Bridget Zigrosser
Republican
Occupation: Teaching Assistant at Guilderland Central School District
Question: Why are you running for town board?
Answer: I decided that it is time for a town hall outsider to step up and put people before politics. Town government needs to be responsive and responsible to all the residents of Bethlehem impartially. The concerns of all residents need to be equally considered and respected.
Q: How will your experience serve you on the town board?
A: Throughout my working life I have trusted effective discussion to yield results. I have worked as a client liaison where I facilitated the best solutions for client and company. In the educational setting I utilize continuous communication and task management to advance students to their highest potentials. My participation and experience in community groups (PTA, Scouting, religious and sporting) has given me a unique perspective of the residents wants and needs from local government. My abilities in negotiating a reasonable compromise while working with these diverse groups and individuals will be invaluable as I serve on the Town Board.
Q: What do you think are the biggest challenges facing the town?
A: A paramount concern is the ongoing development happening throughout Bethlehem. There are a disproportionate number of (non-occupant owned) apartments, townhouses and condo style developments being built. Tax revenue needs to be balanced with service consumption when planning multi-unit housing.
Equally important is the need to expand our tax base with businesses that will offer quality employment and will enhance the character of the town. Town government needs to work with businesses to ensure their success and not be an obstacle to business growth.
The apathy of our current town government towards its resident’s concerns is disturbing. Residents should feel their concerns or questions are welcomed and given proper consideration. Town government should be a system that works for the residents and in conjunction with community organizations to achieve the very best results. The town should combine forces with our local groups to better provide services to our residents.
Q: What are your ideas for addressing these challenges?
A: The adverse results of the current high density residential development trends are truly being seen in Bethlehem. An organized and thorough review of multifamily housing and its impact on various town infrastructures and services would be directed.
Successful local business leaders should be integrated into the Office of Economic Development and IDA. They would be redirected to aggressively pursue business development that would invest in Bethlehem and generate an increased number of businesses that will help expand the tax base.
Establishing a cooperative environment with community organizations and the town government would help all sides achieve their goal of a better Bethlehem. Engage our community groups and town departments that provide similar or complementary services to develop on that common ground. Time needs to be increased for public comments during board meetings, open forums need to be more unrestricted and resident feedback should be more aggressively solicited.
