1) What is your vision for business growth for Pike County?

2) Do you have a plan to manage the Pike County Business growth?

3) How do you envision the co-existence of our precious environment and current and future economic development?

4) What is the most important current legislative issue concerning our Pike County local businesses?

The following are the received candidates’ responses in alphabetical order:



Vincent Accordino Candidate for Milford Borough Council

1) What is your vision for business growth for Pike County?
Sound planning and land use management that will allow new and old business alike to succeed and thrive together. Possible incentives that will motivate and keep business and its work force here in our area. A community support to purchase goods from our local businesses. Proceedings that govern our new and old businesses to be done in a cooperative, helpful uncomplicated step by step manner of completion that will encourage not discourage business to our area.

2) Do you have a plan to manage the Pike County Business growth?
Create a database of results that researchers could go back, after the fact and look at how different procedures worked for those growth situations at that time, and by integrating that information to where we are at this point that will enable us to better understand and manage our growth.

3) How do you envision the co-existence of our precious environment and current and future economic development?
We need to strike a balance between our growth, building, preservation and conservation and be extremely clear on that course of action we take that will create a working understanding between them. We need growth to stay vibrant. We need to support that growth with the latest up to date materials and the newest technology that is available to us. Always being aware of those natural resources that sustain our life-style here, and our open spaces on scenic beauty for all to enjoy.

4) What is the most important current legislative issue concerning our Pike County local businesses?
Coast of filing for Commercial building and home renovation permits for the up-keep, maintenance and construction of the building in meeting with those codes and building safety regulations in the county with current property tax increase.
 


Robert Cocchi Candidate for Lackawaxen Township Supervisor

1 & 2)What is your vision for business growth for Pike County? Do you have a plan to manage the Pike County Business growth?
I am the Republican candidate for Lackawaxen Township Supervisor and I am dedicated to the revitalization of our county. There are no easy answers to encourage business growth in Pike County. My plan would be to open a dialog via Town Hall meetings and forums for the commissioners, supervisors, local businesses and citizens to meet and assess the needs on how to bring this growth about. I would plan to visit and get the advice and counsel of agencies and others in communities that have successfully revitalized their downtown areas. In addition, we need to examine our infrastructure, emergency services, and community services while keeping fiscal responsibility in mind so that our local municipalities have the resources to support business growth.

Due to the present financial climate many big businesses have down sized and so many more small businesses have closed their doors and either become home based cottage industries or left the area. To encourage and attract small businesses to return to our area our county must become proactive and offer tax exemptions and other incentives. The county needs to work with local financial institutions to provide low interest loans thereby encouraging new business startups. Additionally we need to provide information about government programs and agencies that provide financial assistance to new businesses. All of this can be accomplished by working together for a common goal.

3)How do you envision the co-existence of our precious environment and current and future economic development?
We live in a four season recreational area and depend on tourism to support our business community. Therefore, we must keep our precious environment clean and inviting to attract visitors year after year. There are numerous agencies that regulate water ways, land management, air quality, and parks. Those agencies must be properly funded so as to keep our future economic development from spoiling our pristine environment.

As a member of the Pike County Planning Board developers and businesses come to our board for review. We make recommendations to the township supervisors to ensure that they will have a positive impact and enhance the present businesses. As township supervisor I would pursue changes to simplify the process involved in starting up a business or expanding it.

4)What is the most important current legislative issue concerning our Pike County local businesses?
There are two current legislative issues which impact on our community. The first is the required licensing of the home improvement contractors which went into effect in July. This will enable home owners to check the reputation of contractors before doing business with them.

The other is the health care legislation now being formulated. With so many versions being written, at this point we don’t know if any will pass.
 


Michael McGonigle Candidate for Milford Borough Council

1)What is your vision for business growth for Pike County?
Because of Pike County's proximity to I-84, on the Scranton to New York corridor, we should identify properties near this important highway, attempt to contact the owners of these properties to find out their willingness to enter a program whereby, with County and State help, their lands could be available for development. Such a program could lower or defer initial fees and taxes, fast track permits, and give aid in marketing these properties to businesses who are looking for new and desirable locations. We have close to 10% unemployment in Pike County, and we offer good quality prospective employees.

2)Do you have a plan to manage the Pike County Business growth?
Being at the local township level, we don't hold a great deal of sway where the County is concerned. Having said that, the thing we can and will do is to make our community ready and able to adapt to and embrace much needed business growth. We can use the increase in both employment and the tax revenue that new business would create. It would have to come, however, with responsible businesses that will in no way despoil our piece of the countryside.

3)How do you envision the co-existence of our precious environment and current and future economic development?
I would obviously oppose any development which would place a burden on our people's air, water, or sanitation. Noise and safety will also be big factors. There are clean and quiet businesses, such as medical offices, call centers, retail and restaurants. Everything should be on the table for consideration, but the impact and effect on our beautiful and clean community would be my first concern.

4)What is the most important current legislative issue concerning our Pike County local businesses?
Currently, the need to enact a State budget, one that is realistic and can propel us into the next five or ten years. We need stability and confidence that our initiatives at the local level won't fail because we can't count on revenue from the State to provide seed money to get started, and long term help to guarantee success. Cutting services is not the answer because these services are performed and provided by the very companies we want to attract and retain. Our local and state representatives have to stop playing political games and forge a viable, workable budget document, with today and tomorrow in mind.

Submitted by: Michael McGonigle
Candidate for Greene Township Supervisor
 


Paul Menditto, Sr. Lehman Township Candidate

Thank you for the opportunity to respond to the questionnaire from the Pike County Chamber of Commerce.

1)What is your vision for business growth for Pike County?
A strong business community is vital to the quality of life of Pike County residents. Local businesses improve the tax base, providing relief to property owners and provide local employment to parents who are then able to spend more quality time with their children. Children whose parents are able to spend more time with them do better in school and are far less likely to engage in undesirable activities. Local businesses also tend to sponsor youth sports leagues which provide positive experiences for children. Parents who are employed locally are also able to volunteer as coaches for these leagues.

2)Do you have a plan to manage the Pike County business growth?
As a Lehman Township Supervisor, I am concerned with the lack of businesses that provide services to the residents within our township. Resident surveys have indicated the need for several types of businesses, including a bank, gas station, supermarket, pharmacy, dry cleaners, etc. The next census will show the population of Lehman Township in excess of 10,000 full-time residents. To facilitate business growth, the Board of Supervisors has required the new Highland Village development to create commercial space proportional to the amount of residential development, thus creating a new “downtown” area providing services, employment and a new tax base.

3)How do you envision the co-existence of our precious environment and current and future economic development?
Economic development and environmental protection are not mutually exclusive. Countless federal, state and county regulations are in place allowing development to occur using best management practices designed specifically to protect the environment. While we must remain diligent in protecting the environment, as new technology becomes available that allows development to occur with less environmental impact, regulations must be updated to allow this technology to be used while outdated regulations must be eliminated so that businesses are not unfairly burdened with antiquated requirements. Additionally, regulations that serve no purpose except to delay development and increase costs should be repealed.

4)What is the most important current legislative issue concerning our Pike County local businesses?
On a federal level, health care reform proponents are making big promises, but it will dramatically increase the size of government and raise taxes. It will also increase unfunded mandates on small businesses, the backbone of our economy. On a state level, the budget impasse and proposed tax increases by the governor threaten to make Pennsylvania one of the most business-unfriendly states in the nation. Larger government requires higher taxes leaving less money for people to spend having a negative effect on the economy. We must make Pennsylvania more business friendly!

Again, thank you for the opportunity to answer these questions. If you have any additional questions, please feel free to contact me.

Sincerely,
--
Paul Menditto, Sr.
 

Matthew M. Osterberg Candidate for Milford Borough Council

I will be limiting my answers as they pertain to Milford Borough. Since that is the only municipality that is controlled by the Borough Council , both zoning and code enforcement Comments about the other municipalities would be of no consequence since as a council member I could not control what does or does not occur within those areas of the county.

Thank you

Candidiate for Milford Borough Council

1)What is your vision for business growth for Milford Borough?
Milford Borough needs to separate itself from all other small towns. The business community must join together and find a common thread that can be formed into a brand. When that is accomplished and is marketed correctly, I believe that business within the borough will begin to flourish. The borough can help with this by supporting festivals and special functions that promote Milford.

2)Do you have a plan to manage the Milford Borough Business growth?
I do not have a plan to manage the growth of business. It can grow as large and fast as it wants. What I believe in is the importance of zoning and the limitation of where business can occur within the borough. The borough is small (½ square miles) and the council needs to be sure that we protect our residential community from being swallowed up by commercial growth. There are still many locations within the town that can be developed into commercial ventures without eroding the residential zone as it exists on the current zoning map

3)How do you envision the co-existence of our precious environment and current and future economic Development?
With the use of zoning, land development, and sub-division ordinances, business and conservation can co-exist. In Milford Borough these ordinances are in place to protect over-development of property and the protection of neighboring properties. Things such as percentage of pavement limitations and lot coverage help to control water runoff, which protects the environment. The protection of the environment is ever so important in Milford since it is the home of Gifford Pinchot; also, a clean beautiful environment adds to overall appeal of the town.

4)What is the most important current legislation issue concerning our Pike County local businesses.
I am not aware of any current legislation locally (Milford Borough) that will adversely affect business. In the name of trying to help borough businesses, the council has recently written a new section of the sign ordinance with respect to sandwich board signs. I have been a supporter of local business and I have always listened to their needs.

With respect to the state ordinances which are in place, the building codes and Labor and Industry standards place huge burdens on business. These laws have been passed by the state government and force building owners who want to change the use of an old structure to abide by 2009 standards. It is the borough’s responsibility to see that these are enforced.
 

Denise Wagner Candidate for Milford Borough Council

1)What is your vision for business growth for Pike County?
That is a difficult question considering the recession driven economic problems local businesses are currently facing. Just to remain afloat is a challenge. However, with recovery, hopefully in the not to distance future I believe new businesses will locate here. The quality of life in Pike County is why we live here. Now we just have to provide opportunities to make a living. Locally in Milford I want to see a council that listens to the concerns of our businesses. The proper control of businesses is one thing. To stifle them (the businesses) and visions that other people might have, at every turn is another thing. It is not right! Lets make Milford work for everyone. That is my motto. I have seen it and I have lived it.

2)Do you have a plan to manage the Pike County Business growth?
Over the years I have noticed a thing I called "creep". This is when businesses start to creep into residential areas. Back in the 1950's (I am dating myself) there was only a couple of structures on Broad and Harford, mainly by the red light that housed businesses. Now, which is a good thing for business, they are located on all of Harford St and Broad St. However, Milford is a beautiful town with stately houses and Maple lined streets and I do not want to see the residential areas become zoned commercial. To allow businesses to "creep" into residential areas. Another issue is the lack of parking spaces for tourists who are the reasons our businesses flourish. I note that with the Pike County Commissioners support and federal money Milford is acquiring an area on Broad St to be used for parking. That is good. I would attempt to acquire additional space adjacent to Broad and Harford street for parking.

3)How do you envision the co-existence of our precious environment and current and future economic development?
Good question. My husband and I were fortunate to buy one of the last lots in Milford. Located on Sarah street adjacent to the Vandermark Brook. Our plan is to keep our lot open space. The neighbors love this idea, and the street looks better for it. Others, like Tom Hoff on Anne Street have done the same thing. Open space, in Milford and county wide, is part of green conservation. It preserves and protects our natural resources, and provides recreational areas for residents. That is why Anne street park, the Milford ball park, and the entrances to Milford, are very important. That is why building set back requirements are crucial. One can not build his house a foot away from his neighbors house. Economic development is important, as I mentioned before, but it has to be done in a manner that is environmentally friendly.

4)What is the most important current legislative issue concerning our Pike County local businesses?
It appears that the General Assembly and Governor are finally about to pass a 2009/2010 budget. We are the only state in the country without one. It appears that the budget will not contain any increase in broad based taxes, such as sales tax or income tax. This is good for businesses in light of the recession.

Thank you for giving me the chance to answer your questions.
Regards,
Denise Wagner Candidate for Milford Borough Council

George Fluhr Candidate for Shohola Supervisor

1)What is your vision for business growth for Pike County?
My vision for business growth in the county is one where businesses are able to make sustainable profits and provide high paying quality jobs to the citizens of the county. The businesses would be supplying the goods and services the population would desire. The business environment would be so positive that new businesses would be anxious to come to Pike County.

2)Do you have a plan to manage the Pike County Business growth?
My plan would be to use existing comprehensive plans and zoning ordinances to help manage growth. I would maintain close communication with the Chamber of Commerce, The Pike County Builders and other business organizations and individuals who are concerned with the quality of our business environment. I would be flexible and open to new ideas because as variables and situations change you must adapt to those changes. I would also keep in close contact with State Officials to obtain their help whenever possible.

3)How do you envision the co-existence of our precious environment and current and future economic development?
Economic development and our environment must go hand in hand. People come here for the beauty of our environment and if development damages the environment, we all lose. I believe through proper planning and good land use regulations we can have both sustainable positive development and pass our environment to future generations. Here again flexibility and communications between all parties concerned must take place. Working together we can succeed.

4)What is the most important current legislative issue concerning our Pike County local businesses?
The most critical legislative issue is whether State and Local Governments are willing to create a positive business environment. While government as a responsibility to help and enhance the quality of life for all citizens, too often it imposes excessive taxes and regulations to do this. This can handcuff business and keep them from growing and providing new jobs thereby creating additional tax revenues. Over regulating Business activity doesn’t protect the environment or the general public. It merely grows the bureaucracy of government.