Why are you seeking public office and what are your qualifications?

My best qualification to hold public office is my genuine concern for the future of our community. I have lived in District One most of my 54 years. I've gained experience from neighborhood politics, preservation politics and from serving as a council member these last four years. In my remodeling business, I have restored and enhanced houses in neighborhoods all over town for 28 years now. It is my desire to keep fixing our community as a council member for long as I can and to leave behind positive patterns for the future.

Uncontested

How would you support a vibrant downtown (transportation initiatives, parking, etc.)?

The top issue for me is the future of our city and its quality of life. This is a never-ending project. I am proud to have worked to achieve the adoption of the new Downtown Plan and the Zoning Ordinance. These documents will support smart growth patterns for the next ten years or more. We want to grow in an ever more sustainable way and this does not happen by chance. I am on the Plan Commission so I can help make the laws we've passed work the way they're intended. We'll need to constantly tweak these regulations and add to them whenever they don't do what we expect of them, which is to create a great and livable community for all of us. Bloomington must keep evolving into an ever more sustainable community. This simply means we need to grow in ways that make us better.

Uncontested

Are you in favor of committing city resources in the downtown? If so, specifically what would you support?

We must demand quality in new buildings since they are going to be here for a long time. We must enhance transportation options for bus, bike and foot power since our long range future will require these options. We must consider housing affordability too.

Uncontested

Would you support a CBU proposal for a second water line (36'') from the Monroe Plant along with associated pumping and storage facilities?

I understand that the redundancy of having the second line is a matter of water security and if the Utilities Service Board supports this, I will too.

Uncontested

Would you support funding to increase the capacity of our water treatment facility?

If it is financially appropriate and if the need is demonstrated; If it is not done simply to support new sprawl development when we need to be building more compactly for financial and practical reasons related to infrastructure costs; then I would listen to the recommendations of the USB and the mayor and make the right decision at the time.

Uncontested

Would you support allocating city resources for infrastructure improvements on east-west thoroughfares, namely the Second and Third street corridors?

Yes, but the key is to understand that improvement does not necessarily mean widening and turning these streets into in-town highways. These streets must serve their surroundings as well. If their "surroundings" or "transect" (to use new urban terminology) is residential or business oriented, the street must behave within it's appropriate design. Too much speed, crossing distances that are too wide and the absence of parking spaces along the street can divide and degrade areas that could be enhanced instead, by using appropriate street design.

Uncontested

Do you support funding of infrastructure improvements that provide a good foundation to develop key areas in the community for new business recruitment?

It would depend on the circumstances.

Uncontested

What are your views on the government's role in supporting economic vitality (i.e. TIFs, incentives, abatements, etc.) to promote new and expanded business in the community?

While these should be used judiciously, it is a mistake to either dismiss them altogether or always embrace them. This should depend on the individual circumstances and a case-by-case basis.

Uncontested

Please list any additional information or comments here:

Democracy is the best way for us to handle our neighborhood and our city.s issues and it is a joy when it works the way it should. This happens quite often in this beautiful little city that we all call home. I have been honored to serve our community and look forward to continuing to do this job that I love.

Uncontested