Meet Windermere Town Council candidate Robert “Bob” McKinley

BIO

• Name: Robert “Bob” McKinley 
• Age: 73
• Education: Leesburg High School. Additional training and courses while serving in the U.S. Army. 
• Occupation: United States Army (Master Sergeant Retired), Controller at Twiler Company

What motivated you to run for town council again?

I love this town. I have served on the council for four years, and we have made a lot of progress in updating our town infrastructure and addressing many of the issues we face. I would like to continue that effort. 

If elected, what would be your top three priorities for the town?

Providing professional facilities for our Town staff, continuing to bring the maintenance of our roads and sidewalks up to acceptable standards, working to resolve our traffic problem. 

Why should town residents vote for you?

I carefully evaluate each item on our agenda and vote for or against it based on need, the betterment of the town, how we will pay for it and input from fellow residents. 

What do you feel is the best way for the town to handle its ongoing cut-through traffic issues?

Selective redesign of traffic flow and going to a neighborhood concept for residential roads. We are currently reviewing neighborhood concept options. 

Where do you stand regarding the town’s initiative to provide safer, modern facilities for the town’s administration personnel and police officers?

I fully support providing safe, healthy and professional facilities for our employees. The current facilities are not only unsafe; they were designed as a school more than 100 years ago. These facilities have served us well, but it is time to provide a professional workspace. 

Some believe the town needs better protections for its trees. What specific changes, if any, would you like to see in the town regarding environmental protections?

There is currently a review underway of our tree ordinance. Hopefully, we can strengthen it to the point where we can better protect our trees. As a Tree City USA, we work hard to preserve our tree canopy. Once the ordinance review has been completed, Town staff will prepare an ordinance for presentation to the council for adoption. 

How would you improve communication between the town administration and residents?

For over two years now, I have emailed a copy of all Council meetings and workshops to a large number of residents and listing each of the important issues to be addressed. I also encourage their attendance and participation. Following each meeting, I send out follow up email listing each action taken by the Council. That email now goes out to over 115 residents. I plan to not only continue this practice but, to add to the number of residents it goes out to.