New Longboat Commissioner Randy Clair shares his priorities

On April 3, the Town Commission unanimously approved Randy Clair to fill the District 1 seat, which was left vacant when Commissioner Armando Linde resigned on March 21. Clair said his neighbors encouraged him to apply for the job, and although he represents District 1, Clair has emphasized that he knows his responsibility is to represent all of the residents of Longboat Key.

The Longboat Observer asked Clair to fill out a questionnaire similar to those completed by the four candidates in the March 14 to see where he stands:

What are three main priorities you will undertake as a town policymaker?

1) Complete update to Town Zoning Code and related Comprehensive Plan provisions; 2) Find an economic source of acceptable white sands grain size for use in beach renourishment programs; and 3) Develop and implement jointly agreed effective solutions to traffic congestion.

As the town moves to update its comprehensive beach management plan, what are some changes you would like to see to the town’s policy on re-nourishment or groins?

Joint planning and contracting with other governmental units to gain shared economic benefits of larger scaled renourishment projects. Continue efforts to find an economic source of white sand.

What are your thoughts on a terminal groin at the north tip of the island?

If the approved Inlet Management Plan for Longboat Pass includes a terminal groin, I would support that recommendation.

Town leaders have made progress in working with the Florida Department of Transportation on some traffic issues. Now that the town has FDOT’s ear, what are some other issues on Gulf of Mexico Drive you want to address?

Continue efforts with FDOT and adjoining community leaders to explore and implement methods to alleviate congestion, including demand or linked timing of critical traffic lights. Remind FDOT to abide by agreement on restrictions, except for boat traffic, for unnecessary New Pass bridge openings during peak traffic hours. With respect to Gulf of Mexico Drive, work with FDOT to expedite the expansion of GMD to three lanes between the south entrance to Country Club Shores, Unit 4, south to the gas station. This will help eliminate public safety concerns and southbound traffic back up caused by left hand traffic into Country Club Shores, Units 1, 2 and 3 and room for left hand turns on to Gulf of Mexico Drive from Country Club Shores.

What are your thoughts on the 65-foot above elevation building height limit?

I support the 65-foot maximum height limitation. I also support a 30 foot height limit for single family properties.

Now that the Colony Beach & Tennis Resort referendum has been defeated, what are your thoughts about future redevelopment of the property?

I hope in my lifetime that the town will finally see the Colony redeveloped into a successful tourist facility.

Meet Randy Clair

Age: 77

Hometown: Lake Bluff, Ill.

Family: Wife, Jean; three daughters, Kathy, Margaret and Pamela; and four grandchildren

Previous elected positions: Town LBK, commissioner-at-large, March 2005 to March 2009

Clubs, organizations: St. Mary, Star of Sea Church Catholic Church, member of Finance Committee; and member of Revitalization Task Force until April 3.

Hobbies: Golf and boating