Candidate for Council at Large, Amherst
Democrat
bvanderwyden@erienet.net
440-988-4769
| |
| Employment: |
President - VanderWyden Consultants, Inc.
We provide professional Fundraising Services for non-profit organizations throughout the USA |
| Education: |
B. Arts. Psychology, Kent State University
M. Arts. Sociology, Kent State University
Master of Divinity, Chicago Theological Seminary |
| Community Involvement: |
Amherst City Council-at-Large 1985-87,
Co-Chair Amherst School Levy Committee,
Chair Amherst Public Library Levy Committee,
County Children's Services Board of Directors,
County Mental Health Board of Directors,
County United Way Board of Directors,
County Economic Development Committee,
Pastor, Amherst Congregational Church UCC 1975-87,
20 years Amherst Youth Soccer Coach |
| Family: |
Married 31 years
Four children ages 23-17 |
| Why would
you like to be elected? |
| Amherst has been a great place to raise our children, providing safety, good city services, and a warm small town atmosphere. After my last term on Council, The Amherst News Times wrote an editorial commending my service, "The 'Conscience of Council'... He did his homework and invariably his decisions were based on what he believed was best for the city, not on their popularity... an intelligent, fair, and compassionate individual who typified the best in community service." As Amherst now faces critical challlenges I hope to, once again, provide thoughtful, and effective leadership to enable Amherst to continue to be a safe haven and a wonderful commuity. |
| What
would you like to accomplish if elected? |
| Amherst requires a Master Plan for Development. Amherst has grown to the point that there is not much vacant land remaining. Future development must be planned carefully, so that we preserve some green areas for parks, and also retain the attractiveness of our community. The commercial development that will be coming with the new Turnpike Interchange must be managed so that it augments our tax base, helps with the present budget crunch, aand thereby enables us to provide good services for our growing population. At the same time, we must support our downtown merchants who provide our community's vital core. |
| How do
you think Internet technology will impact government services? |
| Internet Technology can enable elected officials to receive input from citizens, and research information so that effective and appropriate services can be provided for their communities. |
| What
one bit of information do people not normally know about you? |
| I have helped over 100 non-profit organizations and churches throughout the United States raise over $100 million dollars for good causes. My book, "Butterflies - Talking with Children About Death and Life Eternal" is now in its third printing and is available through national bookstores. |
