Candidate Question for David Lethem. What if Your Term Started Tomorrow?

We will be featuring David Lethem now through election day by asking him the questions we believe are important to Gateway residents. We asked him what he would do if he was voted in and his term began tomorrow.

Lethem:
One of the first things I would do is to start the process of coming up with a vision and strategic plan for the next few years which addresses all of our "mission critical" issues:

Budget: I would push the budgeting process to be more forward thinking..not only having an annual budget but a three and five year plan also. I would also ask for a temporary freeze on hiring any more independent consultants until this issue and the others below were accomplished.

Board Function: The current board is not functioning as well as it should, for a variety of reasons. I would push the Board to become more proactive leaders, and ensure board decisions are made by the Board, keeping the community benefit at the forefront. Decisions should not be unduly influenced by outside third parties, such as the Board Attorney and DMS. These individuals are advisors, and should only be called upon when their professional advice is warranted.

Strategic Plan: This district needs a long term strategic plan to address its issues, from economic growth to landscaping. In order to accomplish this, we first need to put an end to all of the issues that have gone unresolved and dogged us for so long, such as the road turnover, the connection fee issue, financial reserves, lake management, homeowner communications, etc.

And of course, the Board, after the election, will need to elect a new Chairman. It is critical we get the right supervisor for this position, one who will provide the intelligent leadership, management skills, and business acumen sorely needed.