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

Although I am satisfied with my level of community involvement, I am seeking a position on City Council to expand on the foundation of my work with the Commission on the Status of Women and many other advocacy groups focused on giving voice to underrepresented groups in Bloomington. I intend to help build a Bloomington for all of us; focusing on inclusion of all citizens in a vision for a unique and prosperous city. If elected, I will work to represent the issues, concerns and needs of District 2 on City Council and participate fully in the deliberations and decision making of the Council.

This is the first public office I have sought. As such, I bring a new energy and fresh approach to the Council and a District that is proud of the contributions its residents have made to the city. From North Kinser Point, through Northwood Estates and Fritz Terrace, through the streets of Matlock Heights and the rolling hills of Blue Ridge, I am committed to understanding and addressing the needs of our community. I will take leadership and work to assure thoughtfulness and fairness in the services and policies put forward by the city in areas such as public safety, education, economic vitality, growth management, social justice and community character.

I am seeking another term on the City Council because I love Bloomington. I enjoy solving problems. It.s rewarding to know that my experience is helping to shape our city's future.

My best qualification is an understanding of the practical impact that government action has on the daily lives of my neighbors. My willingness to explore all sides of an issue and think creatively help me avoid settling for a .quick fix. when we need bold change. My experience working with other council members will help me be successful in another term. My experience as a business owner and manager has given me a firm understanding of our economy and the impact of public policy on job creation.

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

A vibrant downtown requires integrated plans:

• Business Support: Businesses will locate downtown if they have adequate infrastructure (parking, utilities, services). The city council must assure the infrastructure is sound.
• Vibrant Community Space: The economic vitality of downtown is fostered by attending to the quality of community space (squares, trails, galleries, parks, theaters, library, etc.) and inclusive programming.
• Living Space: Downtown living has expanded dramatically, with that we need to ensure that the quality and character of our community is maintained.
• Awareness: We have, perhaps, the best kept secret of a town in the mid-west. Effective marketing of our downtown to the region within a .day trip. distance can help bring new money into the local economy.

Ample parking is important to the viability of downtown, but congestion can be a deterrent. Easy access to parking garages and a trolley or other downtown circulator will make it easier to get to - and around - our downtown. We must also make sure that our policies don.t drive up the cost of downtown development to the point where local small businesses are priced out of the market. If we want a vibrant downtown, we must make the process for downtown development simpler and more predictable than that for rural development.

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

City resources can be committed in the same areas mentioned above:

• Business Support: We need a viable and equitable parking plan and greater promotion and expansion of alternative transportation options to downtown (bike paths, public transportation).
• Vibrant Community Space: The quality of programming downtown is high. City resources should be used to promote partnerships between businesses, community organizations and service agencies to enrich public space and expand programming.
• Living Space: We need to promote more "full-time" residents downtown to balance student housing and also support affordable housing options to ensure a greater socioeconomic range.
• Awareness: Businesses know their business - the city should focus on bringing people to the door. Once people come downtown, it is up to the business to take it from there. Effective and targeted marketing to the region with a special focus on locally-owned businesses can help accomplish this goal.

I support the implementation of a free shuttle or trolley. I support the creation of an automated parking system and new signage to help promote available parking. I supported the dedication of a downtown information officer to assist visitors and help keep downtown clean. I am in favor of additional incentives for downtown development and effective use of our downtown TIF and CRED districts to improve infrastructure.

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

I would support this proposal given that it meets the best interest of the city and our residents. There must be a balance between the cost of infrastructure and the overall net gain of our investment in such a venture. If it helps guarantee an uninterrupted water source and sustains our city.s infrastructure while benefiting our residents - without sacrificing other essential services - then this type of plan would receive my support. With such a proposal we must also explore the feasibility of community and household water conservation and efficiency approaches, including public education campaigns to reduce waste and subsidies for energy-efficient showerheads, and rain-water conservation.

Maintaining a clean and adequate water supply should be a top priority for city government. A single point of failure is too risky for a resource of this importance. We should be planning and budgeting now for future needs. Actual construction of new facilities should commence as soon as the demand justifies the cost.

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

I believe the capacity of our water treatment facility needs to be expanded. However, my support would be strengthened by demonstrating fiscal responsibility balanced against the overall needs of the city residents. It must be balanced against responsible growth, increased conservation and true demonstration of civic need. Questions like: Does the capacity increase require major new structures or facility upgrading? Or, Is the current capacity of the water treatment facility being best utilized? What water conservation and efficiency plans are being considered with the proposed expansion?

Adequate water treatment has a meaningful impact on our water supply, an important factor for many employers considering Bloomington. We should always fund necessary improvements in our utility infrastructure when demand exceeds our existing capacity.

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

The streets we have should be functional, structurally sound and as safe as possible. When those conditions do not exist, we need to move quickly to correct the situation. Cars are a part of our lives - for the present - and we need to assure safe and timely movement on our roadways. The support for such improvements will be determined by balancing the costs for such improvements against both the affected neighborhoods and larger needs of the community. The Third Street corridor on the East side has been steadily improved as has the portion from Rose Hill Cemetery to the near West side. However, plans for the Second Street west corridor, which cuts through neighborhoods and front yards, deserves greater sensitivity. Long range improvement plans need to address all these concerns.

I have advocated for a defined east-west thoroughfare for many years. Improvements to Second and Third Streets will help, but I support a more comprehensive route that will better serve the increased traffic demands resulting from Southside development. We can also achieve better east-west traffic flow through smarter lane designation and intersection control.

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

I believe that planning for future responsible growth is critical to the long term vitality of our community. However, I believe that redevelopment is also important to a balanced growth plan and as we consider investing in infrastructure. When a business - such as RCA/Thompson - closes down, we should first look at how the newly vacant site could be made attractive to a new user and what infrastructure (utilities, communications, etc.) is needed to redevelop the site before moving on to new areas.

Modern businesses aren't likely to choose a location that doesn't have sewers or electricity. We should use designated TIF and CRED funds to pay for infrastructure in areas that are zoned for business use. Telecommunications infrastructure should also be expanded. The Certified Technology Park and designated Northside Business Park (aka the Acuff TIF) provide great opportunities to attract progressive employers if the proper infrastructure is in place.

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?

Incentives and abatements are important in some cases - especially for new technology and developing industries. There is a balance, however, that must be struck between established companies requests for incentives and social/civic responsibilities. Our community thrives through the income from the tax structure - but the weight of responsibility must rest equally upon personal income and corporate profits. Goodwill from the city and appropriate and fair economic incentives are the right thing to do in certain circumstances when balanced against the larger needs of the community. I am in favor of incentives and tax abatements to locally owned businesses where the money stays in the community. I am not in favor of rubber stamping tax abatements and incentives for national retail chains or large corporations that send revenues out of our community and sustain profits through low wages -- this does not support local growth and a healthy local economy at all.

The best way for government to support economic vitality is to have clear and consistent growth policies. Tax abatements can reduce the financial strain that employers face from property taxes, freeing up money to pay for salaries and benefits. We should approach economic development with simple, targeted incentives, rather than complex regulation that often drives employers to other locations.

Please list any additional information or comments here:

Bloomington is a beautiful and special place. The quality of the community is the result of the hard work of not just a handful of business and community leaders but the dedication and commitment of countless residents. We are at the beginning of the next great moment in our city.s history. We can work together now . at this time . to assure the continuation of what makes Bloomington so special for generations to come.

Thank you for providing me the opportunity to share my views.