Gering's candidacy statement

This is a little late getting posted, what with the holiday and all. Anyways, below is Mike Gering's official statement of candidacy:

"Today I’m announcing my candidacy for re-election to the Hillsborough Town Board of Commissioners. When I ran for election in 2001, and again in 2005, I wanted to help shape Hillsborough’s future in order to preserve its unique qualities, improve its financial health, and enhance the quality of life of all its citizens. I’m proud that the town has made progress towards these goals, and I would like to continue guiding Hillsborough’s future in constructive ways.
Here are a few of the things I’ve done over the past eight years:
• I initiated the town’s purchase of 20 acres of the Collins property, currently the site of the HYAA baseball fields. This exciting purchase has made possible a future train station and other municipal services. I am the chairman of the newly-formed committee that will start the planning process for this area.
• I chaired the task force that responded to the county’s plans to locate a waste transfer station in our economic development district.
• I am the chairman of the Way-Finding Signage Committee, which has created a recommendation to the Town Board for replacing many of the signs cluttering our streets with an attractive and coordinated system of signs to guide tourists and others into and around Hillsborough.
• For the last six years I have been the Town Board’s representative on the Hillsborough Tourism Board, and I am currently its chairman. We are in the process of implementing a Tourism Ambassador program and an updated internet presence.
• I co-chaired the US 70/Cornelius Street Task Force, a joint effort with the county that created a plan to improve and redevelop the Cornelius Street portion of US 70.
• I led the Town Board in opposing an asphalt plant and in changing our ordinances to prevent similar proposals in the future.
• I chaired the Town Clock Restoration Committee. We guided the renovation of the old county courthouse clock in time for Hillsborough’s 250th anniversary celebration in 2004.
• I co-chaired a task force that helped educate the Town Board on senior housing options and how best to address them in Hillsborough.
• I initiated the work that led to the creation of the water rate assistance program, which helps people who need temporary assistance in paying their water bills.
• I worked on many other efforts to improve our town, including: the Churton Street Corridor Task Force, the Library Services Task Force, the Orange Grove Road Task Force, and school capacity planning.
Although we face many challenges, these are exciting times for Hillsborough. In recent years, our downtown has seen a new vitality, the town has opened new parks, and we have improved our economic base through new developments that include senior housing and a community college. Through it all, Hillsborough continues to preserve and celebrate our natural and historic heritage. There is still work to be done, and I have the experience needed to lead the town forward. I love this town and would be honored to continue guiding its efforts to be a vibrant, safe and prosperous community."