Rick Pukenas is running for another term on Southport Board of Alderman Ward 2. He owns a bed and breakfast, and a tour company. He wants a seat so he can continue working on current city projects -- and his focus isn’t just on the immediate future:
“I try to project out for the next 50 years. What will the next two generations have from us?”
Pukenas is referring to the waterfront stabilization project, which he says will protect the shoreline from coastal erosion into the next century.
He’s also proud to have helped pass ordinances protecting heritage oak trees, and says the upcoming wastewater treatment plan will have a longer lifespan than the current system.
“I’d like to see Southport in 50 years, a lot like it is today. Most of us moved here because of the quaintness of the town, because it's something that just doesn't exist anymore... But at the same time, we still have to upgrade systems. We have to upgrade our wastewater treatment system. We have to upgrade our water system.”
In terms of economic development, he’s all for local businesses, but says the city simply doesn’t have room for commercial industrial properties.