CANDIDATE BIOGRAPHY

Meet Robin Schick

Get to know the candidate, her history, what’s important to her, and why she’s running for mayor of

Colonial Beach.

LOCAL SMALL BUSINESS OWNER

INVESTED IN THE COMMUNITY

I grew up in an apartment above Dockside while my parents ran the marina and restaurant. I know first-hand the challenges businesses face specific to Colonial Beach. I opened my own architectural design firm here 8 years ago, and it is growing, along with our town.

It is important to help new businesses navigate the town regulations, to work with current business on improving efficiency in business license/permit procedures, and draw in new types of business services through incentive programs such as the NN Regional Economic Development Strategy and our local Enterprise Zone.

Supporting and attracting small, unique business that give people a reason to come here is important to me. As we grow, I support the goal of becoming a VA Main Street program and partnerships with Downtown Colonial Beach, the SBA, and an educational institution like RCC to form a small business development center and prioritize hiring a Director of Economic Development.
At this time of economic crisis it is critical we share with our fellow business community to help each other. Look to my Facebook page or blog for tips and webinars with useful assistance I find for Colonial Beach business owners.

COMMUNITY PLANNER & EXPERIENCE

Along with my Virginia Municipal League Training and serving 2 years as your Vice-Mayor, I have attended the Incremental Development Alliance program through the VHDA and have the certification from the VA Tech Extension Program in Planning. I have worked with our 2009 Comprehensive Plan and the formation of our new Vision Statement for the updated 2020 Plan. I have advised across 4 previous Town Councils and Chaired the Planning Commission for 3 of the 9 years I served.

I worked for the US Peace Corps from 2008-2010 in Guatemala as a Community Management and Municipal Development volunteer and bring a unique community development skill set, taught by the US State Department. I recently designed the Façade Revitalization Programs for the Towns of Warsaw and Callao in coordination with the NNPDC. I also serve as the Council Liaison to the Resilience Adaptation (RAFT) implementation team for Colonial Beach.

I look forward to implementing our 2020 Comprehensive Plan, am committed to creating a Historic District in our downtown, and using my training to improve communication between the town and citizens.

INVESTING IN TOMORROW

I am not nearing retirement; I am currently investing myself, my family and my livelihood in Colonial Beach. I have been consistently involved in local events and contributing to my community, and more so since my return home from abroad. I taught Spanish at the High School, volunteer for the Chamber of Commerce events, co-organize the Save the Bay Day, and the Dog Day benefit for our Humane Society for the last 9 years. My catalyst into CB community organization began when I designed the 72’ mural on the boardwalk painted by the CB Artist Guild.

Colonial Beach is ready to grow. It is critical at this time to design for growth that reflects our natural character. The challenges ahead will include increased need for emergency services, additional housing that supports our economy, and inevitable storm water and shoreline issues that must be addressed. These all need to be tackled in balance with improving the quality of life by forming a Parks and Recreation Department, fixing paths, streets and sidewalks, and developing a vibrant waterfront.