NAME: Chris Kaeberlein
AGE: 36
OCCUPATION: Software engineer
EDUCATION: B.S., computer engineering, The Pennsylvania State University
POLITICAL PARTY AND EXPERIENCE: Republican; two-year member of Wake Forest Planning Board
CIVIC ACTIVITIES AND OTHER AFFILIATIONS: Member of Wake Forest Presbyterian Church, Secretary of RTP Toastmasters, participant in Leadership Wake Forest 2005
WHY SHOULD YOU BE ELECTED: I believe I share the same views as the majority of Wake Forest citizens -- to see growth happen with purpose and responsibility, to elect accountable and forward-thinking town leaders, and to see those leaders think outside the box when problem-solving. Wake Forest's issues are not unique: water concerns, infrastructure needs, desire for greenways, revitalization in certain areas, and funding of these initiatives. We need unique and proactive solutions. I believe strongly in funding priorities first, while maintaining low taxes. I am excited about Wake Forest's future and the possibilities of what it can become, with the right leadership.
CONTACT INFORMATION: 604-0090, www.votechrisk.com, chris@votechrisk.com
1. Wake Forest has touted its initiatives to bring homes and businesses to downtown district, but White Street has several vacant storefronts and the old Winn-Dixie is still vacant. Is there anything else the town can do to bring growth closer to the center of town?
Yes, I believe the town can do more in this area. Businesses will locate (a) where they have more customers and (b) where the cost of business is low. Right now, downtown Wake Forest is struggling on both fronts. The financial burden of locating a business or residential development in or near the downtown needs to be eased. The ordinances outlined in the renaissance plan need to be enforced. Wake Forest should leverage the assets and experience of the Main Street program, which has helped other small towns revitalize their downtown business district.
2. Other parts of town thrive more than the northeast. Beyond the plan Wake Forest adopted in July, is there more the town can do to improve the northeast?
Yes. The obvious place to start is by putting the northeast plan into effect. The plan itself is a good starting point, but in order for the actions suggested in the plan to become real, it will require commitment from both the town and the northeast residents. The planning process opened the lines of communication between the town and those residents, which had been impaired. Hopefully, the residents will continue to communicate their needs to town staff and officials, so that Wake Forest can then reciprocate by giving time, money and/or resources to that area when needed in the future.
3. Wake Forest buys water from Raleigh and it's running out of water allocations due mainly to heavy lawn irrigation. Does Wake Forest need to impose development or water restrictions over and above what is now in place?
I do not believe an arbitrary restriction on development is the right course of action. Town leaders should instead consider the quality and value of proposed developments, and evaluate each on its own merits. Wake Forest may have to consider an ordinance requiring no lawn irrigation systems be connected to public water supply. When current drought conditions subside, it may be prudent to maintain some water restrictions as a proactive measure, regardless of what the city of Raleigh decides.