Name: Stephen Milks
Stephen Milks
Age: 57
Occupation: Business owner
Political experience: Two terms on the City Council
Why do you think you’re the most qualified, or best candidate for this seat?
The people of Auburn want a vibrant community offering opportunity to all citizens. I support the creation of innovative housing and educational opportunities that benefit the people of Auburn. I use the Strategic Plan and common sense as guideposts for my decisions as city councilor.
Please name two issues that you believe are critical to Auburn’s future, and how you would address them.
I will continue to support education and housing innovation. Our city has unique assets. At the new Edward Little (High School), we must continue to focus on academic achievement while also providing academic and career-based opportunities like CMCC and LRTC. These lead to college credits and good-paying careers they can start while in high school. We need to continue to create new housing options of all types — apartments, condos and owner-occupied homes for our citizens. Young people cannot stay here if there is nowhere for them to live and older folks can’t “downsize” if there is nowhere for them to go.
What actions will you take to support businesses and grow the local economy?
To help our business community flourish we must educate our young people to be productive members of our community and innovate opportunities for adults to learn new skills and trades. With the diverse educational opportunities available in Auburn, there is a way for all citizens to have access to a good career. Continue to innovate curriculum with CMCC and the new Edward Little to create educational paths that lead to trades and other careers that are high paying jobs in our city today. To support this, we need investment in diverse housing options that fit people in various stages of life.
Do you support the direction Auburn in moving toward with redefined development zones?
I support housing initiatives that make sense for the hardworking people of Auburn. Auburn’s zoning restrictions were full of flaws and challenges to simple things. I supported the changes that allowed people to build in-law apartments, rebuild porches and build additions on their property. I pushed for the end of irrational zoning standards allowing someone to clear-cut their land but not build a house. I fought against the idea that a gravel pit is better than a housing development utilizing the sanitary sewer system and environmental engineering. I will continue using science and common sense when evaluating development initiatives.
What do you want voters to know about you?
My children spent their K-12 education in the Auburn school system. I volunteered and participated throughout their growth. I was on the steering committee of the Strategic Plan process, which included over 100 Auburn citizens. I care about the people of Auburn and that is who I serve.
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