MEET THE CANDIDATES
Richard Sweeney Trustee
Village Vision Party

Sweeney

Having served as a trustee for the past two years, I have experienced the challenges and opportunities of local government to improve the quality of life in the community. It is a position that I would like the opportunity to both continue in and improve at.

As a lifelong resident, past volunteer on village committees, and previous board member (1987-1991), I am seeking re-election to continue to pursue long-term planning, preservation and enhancement efforts begun by the Village Vision Party. The village is faced with major continuing issues, such as traffic overload, increasing development density, preserving the village heritage, and keeping government both affordable and responsive.

Proposed solutions are being developed, including: 1) The Village Vision 2020 Master Plan; 2) walkable Williamsville planning; 3) a village reforestation and maintenance plan; 4) code revisions and updates; and 5) internal organizational changes and incentives to revitalize existing committees, retain volunteer membership in the fire department and the involvement in the business community.

Since my retirement in 2003 from the position of environmental analyst with the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, I have been an active volunteer as a member of the Glen Park Joint Board, served as treasurer of the NYS Public Employees Federation Retirees-WNY Chapter, and on the executive board of the Erie-Niagara Counties Alliance for Retired Americans. I currently serve as Village Board liaison to the Village Traffic and Safety Committee and Zoning Board of Appeals.

I believe that my involvement in committees, both past and present, and my previous work experience provide me with an excellent background for serving as village trustee and request your vote.