The elections in Rockdale and Thorndale are May 1 and early voting is underway.
The Rockdale Reporter sent short questionnaires to the two candidates, incumbent Richard Coppedge and Scott Starnes, in Rockdale seeking to represent the city from an east side seat and the three candidates, Gerald Niemtschk, Jared Melde and Sam Pickett, from Thorndale seeking the two open seats in that town.
Here are their responses, but in the Thorndale race only one candidate responded by the Reporter’s deadline.
Rockdale East Side
What is more important for Rockdale right now: building new homes and new commercial space or rehabbing/expanding/better utilizing the existing homes and storefronts?
Richard Coppedge: There needs to be a balance of new home construction as well as rehabbing the older ones. At current there is a low inventory of real estate for sale in Rockdale and with the new construction of homes and businesses, this will allow for the expansion of this inventory. There still needs to be an investment back into the older structures in Rockdale. Historic structures should always be given special attention. They are part of Rockdale’s rich history and a snapshot of our past that must be protected.
Scott Starnes: Rockdale is in a unique position geographically with three large cities surrounding within one hour of us. I feel strongly that renovations as well as new construction are equally important to a vibrant future for Rockdale. With historically low interest rates, this is a great time for investment in our community. Both types of investments increase property values, thus expanding our tax base.
If you could change one thing in the Rockdale zoning code, what would it be and why?
Coppedge: Currently, I believe our zoning laws are effective and adhere to state and national standards.
Starnes: I am overall satisfied with the present zoning ordinance. My thought is that a zoning ordinance needs flexibility built into it that will allow for shifts in retail, manufacturing and homes to co-exist while protecting property rights as well as maintain a solid tax base.
What are your thoughts on creating trails for walking and biking?
Coppedge: I would love to see trails for walking, running, biking etc. Parks improve the quality of life and improve the community’s aesthetics. However, the funds for such projects will need to come from grants and donors. Currently our community is still facing an aging infrastructure that the council has been addressing. I believe we have created some great momentum for roads and the water system and need to continue those projects.
Starnes: I think these would be great additions to the town. Investments in the community that promote activity and increase well-being should always receive attention and careful consideration from city leaders. However, these types of implementations come with a price and are not free of cost. Being mindful of the city budget I would look for ways to pursue them in a fiscally responsible manner, such as grants, support from local businesses, and citizen volunteers.
What would you like to accomplish as a City Council member?
Coppedge: If reelected I hope to continue to push for the improvement of our infrastructure and to make a commitment to see the revitalization of our downtown area while preserving our heritage.
Starnes: I want to make sure the voices of our residents are heard. I understand that what may seem trivial to some, may be earth shattering to others. No matter the size of an issue I want to respond to all constituents’ requests, and I want my constituents to know they have a voice. I will strive to pursue these situations in a transparent manner and be seen by my constituents as approachable and always willing to listen and look out for their best interest.
What do you think qualifies you to run for City Council and what motivated you to run?
Coppedge: I believe my qualifications come from the knowledge I have obtained from my first term on council and diligence in garnering perspective from citizens on the issues that arise. I love this community and the people that make it an amazing place. My motivation to run for a second term comes from that love and a dedication to the place that I call home.
Starnes: Born and raised in Rockdale, serving on the city council will be an opportunity for me to give back to the community that has supported my family since 1963. I am personally invested in Rockdale and have a sincere desire to serve the public and promote innovative ideas for community involvement and development. I want to be a part of the vision, development and systematic growth in the community that I have proudly called home my entire life.
Thorndale
What is more important for Thorndale right now: building new homes and new commercial space or rehabbing/expanding/better utilizing the existing homes and storefronts?
Gerald Niemtschk: I feel like there needs to be a balance of all of them. It is very important to restore storefronts and put businesses in them both downtown and on the main highway. It is also advantageous to utilize new commercial space. Building new homes would bring more people to Thorndale. I realize this takes money and I would work for the citizens of Thorndale to keep the taxes down.
Do you think Thorndale needs a zoning code or is it fine without one and why?
Niemtschk: The city of Thorndale may need a zoning code at some point, but I don’t feel like it is needed at this time. I don’t think there is enough need at this time.
What are your thoughts on creating trails for walking and biking?
Niemtschk: Walking and biking trails would be nice.
What would you like to accomplish as a City Council member?
Niemtschk: I would like for the city of Thorndale to advance on infrastructure, to improve streets by resurfacing and surfacing them when needed. The new administration should work on getting grants for needed work. I would work to get a backup water supply in place.
What do you think qualifies you to run for City Council and what motivated you to run?
Niemtschk: I have previously been on the City Council and was mayor for three terms and am presently serving on the Economic Development Corporation board. I served as fire marshal for several years and think all organizations working together is very important. I was a member of the Thorndale Fire Department and am currently an honorary member. I was born and raised in Thorndale where I graduated from high school. I worked at Alcoa for 41 and a half years and retired from there. I am a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church. I have been married to Pat Niemtschk for 52 years. We have three children, eight grandchildren and six (and one on the way) great-grandchildren. I look forward to serving the city of Thorndale as their councilman and have their best interest at heart.
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