Name: Lisanne Monier RobinsonAge: 53 Place of Birth: Baltimore, MarylandLength of residence in Indian River County: 10 years in SebastianOccupation: ArtistEmployer: The Old Opera House GalleryMarital status: MarriedChildren: 4Grandchildren: 2Spouse’s name: Richard RobinsonOccupation: Contractor De-mountable wall systems
Experience you feel is most relevant to serving in public office and why:
I am a sole proprietor and understand the tough economic times that small businesses now face, and I have a number of concepts to loosen city restrictions to help maintain and encourage new small business to start. I also have a firm understanding of the economic development plan and the need to implement the concepts within to entice job producing companies to our area.
My two years on council gave me the understanding that our citizens need their services, such as safety, roads, storm water management, and low tax rates maintained.
Civic and Volunteer Leadership Experience:
Commissioner- Planning and Zoning 2002-2004Council member-City of Sebastian 2004-2006Board of Directors Sebastian Chamber of CommerceDirector-Sebastian Riverfront Fine Art and Music Festival 2000-2010Working Waterfront Committee 2009
Candidate Questions
1. What is the biggest challenge facing Sebastian?
Jobs and maintaining a Low tax rate while still providing services
2. What is your vision for the Sebastian Riverfront area and what steps need to be taken to achieve that goal?
I envision a small town atmosphere of shops, restaurants, and community events where friends and neighbors can enjoy our incredible riverfront and our sense of community. We need to define the area through landscaping, lighting and other traffic calming concepts, provide for pedestrian safety and comfort, and support our community events.
3. What is your position on CRA (Community Redevelopment Area) expenditure allocations in terms of how much is spent in business incentives and infrastructure improvements?
I totally support the Working Waterfront/CRA Project and believe that expenditures of CRA funds at this point in time should be infrastructure projects that benefit the area as a whole. The Main Street project is already turning heads to potential business investors to the CRA district.
4. One of the city’s efforts currently is to attract new tenants to the Sebastian Municipal Airport. If elected to council, what would you do to continue or change those efforts?
I am in support of tax abatement. We need to redesign the airport entrance, and I feel we need a contact person who is well versed in economic development to market our potential at the airport.
5. What is your opinion of the Sebastian Clambake and how proceeds are delegated? What, if any, changes would you like to see for the annual event?
They are an asset to our community – May they continue their hard work and dedication for many years to come.
6. Are there possibilities for partnerships or efficiencies by working with Fellsmere, Vero Beach or the county? If so, how would you like the city to work with those entities?
Yes and harmoniously!
Any other comments?
TEAMWORK with fellow council members, citizens, and staff, POSITIVE direction by City Council, COMMON SENSE, BALANCE, INTELLIGENCE, and HONESTY.