Candidates prioritize preserving Orono’s lakes and parks as 2050 comp plan nears

Candidates agreed that preserving Orono’s natural assets should be central to the 2050 comprehensive plan.

Maggie Ahrens said the comp plan will guide how the city devotes tax dollars and resources, and cited a recent community survey: “93% of our residents rated the natural beauty of our city to be highly important and highly valuable to them.” Scott Wellman recommended simplifying the comp plan’s language so it is accessible and defensible; he argued clearer writing helps protect what residents value. Incumbent John Schwengler noted Orono’s 21 parks and its proximity to Minneapolis as factors that attract residents and said the city must balance those attractions with watershed protection.

All three candidates referenced the need to protect lake access, reduce chemical runoff and adopt case-by-case approaches for lakeshore variances; Scott stressed that variances run with the property and can have long-term consequences.