6 News Lawrence: Candidate Questions

February 18, 2011

What do you hope to accomplish if elected into office?

I hope to make a difference in the way we listen to each neighborhood while working toward better employment opportunities, better housing and better shopping, while controlling the City budget. My emphasis will be on restoring the Downtown as a full-service retail and restaurant district. I am opposed to new sales tax districts or TIF [Tax Increment Financing] districts in Lawrence. Senior Citizen parking should be strategically located in Downtown, in addition to required handicap parking. I oppose any reductions in Downtown’s total municipal parking count.


What are the most difficult challenges facing our community?

Overall employment has fallen significantly in the current economic debacle. Opportunities for long-term growth in Bio-Science, Senior Living and Sustainable Organic Agriculture however abound in Douglas County and our nearby farmland areas. Land use and zoning changes, which abruptly alter established development patterns, are becoming an increasing concern to our community. Ending sprawl and focusing on more central development with appropriate infill is necessary as we witness the upward  acceleration of food, energy, and transportation costs. As the Governor’s recent proposals cut funding for education, arts and mental health, we in Lawrence must make a new commitment to fund our humanitarian institutions.


What are the biggest assets of our community?

The University of Kansas, Haskell Indian Nations University, Spencer Museum of Art, Lawrence Arts Center, Downtown Lawrence, and the proximity to Johnson County and Kansas City are the biggest assets. Lawrence Memorial Hospital and the quality of local physicians and dental care are again far above average for a city of our size. Our people, their education and diverse skills support our claim as the ‘Oasis of Kansas’. The Kansas River is a huge asset but we must be more concerned as a City and County regarding the clean-up of pollutants in the river, the quality of our water, and longevity of Clinton Lake as  a recreational and drinking water resource.


Where do you see Lawrence in 15 years: What’s changed What’s the same?

I believe that Lawrence will become a major center in 21st Century Bio-Science, along with agriculture for northeast Kansas. Lawrence can easily become the center for distribution of organically grown crops, now at more than 10% of national produce and growing rapidly. KU and Downtown Lawrence remain the twin jewels in our crown. While we have developed large tracts of family housing since the 1980’s, we have continued to maintain a very good Parks and Recreational environment. Our park facilities are excellent for a city of this size and are a great complement to the University and local community.


What needs to be done to change the state of Lawrence’s economy? What impact can you make if elected?

We need to take better advantage of our location between state government in Topeka and the metropolitan economy of Kansas City. In light of the national economic situation and budget cuts in Topeka, we must advertise Lawrence’s role as the ‘Oasis of Kansas’. Education and research are our predominant activities so we can easily step up and lead the economic recovery in eastern Kansas. One of my best talents lies in thinking creatively, having a clear vision of long-term goals; and making choices that favor the mutual benefits afforded by business and well-planned economic growth, and that enhance our environment and social services.

Posted in Economy, Environment, Haskell Indian Nations University, Land Use, Sales Tax, Social Services, University of Kansas, Vision | No Comments » | February 21st, 2011

Fire Fighters Local 1596: Candidate Questions

February 22, 2011

(A)   Do you have previous experience in government? If so, explain.

No, I do not have experience as a government employee or elected official. However, I have served on several advisory boards and professional organization committees.

Past memberships:

  • AIA Kansas City Government Affairs Committee
  • AIA Colorado Government Affairs Committee
  • AIA Kansas City Historic Resources Committee
  • AIA Colorado Historic Resources Committee
  • City of Aspen Historic Preservation Commission member 1994 – 1997
  • City of Lawrence Historic Resources Commission member 2004 – 2007
  • City of Aspen Design Review Committee (DRAC) 1994 – 1997
  • Aspen/Pitkin County Light Rail Task Force 2000
  • Aspen Area Community Plan 2000 Commission member 1999
  • City of Aspen Downtown & Pedestrian Plan Committee member 1997 – 1998


(B)   As a commission member what are your top three priorities for the City?

Firstly, fostering an environment of cooperation between local government, business and our neighborhoods. I encourage all neighborhoods in Lawrence to think creatively about the long-term plans for their own schools, neighborhood-retail and business locations in or near their respective neighborhood. We need to improve communications with our local small businesses and keep those lines of communication always open to improve and grow our community with an eye toward reaching all northeastern Kansas markets and beyond from Lawrence.

Secondly, encouraging Downtown Lawrence to grow healthily but not by using artificial TIF-financed projects or by adding any additional sales tax districts. While TIF [Tax Increment Financing] and additional sales tax districts may help when developing retail areas around the Sprint Center in Kansas City I am opposed to any new TIF or tax districts in Lawrence, in part due to the scale of our community.

Thirdly, finding a solution to the Community Shelter problem and encouraging support of Just Food and its food pantry for Douglas County.


(C)   What are the core services that you believe the city should provide?

I believe that the City of Lawrence is providing excellent services in Fire and Police, Trash, Parks & Recreation, Water and Sewer, and other departments as well.

Historic Preservation should be strongly supported by the City Commission since both Downtown Lawrence and our historic neighborhoods are part of the heritage of Lawrence and the attraction that our community holds for visitors.


(D)   Do you have knowledge or have worked with labor unions? If so, explain?

As an architect,  I have  worked extensively with unions in the construction industry: electricians, plumbers, sheet metal workers, elevator equipment contractors, carpenter unions and so forth. Furthermore, as an architect licensed in Kansas and five other states, I can tell you that quality is an important attribute of union labor. Apprenticeship and training within the context of a labor union environment are very beneficial in the construction industry. This quality of training is even more important with regard to Firefighters and Police and I strongly support the heritage and culture of labor unions in education and quality assessment in their respective fields.


(E)   The International Association of Firefighters Local 1596 believes very strongly in the safety of the public, and also the safety of our firefighters. A national study was done by the National Institute of Standards and Technology, which found that four-person crews were able to perform fire ground operations more effectively, and safer than crews that only used 3- or 2-person crews. We believe that staffing is an important part in keeping the public and firefighters safe. We would ask you to support this idea and to work to make staffing levels a priority.

I definitely support four-person crews for firefighters. This makes sense to  me and I do wholeheartedly support this crew-assignment approach.  I am certain that having two pairs of hands and eyes available makes much more sense than one pair with only a single backup. It is obvious that two pairs of firefighters can arrive, setup and be much more effective together in an emergency situation.


(F)   In Lawrence currently, there are only two employee groups that enter into contracts with the City. Do you feel that other employee groups should be given the opportunity to meet and confer with city management in regards to pay, benefits and a safe working environment? Also, please make further comments you have on this item below.

I believe that other employment groups should also have the right to be formed and to collectively bargain with the City. I strongly support collective bargaining for fire, police and all municipal employees. I believe that a responsible, self-regulating labor force produces a better quality work environment and makes cooperation between management and employment groups more productive.


(G)   Would you, if offered, accept an endorsement from the Lawrence Professional  Firefighters PAC?

I have known both volunteer and non-volunteer firefighters in both Kansas and Colorado and would be honored to have your endorsement.

Posted in City Government, Downtown, Economy, Environment, Fire & Police Services, Infrastructure, Land Use, Neighborhoods, Recreation, Sales Tax, Vision | No Comments » | February 21st, 2011