NAME: Lynn Adams<br />
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OCCUPATION: Executive Director, White County Family YMCA<br />
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1) Why are you running for this office?<br />
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I am happy to run for a seat on the Clermont Town Council because I would like to better serve my community. I have been blessed to live in the town of Clermont for eight years, and am very interested in assisting as our surroundings grow up around us. I would also like to know more about what our residents see as a vision for the future of Clermont and help with the development of that vision.<br />
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2) Is this the first time you have run for political office? If "no," please explain.<br />
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I ran for a seat on the Town Council several years ago, but was defeated. While that was disappointing, the experience helped me to learn more about the election process and gave me an opportunity to serve my community in other ways. I hope to be more successful this election, but if I am unable to achieve a seat on the town council, I will look forward to helping in another capacity.<br />
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3) What qualifications for the office do you bring to the campaign?<br />
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I have served on both the Clermont Planning and Zoning Board, and also on the Hall County Library Board. In each of those positions I have had opportunities to work with the public and learn more about the needs of residents. I will complete my Bachelor's Degree in Human Services in Spring of 2014. My recent studies have focused on communities and serving others. I have gained practical experience in serving the community as a staff member at the YMCA, and have developed programs that not only support the community, but help to engage residents and business owners to give back to their communities as they are able. <br />
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4) What do you see as the biggest concern/issue facing the city of Clermont?<br />
And, please explain your answer.<br />
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I see two major issues facing Clermont at this time. The biggest issue I see facing the town of Clermont is lack of funding. Our annual budget numbers are very low and few services are available to the residents. I believe that there are ways to enhance the quality of life for the residents of Clermont, and some could be achieved if we were able to acquire additional funding. While it is important to discuss budgets and funding for Clermont, it is not my intention to invent needs for the residents. The most important part of holding an elected office is to serve the residents, so the first and most important task to complete, before beginning any work on the budget or attempting to raise funds, is to talk with residents and find out what they need. Another issue facing Clermont is apathy or disinterest on the part of the residents. Monthly council meetings are poorly attended and voting percentages are extremely low, especially when the only items on the ballot are limited to town elections only. While many residents have challenging schedules, it would be helpful if there was more interest in the town and development of a vision, as well as a desire by residents to give back to their community.<br />
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5) Are there any specific goals you would like to accomplish if you are elected?<br />
And, please explain your answer.<br />
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My first goal if elected to the council is to meet more residents and find out how they are connected to their community. I would like to learn more about what the residents like and dislike about Clermont, as well as any resident needs that could be met through some type of action from the town. If there are any projects that are needed, then I would like to look into fund raising and ways to accomplish the goals of the residents. Finally, I would like to find ways to raise community interest and participation within the town of Clermont.
