Meet The Candidates: Marc Silbert

Village elections will be held Tuesday, June 21. In the  three candidates are vying for .

Patch caught up with the candidates, and asked why they are running, what they think are the biggest concerns for the village, and they think they would make a difference in addressing these issues. 

This posting is part of a series, examining their take. Here's what they had to say.

Why are you running?

I am running for re-election because even though we have accomplished a great deal in the village as part of leadership, there are always challenges to be met. I believe I can use my experience and the skills gained from over 10 years of service as a Trustee to continue to lead the village into the future. I am fortunate that I have the time to devote to the Village as being a Trustee is not just and evening or weekend endeavor. As the Emergency Manger I am on call 24/7.  I have had to obtain FEMA certifications and attend meetings and briefings at all times of the day.  As the Building Commissioner I visit sites during the week and am available to the residents to answer questions and facilitate solutions to problems that arise at all times. Of course,  I enjoy serving the Village and consider it a privilege.

What do you think are the biggest concerns facing the village?

Some of the village infrastructure is aging out and needs replacement and must meet new standards.  We have addressed many of the critical needs via carefully creating and implementing near and long term plans that are fiscally prudent. Costs are always an issue.  The price of labor, materials, and services are ever escalating.  We have made difficult decisions that balance the unique quality of life here with financial reality.  Our record of tight budgeting over the past 15 years has resulted in an average tax increases of only 3 percent annually during this period while providing the first class service residents have a right to expect.

How would you make a difference addressing these issues?

Bringing perspective to the needs of the village while preserving all the wonderful things that make Sands Point special has been my overriding goal.  Our administration has placed a premium on our unique environment and preserving all that is good while making the hard decisions that are necessary to maintain and enhance the village experience for all the residents here.  What makes our administration unique is our willingness to put quality of life issues at the forefront because we believe our residents expect that from their leadership.

What unique quality would you bring to the table that would benefit the village?

My experience in personnel has been valuable in bringing consensus and understanding individual viewpoints within a organizational structure. Striking workable compromises while maintaining civility and perspective has been something that has helped me during my service.  Of course, a sense of humor never hurts!