Ask Ray - Ray Billica Answers Your Questions

If You Have Issues That You Would Like To Ray To Address, Please Contact Ray Or Meet Him In Person At One Of The Planned 'Meet And Greet Events'

1. Explain The Grand Island Town Councilman Position

Our Grand Island Town Board is comprised of the Town Supervisor (full-time) and 4 Town Councilmen (each part-time), and each Board Member has one vote.

The Town Board is responsible for conducting business on all matters that relate to the Town of Grand Island. Examples include, but are not limited to:

• Creating a budget and setting the tax rate
• Review development issues and approve or disapprove applications
• Set and hold public hearings as required by law
• Work with Town Department Heads to provide citizens with efficient and high quality services
• Research and address citizen concerns

If You elect me as Town Councilman, I will discuss all your issues with my fellow Board Members. I will seek more insight from our Citizens and use the full resources of our Town Department Heads and Advisory Boards in order to reach a consensus on the optimum solution to a problem.

I have the ability to weigh arguments from all sides and to consider each view with an open mind. In my experience, Common Sense, along with an Open Mind, a Willingness To See Others Views, and Some Compromise (when necessary), are all that we need to reach the right conclusion. I have no political baggage, as I have never held public office. I will be a fresh, new non-political person who can work with anyone, from any party, on any issue.

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2. What Is Ray Billica's Personal Political Stance?

I have received the endorsements of the Republican, Independence, and Working Families Parties. From the diversity of these endorsements you can see that I have a wide range of views and would not be considered to be partisan. Although I did not secure the endorsement of the Conservative Party, I consider myself a fairly conservative person.

I want to make things happen in our community and I see no place for partisan party political wrangling at the local Town Board level. I can assure you that regardless of Your political stance, if you want to make Grand Island a better place for all of our community, You can vote for me with confidence.

As Grand Island Town Councilman, my priority will be in serving YOU! I will be asking for and listening to YOUR opinions. My focus will be in providing the quantity and quality of services that YOU have asked for, while balancing the need to minimize taxes in our community.

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3. What Does Ray Billica Feel About Economic Development On Grand Island?

Economic Development on Grand Island, is a very important subject for our future, but it is often looked upon negatively by many of our citizens.

We can all agree that Grand Island's suburban / rural nature is an important feature of our unique lifestyle that we need to retain. However, I believe that can be accomplished while still providing for economic growth. With the Right Type of Economic Development we will be able to provide improved services and also reduce the tax burden on our citizens.

We all want our taxes to be as low as possible, and that will be a prime focus of mine, all the while being aware of the need to balance that issue with the overall level of services that are provided to our citizens. With the right approach, our infrastructure can be improved and maintained correctly. Our recreational facilities can be improved and expanded to provide increased community activity opportunities for both young and old alike.

In short - Our lifestyle can be improved and our taxes can be minimized.

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4. What Political Experience Does Ray Billica Have?

"I Don't Have Any Political Experience!" But does that mean I am unqualified for office? - I don't think so. I have plenty of highly relevant experience, living in this Town for 55 years, working for this Town for 28 years, being involved in our community all my life (I even ran for school board when I was 18).

Maybe it's a good thing not to have political experience. In the least, maybe it's not that important at the local level. I believe that to get things done You just need someone with energy, enthusiasm and drive, someone who's deeply committed to represent YOU, to work for YOU, and not worry about their 'political career'!

That being said, I have been involved in Town businees. I have attended many Town Board meetings. I have had numerous interactions through the years with, Town Board Members, Department Heads, Advisory Board Members, Community Leaders, School Board Members, Members of Non-Government Organizations, and of course the Citizens in our community. From these interactions I have become highly informed on the many subjects that are important to the people of Grand Island. I believe I can be a very effective Town Councilman with this type of experience.

I have also worked in our community in various ways over the years. I have participated on various Boards and Committees and I believe that anyone who worked with me will confirm that I was very effective in every case. I think it's obvious that I did not become involved with all those Boards or Associations just to have my name on their membership lists. I served diligently, and I worked hard with others to make things happen and get things done. My approach in the position of Town Councilman will be no different!

If all this makes sense to you, then please come out and vote for me on November 3^rd!

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5. Why Vote For Ray?

Why Ray? - Vote For Ray Because:

• Ray's got common sense
• Ray's not partisan
• Ray's got tremendous energy & enthusiasm
• Ray is going to work well with others
• Ray knows exactly how to get people to work together for a productive consensus
• Ray is well respected and liked in our community
• Ray is very committed & incredibly energetic
• Ray is open and honest
• RAY IS GOING TO WORK REALLY HARD FOR YOU!
• RAY WILL GET THE JOB DONE!

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I Want Your Input - If You Have Questions, Or Concerns, Or Wish To Express Your Opinion About Any Issues Facing Our Grand Island Community - Please Contact Me

Ray Billica