Robert Day has played a role in several city boards and committees over the years, and currently he serves as president of the College Park Estates Civic Association.

Now he is running for a seat in the College Park City Council in District 3 – one of only two contested races in the municipal election in two weeks.

Patch sent a few questions his way. Below are his answers.

College Park Patch: What is your motivation for running for a seat on council?

Robert Day: Over the last 11 years as a volunteer on many College Park boards and commissions, I have worked to represent resident and neighborhood interests to improve the quality of life in our community. Throughout all of my committee roles, I have been an independent community voice, asking the tough questions and focused on representing the needs and desires of the community. My goal now in running for city council is to play a larger role in helping to make sure that College Park remains a community that people and businesses want to call home for years to come.

Patch: What do you think are the most important issues facing District 3, and what are the most important issues facing College Park as a whole?

Day: [One] of the major issues facing District 3 is public safety, [U.S.] Route 1 redesign, and smart economic development within and around our community. 

We must work to maintain and increase investment in the city contract police and neighborhood watch programs. We must also continue to keep clear and open lines of communication with all local law enforcement agencies to increase the use of crime data to support preventative police work, while keeping the community informed.

Redesigning [U.S.] Route 1 will help build a better College Park. I will be a strong advocate for the Purple Line, which will help reduce traffic and expand transit options for the community.   

As new developments are presented to the city, all projects should be held to a high standard to include: Be responsive to the local community and business needs while maintaining adherence to LEED standards and strong stormwater management practices.

Patch: How would you describe the cultural make up of College Park’s District 3, and what challenges and/or opportunities result from that?

Day: I feel while District 3 has its differences from other districts, we are College Park, home to the flagship university for the state. The challenge and opportunity are one in the same. In order to talk for the community, I must first talk with the full community (neighbors, and on/off campus students).  This will help me represent the district concerns fully.  This will also give me the opportunity to help build a better relationship between students and neighbors.

Patch: Over their terms, what positive things do you think your District 3 council representatives have done?

Day:  The council members from district 3 listen to the community and [have] been very vocal when needed.  They have worked very hard at keeping the community informed on all issues.

Patch: Where do you think your current Dist. 3 representatives could have done better?

Day: (Mr. Day did not provide a response.)

Patch: Assuming you are elected (and re-elected), how long do you see yourself remaining on council?

Day: I would like to serve the voters of District 3 [as long as they] see me as serving the needs of the district.