GOP Post-Caucus Statements: Relationships, Change, Housing and Zoning Issues Were Key
PZC Candidates Carroll (L) and Garceau (R) after their caucus victories
Exit Interviews
As people submitted their paper ballots at the July 18th caucus, The Goshen News asked several residents what they thought were the most important issues.
“The most important issue seems to revolve around zoning and housing…,” said Steve Cheek. “I saw lots of signs around town, lots of campaign signs. One of the candidates was an acquaintance and I decided, since there was so much enthusiasm, that I came today. I jumped on the bandwagon and came down here!”
“I think [the most important issue is] housing, it’s about the low-rent housing that we were planning to put down on Beach Street,” said Thy Ho. “I was against it because it would bring a lot of traffic and you know we don’t have any buses here. If it’s low-rent we usually need easy transportation and I don’t see that happening here. Nothing is within range of like even biking or walking, you know? So unless you get more buses here and all that, I don’t think it’s feasible… [Scott Olson] knocked on our door and he talked about it and I was appreciative and he seems very firm on those issues.”
“I would say the Planning and Zoning Commission was pretty important. Seemed like a hot topic for everybody,” said Janelle Carroll, wife of PZC candidate Jon Carroll. “I think that we need some youth in the government in town. I think it’s time to pass the torch in many avenues in town. I think that’s where we’re heading, is a passing of [the] torch in a lot things, not just with town government but with like the Goshen Fair and a lot of things. Us forty-somethings are ready to step-up a little bit…”
Many voters said they voted based on the fact they were friends or acquaintances with several candidates or had personal interactions with the candidates during their election campaign. It would appear that voters are embracing generational change in Town while striving to maintain Goshen’s historic character.
Post-Caucus Candidate Statements
Following their wins, Carroll and Garceau told The Goshen News in a joint statement what they hope to do if they’re elected to the PZC in November. “We are excited to be the voice of the townspeople and move forward with responsible growth in a way that we all know and love!”.
Scott Olson told The Goshen News that his selection represents the voice and desires of the Goshen townspeople. “I think the people of this town have made any statement that I need to say tonight. Clearly the results of the election are the words and the voice of the people of this town, and I heard that voice and it’s a voice that’s been speaking for a long time, for too long gone unlistened to. Tonight this town is gonna’ take a turn and, like I said earlier, the people… are going to be the biggest part of this town’s decision-making and that’s the way it has to be.”
While Dawn Wilkes lost her bid for selection, she was still grateful for everyone who supported her. “I had a great journey…, “she said. “I had an amazing team and I was so blessed to have the people behind me that I did.”
