish are maintained and enforced for the next 4 years .
How many board or committee meetings have you attended in the past year ? Have you voted in every election in the past five years ?
As Alderman , I have attended every Board of Mayor and Aldermen meeting for the past year . I have also attended every Design Review Committee meeting serving as its Chairman . I am currently Chairman of the Finance Committee and attended every planning meeting for the 2017-18 annual budget . I have attended a handful of Planning Commission and School Board meetings over the past year as well . And , I have voted in every election the past five years .
How do you look to balance the desire of many residents to maintain a “ small-town atmosphere ” in Arlington with increasing commercial development and residential growth ?
Arlington is a special place with its own unique character and sense of community .
|
These attributes , in addition to our geographical advantages , high property values , and quality schools , make our town an attractive place for families and businesses to locate . By maintaining our smart planning initiatives , strategic zoning , attractive architecture and design guidelines enforcement , we will draw interest from the types of development that are the best fit for Arlington . Our smalltown atmosphere will be preserved thru our various community events , a vibrant Depot Square area , parks and recreation facilities , and the many people who work hard to make Arlington a great place to live .
What do you think is the biggest challenge facing Arlington at this time or within the next 12 months ?
The biggest challenge facing Arlington for the foreseeable future is to properly control the increased growth and development that we are beginning to see and to do so without sacrificing our town ’ s unique charm and character . As Alderman and chairman of the Design Review Committee for 10 + years , I have played a vital role in the development and adoption of our Design Guidelines Manual , Land Use Plan , and Zoning Ordinances . These documents are important tools in determining the suitability of development in Arlington , and I will continue to ensure that our design guidelines are enforced in a consistent manner . We must also be sure to remain fiscally responsible with the additional tax revenue this growth will generate .
|
Position 1
Scott Benjamin Teaching Pastor - theRefuge Church FB . me / ScottBenjaminACSSchoolBoard
Why are you running for office ?
I have been involved in the Arlington school system for a number of years , both as part of SCS and now with ACS , as a father of four children who attend and as a volunteer in many capacities . When a board position came open , I recognized it as the time in my life and in the life of our school system to get more involved . I love the direction of our system and hope to continue the good work set in place by the previous board .
Describe your education history and qualifications to be a school board member .
I have a B . S . in Marketing from Mississippi State University . Alter 20 years working in the private sector , I now serve as Teaching Pastor at the Refuge Church . A school board needs a diverse group of people serving the needs and planning the direction of our schools . Our family ' s 12 years with four children in the system ( and at least 6 more years in the system ) have given us a unique and comprehensive view into a wide range of school curriculum , activities , and teaching styles . As a pastor in a local church and an active volunteer in our community , I intentionally interact with Arlington folks on a regular basis . This gives me numerous opportunities to hear from and listen to people about the things they like , dislike , celebrate and have concerns about in our town and in our schools .
|
How many school board meetings |
have you attended in the past year ? Have you voted in every election in the last 5 years .
I began attending school board meetings in the fall of 2016 . I am unsure of the exact number - but probably 6-7 meetings . I did not attend the June meeting because my son was playing baseball in a tournament in Orange Beach . I ' m pretty sure I have voted in every election that I was eligible to vote in over the past 5 years . Voting is a privilege . We need more people casting their votes in every election .
Where do you see Arlington in five years in terms of programs offered , existing inter-local agreements , and qualities that will differentiate Arlington from other municipal districts ? What specific steps are you going to take to achieve the 5 year end state you describe ?
The workforce that our children and young adults are entering is a challenging landscape that they must be prepared to navigate . But not every child will need the same , standard education because of their goals , their skills , and their desires for their own future . I love the fact that we are beginning to offer a technical path for many of our students that choose not to attend college , but instead plan to go directly into the workforce . Partnerships w h local industries , manufacturing plants and the service industry is crucial for our preparing graduates for the jobs that they offer and with the skills necessary to thrive .
Position 3
Hugh Lamar College Professor / College Administrator
|
( Continued on page 11 ) |