Question 1: What is a council decision that you’ve disagreed with, and why?

We don’t and shouldn’t agree on everything. What’s important is that all the right questions are asked prior to a decision. An example: Last year when we had two resignations. The Town Council had to choose replacements. From a legal perspective, the choice was to appoint the new members or hold a special election. Either way they would have to run for election during the next municipal election. The majority chose to appoint. I felt that the people should choose their representatives. I lost that decision, democratically. It is incumbent upon us as representatives to get on board and try to execute the best way we can. I believe we did that.

Question 2: What is a council decision agree with, and why?

With most decisions including deliberation, we can usually come to consensus. Examples are too many to list. A favorite is the rental workforce housing projects on Galena and 104 W Main St. So many agreements and decisions were made. One of the first was to choose if we would pursue a real project. Another was to get funding secured. Proud of all involved! 

Question 3: Do you agree with the town’s approach to deed restrictions for workforce housing projects? Why or why not?

Deed restrictions are a very complex issue. This council has spent many hours contemplating it. We have not made any changes to the existing covenants. I do think it is reasonable to review and possibly amend legislation that may or may not be outdated. I think a missing piece is the ability for mobility. The AMI capped chart has fallen behind the economy. We are at a point where people cannot afford to leave their deed restricted homes for any other market value property in this town or county. One avenue is to allow more deed restriction light (no AMI cap) projects as a stepping stone. But, even those are priced out of reach. Most of the working class cannot make a transition unless it is out of Summit County.

Question 4: Many readers have listed cost of living as a key concern this year. How would you use your position to help folks who are struggling to pay bills and meet their necessities?

We have chosen to live in one of the most desirable places on earth. For my 40 years it has been overpriced. The trajectory of the economy, corporate earnings and the value of real estate have completely surpassed the ability of a middle class. It is a greater separation of haves and have nots. But what can the government do for the people? I believe this little town has done an incredible job. Provide workforce housing for locals. Provide subsidies in the form of housing helps and many others. Give back directly with a robust grant program. Create free socially based activities and events. Give direct support to local businesses in the form of park-lets, electric charging stations, free water stations, better amenities in public parks allowing free access. Supporting programs like Unsheltered Summit (A safe place with trash and facilities to live in your vehicle)… I can go on. The real issue is can anyone that chooses this place as home afford to do so? Some can, many cannot. The government cannot fix everything. This is a socio economic issue.

Question 5: Coming off of a low-snow season, with much of Summit County listed in extreme or extraordinary drought, how will you use your position to protect public safety and residents quality of life?

Drought. I have been working on this issue for over ten years. With the inception of the backyard wildfire mitigation plan. Scheduled to start with boots on the ground this summer. This project comes with a 5 to 10 year process to completion. That doesn’t help us for this year. Enacting water restrictions has already taken place. Supporting Summit County with fire restrictions. Proactive work on the marina will keep it a vibrant park and place for locals, families, visitors of all demographics to enjoy all summer. We have a proactive informational push to get non-locals to follow along. Is there more we can do? Yes! Reach out to your local representatives to get good ideas going. It’s where it starts. We must be diligent as we adjust to living in a warmer world.

Question 6: What are the core roles that local government should focus on?

For Frisco town council the core roles are: Allocate the budget. Hire and fire the Town Manager and Town Attorney. Work with Community Development to update or refine code and zoning rules and regulations. Work with staff and attorneys on legal matters. Minor legislative actions. We have identified the core roles that this government will focus on in our comprehensive plan. Ideally and most importantly enacting policy and direction that voters support.

Andy Held is current mayor pro tem and an incumbent candidate for Frisco Town Council. For all candidate columns, articles and Q&As, visit SummitDaily.com/election.