Andrew Titus is running for Auburn City Council Ward 3 on Nov. 3, 2015. Learn about more candidates and issues in our Election 2015 guide.
Name:
Andrew D. Titus
Email address:
atitus2015@gmail.com
Occupation or primary source of income:
Wholesale tire territory sales manager
Education:
High school and paralegal certificate
Family information:
Married and proud father of two grown children
Public offices sought or held:
Androscoggin County Budget Committee, two years
Why are you running for office? Why should voters select you for this job?
I have been a concerned citizen for many years. I have always wanted to serve the city of Auburn. I will take a common sense approach to the issues. My goals include economic development, efficient budgets and a better relationship with our school department.
What do you like about the city budget passed this year, and what don’t you like? Was it too high, too low, just right?
I like the fact that we did stay within “cost of living” guidelines. I would have liked to see more time spent on the details of each department budget. The overall budget was too high.
With a limited budget and knowing what you know now, what would be your top spending priority among these three services: road repair, education or public safety? Why?
To me, they are all priorities. I think we need to prioritize within each department with the goal to provide a high level of service while keeping budgets in check.
Court Street could be narrowed from four travel lanes to two in 2016. Is that a good idea or not, and why do you feel that way?
Not a good idea.
The businesses in that area would not benefit enough to warrant massive bottlenecks of traffic on Court Street. We should continue thinking about ways to help the downtown. This is just not one of them.
What is your opinion regarding tax incentives to developers, such as Tax Increment Finance deals and state and federal grants? Should the city offer them or not?
They are a valuable tool to attract commerce to our city. Used correctly, they bring jobs and tax revenue. It is time we focus on projects that will bring better paying jobs and solid economic development. And we should be able to have assurances that this be the result before we commit to any project.
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