Agenda - 12-13-2016-11-c - Orange County Planning Board – Appointment.docx

Browse Search

9 Page 3 of 4 Donna Coffey Orange County Planning Board (REQUIRES DISCLOSURE STATEMENT) Please list the work/volunteer experience/qualifications that would add to your expertise for this board. I bring almost 30 years of local government management experience to this position including extensive local government budget and finance knowledge. I can easily see the a€cebig picturea€rand will be in a position to use my analytical skills to evaluate programs and analyze policies. I am a dedicated team member who can easily adapt and remain flexible as priorities change, and I work well under tight deadlines. I, also, understand how important it is to educate and inform the public about what is happening in local government on a regular and consistent basis. What unique perspective can you bring to the Orange County Planning Board? As a representative of the Cedar Grove Township, I would bring the perspective of wanting to preserve the rural character while also recognizing that there must be a a€cebalancea€P somewhere as County must also work to be more fiscally sustainable with a diversified tax base. What do you see as the responsibilities of this board, and what do you hope to accomplish if appointed? The goal of good planning is to be proactive and prepare for quality growth as opposed to waiting until growth has gotten out of hand before you realize you have a problem. Good planning should also have a healthy balance of control and consideration of fiscal impacts. What do you consider to be be the most important issues facing Orange County related to growth? Growth in Orange County is inevitable a€" ita€TMs happening right before our eyes, and it brings with it many challenges. With the growth will come an even higher level of service demands, and it is in everyonea€TMs interest that the Countya€TMs Planning a€ceroad maps€rto accommodate what lies ahead is easily understood and inclusive/representative of the values and cultures of all communities. I believe that my knowledge of public service and my connectivity to the community will allow me to bring much to the table in this area. Understanding the diversity in every part of the county is essential to local government- especially in areas such as planning that personally impacts all people and their property. Open and consistent communication is essential in all facets of government-especially in areas where all people need to understand. What role should the Planning Board take in guiding and regulating growth? The role,while difficult, should be a balanced one that represents Commissioners goals and priorities as well as residents perspectives. How would you,as a member of the Planning Board, contribute to the implementation of the Board of Commissioners' adopted Goals and Priorities? The first step would be involvement a€come to meetings,educate myself and ask questions.Another important step would be to talk to individuals in the community to better understand their stance on particular planning topics so that I am in a position to communicate their beliefs and concerns.There is much room for information sharing and dialogue. Commissioner goals and priorities cover a many of topics,and each one touches residents in one way or another. In short, I see the role of the Planning Board to be multi-faceted with involvement on the majority of the priorities. For example,one area of particular interest for schools is the Schools Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance(SAPFO). I would bring a broad knowledge base to that discussion as I have experience both as a county staff person(during its formulation and initial implementation)and as a school board member as we have learned much over the years. In addition,there are many priorities that touch on economic development,a vital part of the Countya€TA's fiscal sustainability,an area where I have an in-depth knowledge base. Other Comments: