Updates for 2023:

The Caroline Democratic Committee supports the continuing open and democratic process of developing a Caroline Town Zoning Law because such a law is uniquely able to establish future land use in Caroline that is consistent with the Town’s Comprehensive Plan. 
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The Caroline Democratic Committee expresses its gratitude for the outstanding service of the current members of the Zoning Commission and Town Board and recognizes their high level of professionalism, patience, and care in carrying out their work.

The Draft Zoning Law which is was prepared by the Zoning Commission is now being considered by the Town Board. It is a long document designed to withstand legal challenges and it is not easy for lay persons or busy people to read it all. However, the Zoning Commission included a shorter summary of the Draft Law in their final report to the Town Board. This summary is available here.

All residents and especially voters in Caroline are encouraged to read this shorter document carefully so that they can ask intelligent and informed questions before they vote.

Priorities and Achievements of the Democratic Town Board (from their 2019 campaign platform)


FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY
  • Town budget under tax cap for past 4 years
  • Built up reserves for new Highway Barn and Town Hall improvements 
  • Secured over one-half million dollars in grants and awards to support town initiatives without increasing town taxes

CLIMATE CHANGE
  • Town Hall Geothermal heating and electric vehicle charging station
  • LED streetlights and LED bulbs to all Caroline households 
  • Revised site plan law to ensure large developers build with the climate in mind 
  • County leadership on energy and transportation

EMERGENCY SERVICES
  • Led county-wide task force to address challenges with volunteer recruitment, retention, training facing all emergency service agencies
  • Dry hydrants to improve access to water sources for fire response
  • Financial  support for EMT training

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
  • Creek restoration projects
  • Town-wide, roadside and creek clean-up days
  • Helped secure farmland and watershed conservation easements

COMMUNICATIONS
  • Expanded broadband service to northeast and southeast Caroline
  • Cell service expansion underway from Slaterville Springs to western border
  • Swift911 participation for emergency communication with residents

COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY
  • Flag policy supports flying LGBTQ and other nationally approved flags
  • Increased support for food pantry 
  • New initiatives for seniors
  • Ongoing support for youth programming
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The 2023 endorsed Democratic candidates for the Town Board, once they have been endorsed, will meet and prepare their platform! Stay tuned for updates.

 (2019) Ongoing Efforts

- South Hill recreation trail
- Broadband for all
- Strengthen emergency
   services
- New town highway barn
- Renewable energy for all
- Expanded senior
   programming
- ATVs on designated rural
   roads
- Growth concerns in
   Brooktondale
- Aquifer protection
- Revised comprehensive
   plan with strengthened
   commitment to preserve
   open space