Residence:
I currently live in the village of Baldwinsville. I am originally from Florida and after going to college, and living in Nashville, Tenn. for about seven years, my former wife and I moved to the Camillus area one week prior to the Labor Day storm in 1998. It was not exactly a warm welcome to central New York, but we aren’t really known for our warmth are we? To answer the obvious question: She is from Syracuse and all of her family is here.
Occupation:
I have been the codes enforcement officer in the village of Baldwinsville for three years this week and am very excited about the growth and development that is coming in the near future.
What are your responsibilities?
The codes office is responsible for the construction and maintenance of all of the buildings and properties in the community. We oversee the construction process from beginning to end to help ensure public safety, and to protect property owners.
Is there anything new going on that you would like to share with our readers?
I have been excited to see the old Yorkers building finally torn down, and am even more excited about the re-development of the former Tri-County Mall site, the former Jardine’s Foundry site and the property along the River on Lock Street. We are also seeing growth in McHarrie Towne and look forward to having many new residents to help draw (and keep) businesses in our area.
What do you like most about your job? least?
What I like most about my job is being able to assist the public with their projects and issues that affect their world around them. What I like least about my job is having to take action against people who know better and just don’t want to be a good member of our society. We all live in close proximity in the village and we have to think of the community as a whole and realize that what we allow on our property affects all of those around us. One of the biggest struggles is the process of trying to get vacant or abandoned properties back into productive status — where they are no longer causing a blight on the surrounding community. This is one of the reasons that I am looking forward to the apartments that are proposed for the former Tri-County Mall site.
Do you have a favorite book? If so, what and why?
One of my favorite books is actually a series, but I have it in one volume, and that is the “Lord of the Rings,” by J. R. R. Tolkein. The first time I read it, it took me about six months to complete because it is so long and because I had a baby and sleep was more important. But, I re-read it a couple years later and still think I would like to read it again.
Favorite vacation spot?
My favorite vacation spot has got to be Old Forge and the High Peaks area in the Adirondacks. I love the lakes the mountains and the weather. But, I also love to get to go home to Florida and go to the beach and see Mickey every once in a while.
If you could have lunch with anyone, living or dead, who would it be and why?
I don’t want to be cliche or obvious in my answer. Some people may jump right to Jesus … And well, sure I think many, including me, would like to speak to the pivotal person or deity of their faith. But, I would like to have lunch with my grandfathers. I never got to meet them.
What is one thing most people would not know about you?
One thing that most people would not know about me… That’s the hard one isn’t it? I’m single – sort of. I love to cook (mainly, I like to eat).
