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

I was asked to run for the District 3 seat on the council. After giving it some thought I decided that it was my turn to join the public service team. I have the support of my friends and family. I'm a U.S. citizen with no restrictions. Everything else is by the will of our voters. To my benefit, I stay current with local issues and history.

Uncontested

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

A vibrant downtown is a big flashing sign that tells visitors "Life is good". The "good life" is not the same as "no challenges." It has ever changing benchmarks which also is good.

In simplified terms, transportation has become the central factor in the formula for downtown success. Now, we must plan to accommodate multiple forms of efficient and eco-friendly transportation to co-exist with legacy vehicles such as the today's truck and automobile. This is a challenge. We don't yet know which forms of transportation will make the cut twenty then, fifty years into the future. This process is still a trial and error program.

I will support the downtown with initiatives that demonstrate viable maintenance and change. The downtown must remain clean, safe, support legacy and alternative transportation, and remain affordable for the population that serves it.

Uncontested

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

Yes. More people are using the downtown attractions. We have more residents in or near downtown. Wear and trash are some of the results of greater downtown usage. I'm in support of placing more city employees downtown for a variety of tasks but specifically to handle ambassadorship, parking issues and general appearance issues. I believe their roles should be highly defined but not limited to single issues.

For example, Sunday morning visitors see a lot of trash on the streets in certain areas.This is particularly true on nights following some IU games. These ambassadors could pick up trash occasionally spotted or call for assistance with larger messes. They might also help visitors help find available parking. They may also help educate downtown business on services available and how to find information about city codes. These ambassadors could be a valued feedback source on city initiatives.

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 need to know more about this proposal before I could declare my support. However, if a clear need is demonstrated, the cost is in line with most estimates and the utilities board is behind it then, I see no reason to decline.

Uncontested

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

Again, I need to learn more about the circumstance and proposal before stating a position.

Uncontested

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

Yes, I do support allocating resources to these improvements. They are long overdue. While I won't be representing these areas directly, I will always be sympathetic to neighborhood concerns. Maintaining or improving neighborhood integrity is paramount. Addressing the integrity concerns sometimes requires noise reduction and integration of alternative transportation avenues with thoroughfares. But, every neighborhood will present a different set of issues. I believe in working through neighborhood concerns.

Uncontested

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

Yes.

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?

I have a lot to learn about TIFs. I'm glad that cities have tools such as TIFs to kick start growth in areas that have settled into stagnation. My concern with incentives, TIFs and such is the measure used identify success.

The business side of government and this case city government must be able to fairly evaluate the level of success on a given incentive. This is the only way we can determine if we are on the right track. Sometimes the proof takes years to surface. As long as good records are kept on original proposals, support for new proposals will be easily identified.

I believe elected officials and appointed commission members a like should take the time to review the goals and historical context of similar TIFs. This is one of the things I will do in preparation for support of new TIF and incentive proposals.

Uncontested