Sarah Vogelsinger: 2021 candidate for Batavia City Council, Ward 7
Robin Barraza and Sarah Vogelsinger are running for one, 4-year seat in Ward 7 on the Batavia City Council.
Bio
City: Batavia
Occupation: Social media marketing specialist
Employer: LocalConnect, LLC
Civic involvement: Volunteer Ambassador for the Batavia Chamber of Commerce; Fox Valley Entrepreneurship Center Board; committees for local events and groups
Q&A
Q. How do you view your role in confronting the pandemic: provide leadership even if unpopular, give a voice to constituents — even ones with whom you disagree, or defer to state and federal authorities?
A. The main reason that I wanted to run for city council was to give a voice to those in my ward and to listen to and represent our town's businesses. I have been active in the community and look forward to having a seat at the table and helping to make a positive impact on the community that I love and will aim to serve.
Q. Did your town continue to adequately serve its constituents during the disruptions caused by the pandemic? If so, please cite an example of how it successfully adjusted to providing services. If not, please cite a specific example of what could have been done better.
A. I believe it did. We have a large amount of our local businesses still operational and our schools have been open for the vast majority of the school year. I am certain in hindsight we will find things that could have been improved upon and hopefully those will be chances to learn and grow.
Q. In light of our experiences with COVID-19, what safeguards/guidelines should you put in place to address any future public health crises?
A. I think responding quickly and with vigilance to the advising of our public health officials will serve in the public's best interest.
Q. What cuts can local government make to reduce the burden of the pandemic on taxpayers?
A. In order to address this issue, I think it would be important to provide opportunities for all of the taxing local bodies to meet on a regular basis and determine what the highest priorities are in regards to spending and how the groups can collaborate to ease the burden on taxpayers.
Q. What do you see as the most important infrastructure project you must address? Why and how should it be paid for? Conversely, during these uncertain economic times, what infrastructure project can be put on the back burner?
A. I believe the dam is a project with high priority in the current year. Regarding projects to be put on the back burner, I think it is important to critically assess whether the projects on the table absolutely need to be done now or if waiting is a viable option. Spending money on high priority items and keeping a reserve would be an effective strategy during these times.
Do you agree or disagree with the stance your board/council has taken on permitting recreational marijuana sales in the community? What would you change about that stance, if you could?
I agree with the stance thus far and would not move to change anything at the current time.
Q. What's one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?
A. I would really like to explore options for the large empty buildings in the Randall Road corridor. I believe it would benefit the community in a variety of ways if we can repurpose these sites into functional and operational businesses or even community facilities.