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8 <br /> Page 5 of 5 Benjamin (BJ) <br /> permitting. The Board of Adjustment sits in a unique position to decide on these matters, offering <br /> an avenue for property owners, homeowners, renters, residents, and developers to appeal <br /> administrative decisions. It would be an honor to help decide these appeals, ensuring fairness <br /> for both the appealing applicants as well as any neighbors that might be negatively impacted by <br /> variances from our building codes. I would give weight to all possible variables (equity, mobility, <br /> environmental concerns, aesthetics, infrastructure, et al) in my decision making. <br /> Living in the ETJ, specifically in the down-zoned R-LDS, gives me a heightened perspective of <br /> our land use guidelines. I've been involved in and paying close attention to arguments around <br /> rezoning in the ETJ, and of the town's desire to expand and diversify housing. As those changes <br /> take time, I long to put my skills to work in driving better outcomes when various parties <br /> development goals come into conflict with the existing law or each other. I would like to serve on <br /> the Board not only to help property owners achieve their goals when they run counter to outdated <br /> or unfair regulations, but also to protect residents from allowing variances that are not in the best <br /> interests of our community. <br /> How would your particpation on this board contribute to the diversity of viewpoints? <br /> Let me be up front: as a white, cisgendered male, with a middle class background, I have <br /> inherited an outsized amount of privilege in our society. I do not take it for granted. As mentioned <br /> above, I have intentionally sought out diverse viewpoints and challenged myself with the <br /> broadest possible spectrum of cultures, philosophy, arts, and people. <br /> That said, my family is Jewish. While I am non-practicing, and I identify as white due to the <br /> privilege bestowed upon me by my skin color, I am not a complete stranger to discrimination. I <br /> am only two generations removed from family members who fled Europe to America to escape <br /> persecution. Because of that history, I seek to pay close attention to cultures, races, and <br /> communities that bear the brunt of prejudice and disenfranchisement. <br /> In my professional life, as a manager in both small and large organizations, I have been in a <br /> position of solving disputes. I have dealt with extremely difficult personal issues between <br /> employees and my direct reports, complex projects spanning multiple departments, and <br /> challenges organizing consensus across teams, time zones, continents, and corporations. <br /> Through all of this, I have learned to listen first and to listen actively, to ask questions, to <br /> challenge my biases, and to privilege the voices of disenfranchised groups. If appointed, I will <br /> make it my solemn responsibility to hear as many viewpoints as possible, and approach my <br /> decisions with equity foremost in mind. <br /> Do you have any personal or business interest(s)that could create a conflict of interest <br /> (either real or perceived) if you are appointed to this board? <br /> See above. <br /> Boards/Commissions appointments: <br /> Other Comments: <br /> This application was current on: 3/3/2024 6:47:19 PM Date Printed: 3/4/2024 <br />