Downbeach.com to publish Margate election candidates' responses to our questionnaire

NanetteG

MARGATE Downbeach.com, the community's online news source, will be publishing responses received from the candidates in the May 9 Board of Commissioners election this week.

Downbeach sent the individual candidates a questionnaire on April 12 asking them to provide their responses to questions about Margate's important issues. The questions include the individual candidates' views on taxes, redevelopment, schools, short-term rentals, parking, support for the business community and off-shore wind energy.

The candidates were also asked to provide a color headshot along with a bullet point list of their personal information, including residence, work experience, professional associations and community service.

Here are the questions we feel are important for the voters to know the answers to before they cast their ballots in the non-partisan election. Responses were due to Downbeach.com via email on April 21.

Margate Candidate Questionnaire

The tax rate in Margate has remained stable over the last 11 years, aided mostly by an increase in the ratable base due to reconstruction and raising homes following Hurricane Sandy. What is your plan to control taxes in the future?

There has been discussion among some of the candidates about consolidation of the Margate schools, which is a Type I school district with board members appointed by the mayor and annual budgets approved by the Board of School Estimate. Some believe the schools should be either consolidated into one building or merged with the Ventnor City school system. What are your views on this issue?

Since Hurricane Sandy and new FEMA regulations regarding building at a much higher minimum flood elevation, homeowners are razing their homes and reconstructing larger homes at higher levels, which some say dwarf existing older homes that have yet to be elevated. What are your views on this issue, and what if anything, would you do about it?

Margate's long-standing rental ordinance adopted in 1983 restricts property rentals to a minimum stay of one week between May 1 and Sept. 30. Compared to other communities, other than parking, Margate has had few complaints generated at rental properties. The city's ordinance requires an annual license, $100 application fee, and inspection to determine occupancy load. What are your views on short-term rentals that have become popular on AirBNB, VRBO and other online rental platforms? Do you think the city's current ordinance is adequate or should it be revised? If so, what changes would you recommend?

Parking is an issue in most shore communities during the summer season due to the influx of thousands of second homeowners and visitors. What do you believe can be done to enhance parking in the city?