Pike County Commissioner Candidate Christa Caceres, Democrat
Christa Caceres was nominated to run for Pike County commissioner in August, after intial Democratic candidate, Karen Haycox, dropped out because of imminent relocation. These questions are a combination of those posed to commissioner candidates before the primary and questions asked this month.
What circumstance(s) prompted you to run for commissioner?
We have had one mindset and group run Pike County for years, and while I appreciate their service, we have important unfulfilled needs and gaps in services that I would like to address. Lack of a long-term economic development strategic plan to bring good-paying jobs, the need to expand the county's Ride-Share program for seniors and those with disabilities, the urgent need for more women's health service so Mothers don't have to leave the county to give birth as I did, the Commissioners' over-promotion of Mega-warehouses at the expense of our environment-and honestly, being told "it’s not your turn" by one of the incumbent Commissioners all prompted me to get into this race.
What experience, skills and/or education prepares you for the role of commissioner?
Right now, I serve as Vice-President of Saw Creek Estates Community Association, helping oversee an $8 million budget, 150 employees and 40 miles of road. I serve on the boards of Greater Pike Community Foundation, Pocono Mountains United Way, and the Pocono Mountains Chamber of Commerce. For nearly five years, I was Senior Constituent Manager for Congressman Matt Cartwright, helping residents of Pike County daily: assisting seniors, veterans, and other taxpayers with their problems with the government. I am a wife and mother who understands the needs of everyday Pike Countians and can bring a fresh perspective to the Commissioner’s office. I hold a bachelor’s degree in jurisprudence and a master’s degree in law and public policy.
What would you like to change if elected?
Transportation: Expand the county's ride share program to meet the needs of seniors, people with disabilities and residents who have no vehicle or cannot drive, with a longer-term goal to provide bus service along the county's major arteries.
Healthcare: More access for women’s healthcare so mothers don't have to leave the county to give birth, as I did, and increased mental and behavioral healthcare access for those dealing with addiction and those considered collateral damage (family members who love them and care for their children while they are either incarcerated or unable to provide direct care).
Housing: We have a crisis in affordable housing in Pike County that will not be solved without more proactive leadership addressing infrastructure, zoning, and other obstacles to creating more affordable housing.
Economic Development: Instead of prioritizing Mega-warehouses that harm our environment and quality of life, and don't produce good-paying jobs, the Commissioners’ Economic Development Authority should have a long-range strategic plan to attract higher-paying jobs with less environmental impact, such as those in the financial sector, information technologies, light manufacturing.
What is your biggest concern in Pike County, and how would you address it if elected?
My biggest concern is that our children are not supported as they cross the bridge into adulthood. I'll be the only Commissioner with a child in the public school system and it pains me to see his generation grow up and feel like they must leave Pike County to find career opportunities or to marry and raise a family. We have an obligation to improve the quality of life for the majority, not just the fortunate few.
What kinds of better paying jobs would you work to bring to Pike County, and how would you do that?
We want the information technologies, financial services, and light manufacturing jobs that every community wants-but we don't have the strategic plan, incentives, or leadership necessary to attract them. This requires sophisticated marketing, "shovel-ready" sites, hands-on pro-active leadership from elected and civic officials and a strategic plan that lays the groundwork for Pike County's future economic vitality. We can't simply be reactive to inquiries that come in; we need to define the jobs and investment we want in Pike and execute a plan to attract them. It isn't luck or magic that makes this happen; it is having the right plan and right leadership.
What else would you like to accomplish as commissioner?
The Commissioner’s role includes serving as a fiduciary manager, problem-solver, strategist and ambassador and I will work side-by-side with the other Commissioners to do this. I also hope that my election as Pike County Commissioner will give hope and inspiration to many in Pike County who feel like their voices aren't heard and elected leaders are indifferent to their needs. We need greater accountability from the Commissioners, which I hope to accomplish.
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