Candidate Questionaires October 2001

From: Gordon Riggle <riggleg@ci.boulder.co.us>

To: <nanner@totalspeed.net>

Sent: Saturday, September 29, 2001 11:01 PM

Subject: Re: CITY COUNCIL CANDIDATE QUESTIONNAIRE

Nancy,

Thank you for passing along your party's questionnaire.

Though I have a 100% voting record in support of Open Space acquisitions and

have been a member, for two years, of council's Environmental Committee, I

still think it unlikely I would qualify for the Green Party's endorsement.

Sincerely,

Gordon Riggle

Council Member

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From: "Don Mock" <donmock@hotmail.com>

To: <ogchris@qwest.net>

Sent: Wednesday, October 03, 2001 10:44 PM

Subject: Completed Questionnaire

Attached is the completed questionnaire in MS-Word98 (Macintosh)

format. Let me know if you have any trouble reading it. Thanks.

-Don

GREEN PARTY - CITY COUNCIL CANDIDATE QUESTIONNAIRE - 2001

1. What experience would you bring to the City Council? I am Executive Director of NOAA’s Climate Diagnostics Center, Boulder’s Deputy Mayor, and a 6-year City Council member. I have extensive experience through my civic activities (see below) in the development review process, parks, recreation, and open space issues, transportation issues, cultural and performing arts issues, neighborhood issues, and business issues.

2. a) What groups have you been active with? b) What has been your role?

3. On average, 70% of registered voters do not turn out for the City's non-presidential elections. a) Why do you think this is the case? b) What would you propose to increase turnout? I think the low turnout is part apathy, part difficulty getting to the polls. I supported mail ballots for this year’s election. I would also be willing to explore the feasibility of Internet voting or voting by phone to increase turnout. I led the effort to lower the eligibility age to run for Council from 25 to 21, which was approved by the voters in 1998, partly to stimulate more interest in city issues in that age group.

4. How would you increase citizen participation in civic affairs? Boulder is pretty well known for lots of public process. However, I think we could make it easier for citizens to get information about current issues. That’s why I have led the effort to get more City documents and the background materials placed on the city’s web site. In addition, working with city staff, I have developed a way for the Council’s email correspondence (HOTLINE) to be public displayed via a web page. Citizens no longer need to subscribe to HOTLINE individually to keep pace with Council email discussions on current issues.

5. a) How do you define affordable housing? b) What specific programs would you propose to increase the supply of affordable housing in the city? I consider affordable housing to include both rental and owner-occupied dwelling units that are within the financial means of households earning 60% or less of the Area Median Income (AMI). Some city programs are targeted toward a smaller group than this; other programs are available for a broader spectrum of household incomes. I have supported "Inclusionary Zoning" that requires 20% of all new residential development be permanently affordable. I believe we could look at applying the same concept to non-residential zones, since there is a logical connection between the creation of new jobs and the demand for housing. In the wake of last year’s defeat of the affordable housing ballot item, I believe we now need to better support our affordable housing non-profits, such as Habitat for Humanity, the Affordable Housing Alliance, and Thistle Community Housing.

6. a) Do you think the University of Colorado is a good neighbor? b) What do you think of CU's plans to develop the South campus property? I think CU could do more to be a good neighbor. They have been doing better lately, especially under the leadership of President Hoffman. As far as CU-South is concerned, I think the site is more appropriate for recreational fields, than for any academic, research, or residential structures. I would support the City buying all or part of the CU-South property for open space and/or flood control purposes, assuming the price was not exorbitant.

7. What is your position on the proposed Living Wage ordinance? I support the idea of a living wage standard for all full-time-permanent City employees and I think we can afford to do that. If the standard were to be applied to all part-time, temporary, and seasonal employees, the cost to the City would be several million dollars, according to preliminary estimates. I do not feel comfortable supporting such a major impact to our budget, at least not without better understanding the economic impact on city programs and services.

8. How would you propose that the City deal with possible budget shortfalls due to a decrease in tax revenues? We have already directed the City Manager to draw up a contingency plan to cut $4,000,000 from the city budget in case of 1) an economic downturn, 2) Crossroads Mall going dark, or 3) failure to renew the 0.15% Public Safety Tax. In the long term, we should explore the idea of an "employment head tax", much like the City of Denver has had for many years. An employment head tax would lessen our dependence of volatile sales tax revenues.

9. What approaches would you take to reduce traffic congestion? As a member of the Council’s Transportation Subcommittee for the last four years, I have strongly supported the expansion of our high-frequency transit service with the recent addition of the JUMP, LEAP, and BOUND, and the upcoming DASH and STAMPEDE. I support the development of a community-wide ECO Pass system. I also have supported putting resources into accelerating the completion of our network of sidewalks and bike lanes. I helped get the Locally Preferred Alternative (LPA) adopted for US 36, which included provision of both Bus Rapid Transit and Commuter Rail between Boulder and Denver.

10. What solutions would you propose to address the jobs to housing ratio in Boulder?

11. a) What are your views on the direction the Crossroads Mall redevelopment should take? b) Do you have any thoughts on the type of landscaping that should be included in the plan? I am fairly flexible on the redevelopment of Crossroads, if someone else is willing to foot the bill. If the city is expected to contribute funds, then there must be a significant public benefit provided on site, such as a civic space or affordable housing. Mixed use would be a good idea, even without city participation. I am in favor of using the city’s condemnation powers, if necessary, to jump start revitalization of Crossroads.

12. What is your position on the displacement of mobile home park tenants? Do you think the city has a role in this? I supported the city’s acquisition of the Mapleton Mobile Home Park and still support its eventual conversion into a tenant-owned park. As to the problems in Boulder Meadows, I am greatly concerned over the reports of evictions over trial issues. I have encouraged the city attorney’s office to look into any violations of law. Since state law does not give the city legal standing to directly intervene, we may want to create a legal-defense fund to assist the park residents to better assert their rights.

13. What would you do to ensure that the environmental quality of Boulder improves? I continue to support the development of viable transportation alternatives to help reduce air pollution. I have also proposed that Boulder become a test-bed for the prototyping of alternative fuels technology, such as hydrogen fuel cells, photovoltaics, passive solar, hydropower, and wind energy. I think it is especially important to explore ways to lessen our community’s and our nation’s dependence on the burning of fossil fuels, because of the tremendous environment damage we are likely to see over the next 100 years from global warming due to greenhouse gases.

14. What is your position on pesticide-use on city-owned land? On private land? I support the phase out of toxic pesticide applications on city-owned land. If this program works well as a demonstration, then I think we can take steps to encourage (or regulate) the phase out of toxic pesticide applications on private land, as well.

15. What is your position regarding the City's new matching funds system for candidates who voluntarily limit their contributions and spending and meet certain other qualifying requirements? Will your campaign be participating in this program? Why or why not? I supported placing this measure on the ballot. My campaign is participating and will be accepting matching funds.

16. What do you think of the City Council taking positions on international issues and issues that relate to foreign policy? I am comfortable taking stands on international and foreign policy issues if there is a fairly strong, logical nexus with Boulder. For instance, several proposed trade agreements would potentially interfere with Boulder’s ability to enforce local environmental regulations. We need to take the time to study such issues and voice our concerns in the form of a resolution. In cases where there is no logical local nexus, I am more cautious because, due to time and resource constraints, Council needs to focus its attention on finding solutions to our pressing local problems.

From: "Don Mock" <donmock@hotmail.com>

To: <ogchris@qwest.net>

Sent: Monday, October 08, 2001 10:57 AM

Subject: Re: Completed Questionnaire

I noticed a typo in my answer to #12. It should read "trivial issues"

not "trial issues". Also, I forgot to answer part of #11 about land-

scaping. I would like to add: "As far as landscaping is concerned, I

haven't thought a lot about it, but green is good." I've posted all

of my responses at my campaign website (www.donmock.com). Thanks.

-Don

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Subject: Fred Smith's Candidate Questionnaire

To: ogchris@qwest.net

1. What experience would you bring to the City Council?

I believe I can diversify the city council by bringing more flavor in than the average candidate. I bring

with me several fresh ideas that I would expect my fellow council members to further develop, including

projects for a living wage, a state minimum wage, and renewable energy issues.

2. What groups have you been active with? What has been your role?

My experience includes participation in the Green Party, the Boulder Oddfellows, and the working

groups of the Greens (i.e. Living Wage & Renewable Energy). As an Oddfellow, I created and chaired

(for 2 years) a committee for charitable donations, under a budget of $30,000. This committee was

responsible for distributing money to many worthwhile charities as well as several educational

scholarships.

3. On average, 70% of registered voters do not turn out for the City's non-presidential

elections.

a) Why do you think this is the case?

I believe that many citizens really do not understand how these oftentimes convoluted ballot measures

really affect them on an everyday level. I do not think Boulder does a good job at making that

connection between complex election issues and then demonstrating how a potential voter could see

themself getting involved.

b) What would you propose to increase turnout?

The city should target issues that affect citizens in a visible, concrete way. Some of these include a

lowering local drinking age for CU students, the debate over a higher minimum wage or a living wage,

and the possible Housing Authority sponsorship of more low-income housing. Notice that all of these are

part of a new debate that has traditionally not been part of election-time banter, such as transportation

suggestions, open-space issues, and traffic congestion. I believe my ideas are fresher, crisper, something

that the public might have an easier time exploring, rather than these other, more conventional,

overly-examined, stale issues that have played a role in elections of the past.

4. How would you increase citizen participation in civic affairs?

As I said earlier, the conventional buzzwords and topics in previous elections have been examined,

re-examined, and defined from every possible angle to the point where citizens have begun to tune them

out. I aim to change the tone of the debate, from apathy to energy. I have already taken steps to

increase citizen participation. For instance, this year I gave UCSU (CU Student Government) a list of

classes composed of 10,000 freshman and other students that might not be registered to vote in hopes

that UCSU might go in and fire these students up about the importance of voting and the key issues on

the ballot.

5.

a) How do you define affordable housing?

Affordable Housing is a housing situation under which a family devotes no more than 30% of its monthly

income to cover housing costs, so that other needs, including medical, food, clothing, education, and

leisure can be met regularly and reasonably. <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns =

"urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />

b) What specific programs would you propose to increase the supply of affordable housing in the

city?

Boulder is one of the most beautiful cities in which one could possibly live in the U.S. Because of the high

demand for such a clean, peaceful, unique living environment, most people cannot afford to buy a home

here, thanks to skyrocketing housing prices. But I believe there should be an affordable option for

civically active Boulder citizens. I propose the launching of a new kind of development funded by the

Housing Authority, constructing durable multi-room apartments at reasonable rents. As time passes,

these rent levels will remain well below market level, creating downward pressure on the rent levels of

surrounding privately-owned complexes. Another benefit to this plan is the opportunity for the Housing

Authority to earn equity in this real estate, allowing it to acquire even more housing for low-income

renters and earn a substantial income with endless possibilities for even more affordable housing.

6.

a) Do you think the University of CO is a good neighbor?

I think CU and the city sit on a teetering see-saw between war and peace. There is a truce, so to speak,

as each player eyes the other.

b) What do you think of CU’s plans to develop the South campus property?

I see this purchase as a very savvy political play on CU’s part. Because the city wants to keep that area

undeveloped, CU holds a strong bargaining chip: by threatening to expand the campus on that piece of

property, the university can hold back any hostile actions on the part of the city.

7. What is your position on the proposed Living Wage ordinance?

Strongly support.

8. How would you propose that the City deal with possible budget shortfalls due to a decrease in

tax revenues?

Boulder, unlike many other areas of the nation, continues to maintain a healthy economy. According to

the mayor, city budget emergency reserves are 6 times higher than they were 4 years ago, when the

national economy was on the upswing. Since our economy shows no signs of slowdown, I cannot

foresee any major budget shortfalls.

9. What approaches would you take to reduce traffic congestion?

Traditional rhetoric: more residential build-up, less commercial and industrial build-up. I support the

concept of greater "infill," building new houses on large tracts of land behind existing houses. With

greater housing opportunities comes city growth and with a larger proportion of Boulder residents

working within city limits, fewer people would need to commute from surrounding towns.

10. What solutions would you propose to address the jobs to housing ration in Boulder?

Simple: create more housing in Boulder and limit the amount of commercial zoning within the city which in

turn, allows fewer new jobs to spring up.

11.

a) What are your views on the direction the Crossroads Mall redevelopment should take?

I think the new development must contain a large proportion of residential units. It should also include a

transit hub with the eventual creation of a train line between Boulder and Denver, and possibly between

Boulder and Longmont.

b) Do you have any thoughts on the type of landscaping that should be included in the plan?

We should include not only a shopping center, but we should also create a community space and a civic

center. Together these would encourage greater foot traffic, local culture, and a more varied night-life

along the lines of what Pearl St. offers us now.

12. What is your position on the displacement of mobile home park tenants? Do you think the

city has a role in this?

While they have mobile home park owners have the right to ask people to leave once there lease is up, I

believe they are unfairly targeting trailer-home owners, finding shoddy reasons to kick these people out

so that they can boost rents on the property. I think the city’s responsibility is to police these turnovers

and encourage renters to take advantage of its arbitration services.

13. What would you do to ensure that the environmental quality of Boulder improves?

The city must take steps to ensure that tax revenue continues to grow in order to maintain or improve

parks, green and recycling programs. We must also buy more open space, whenever possible.

14. What is your position on pesticide-use on city-owned land? On private land?

While my initial impulse is to say no to all pesticides, I also feel there are more green-friendly pesticides

available now. When organic products will not do the job in emergency situations, then and only then can

we turn to traditional pesticides. I really do not know how much authority we the city have in regards to

private land use of pesticides.

15. What is your position regarding the City’s new matching funds system?

I agree with the system for the most part. But I do not like the limitations on grass-roots fundraisers at

clubs and bars. These are too restrictive for candidates trying to win the support of a wide variety of

people.

16. What do you think of the City Council taking position on international issues and issues that

relate to foreign policy?

Yes, it’s important to send messages to the wider public and especially to all levels of government.

When a city takes a stand on an issue such as the World Bank, the federal government is then forced to

recognize what are often shifting public opinions and may be forced to make policy changes based upon

the attitudes of other non-federal public representatives.

***********************************************************************************

Subject: Will Toor Green's questionnaire

To: ogchris@qwest.net

BOULDER COUNTY GREEN PARTY

637B S. Broadway, #329, Boulder, CO 80305

CITY COUNCIL CANDIDATE QUESTIONNAIRE - 2001

1. What experience would you bring to the City Council?

I was elected to council in 1997, and have served as mayor since 1998. In my

professional life, I serve as director of the University of Colorado Environmental

Center, and as an instructor in the Environmental Studies Program.

2. a) What groups have you been active with? What has been your role?

I was elected to the executive committee of the Denver Regional Council of

Governments two years ago. I co-founded the US 36 mayors¹ coalition, to build

the consensus for transportation improvements, including commuter rail,

between Boulder and Denver. I serve on the board of the Colorado

Environmental coalition. I serve on the selection committee for the Brower

Youth Awards, administered by Earth Island Institute.

3. On average, 70% of registered voters do not turn out for the City's

non-presidential elections.

a) Why do you think this is the case?

Partially because many citizens have not lived here for very long, or may not

feel like Boulder is there permanent home. I believe the numbers are also

inflated due to the large number of voters who are still on the registration list,

but have moved out of town.

b) What would you propose to increase turnout?

One key area is to increase student participation in our civic life. I supported the

ballot issue to lower the age at which citizens can run for council from 25 to 21.

I would support active voter registration and Get Out The Vote efforts.

4. How would you increase citizen participation in civic affairs?

One key area is to increase student participation in our civic life. I supported the

ballot issue to lower the age at which citizens can run for council from 25 to 21.

I would support active voter registration and Get Out The Vote efforts.

5. a) How do you define affordable housing?

Housing that is affordable to a range of workers who live in Boulder is all

important.

b) What specific programs would you propose to increase the supply of

affordable housing in the city?

This is most easily answered by looking at what I have supported over the last

4 years:

o Council made affordable housing one of 4 key goals

o Passed "inclusionary zoning" ordinance, requiring a minimum of 20% of any new housing that

is built to be permanently affordable

o Created incentives to developers to provide 35% permanently affordable, and in some areas

45%

o Two high quality projects with the Housing Authority are moving forward ­ the Foothills Housing

site, and the Drive-In Theater site

o Plans for diverse housing ­ some market rate, 50% affordable, in the transit village at the new

rail station at 30th and Pearl

o Personally lobbied the Colorado Commission on Higher Education to require CU to build new

student housing for 1900 students at Williams Village ­ reducing spillover into neighborhoods

o Council has made it clear that Crossroads redevelopment will include housing

o Revised comprehensive plan to support mixed use redevelopment, including housing, in

commercial areas

o Prior to my election, I helped write the co-op housing ordinance

6. a) Do you think the University of CO is a good neighbor?

In some ways yes, in some no. CU has worked closely with the city to develop

the student and faculty bus pass programs, and to develop new transit services

to decrease auto use by students and employees. However, they have not

provided housing to match their enrollment growth, which has caused problems

for many Boulder neighborhoods.

b) What do you think of CU's plans to develop the South campus property?

I BELIEVE THE CITY OF BOULDER SHOULD TRY TO LIMIT DEVELOPMENT ON THE

FLATIRON PROPERTY. AS YOU LIKELY ARE AWARE, THE CITY IS ON RECORD THAT WE

WOULD LIKE TO PURCHASE THIS PROPERTY, WITH A COMBINATION OF FLOOD UTILITY

AND OPEN SPACE FUNDS. IF CU WISHES TO DEVELOP THE PROPERTY WITH BUILDINGS,

IT WILL BE DIFFICULT UNLESS THEY ANNEX TO THE CITY IN ORDER TO RECEIVE

WATER AND SEWER SERVICES. THE CITY WOULD HAVE SUBSTANTIAL BARGAINING

POWER IN SUCH AN ANNEXATION NEGOTIATION. IN ADDITION, THE

INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT I HELPED NEGOTIATE WITH LOUISVILE, SUPERIOR,

AND BOULDER COUNTY ENSURES THAT NONE OF THESE OHER GOVERNMENTS CAN

ANNEX OR PROVIDE SERVICES TO THIS PROPERTY WITHOUT BOULDER¹S AGREEMENT.

IT WILL BE IMPORTANT FOR THE CITY TO WORK WITH CU, IN GOOD FAITH, TO

DEVELOP LAND USE PLANS THAT ADDRESS CU¹S GROWTH NEEDS BY FOCUSING ON

LAND CONTIGUOUS TO THE EXISTING CAMPUS.

8. What is your position on the proposed Living Wage ordinance?

I support the general concept ­ that people working directly or indirectly for the

city should earn enough money to stay out of poverty. I do have questions on

the budgetary impact, and on the number of people who would actually be

helped , and on the impact to nonprofits, which will need to be addressed

before I decide on a specific ordinance.

9. How would you propose that the City deal with possible budget shortfalls due

to a decrease in tax revenues?

I support the approach the city manager has developed, where he has

identified about $4 million in potential cuts to the general fund, including such

items as reducing our computer replacement fund and cutting some middle

management positions. While there are a few specific proposed cuts which I

can not support, there are approximately $3 million in ongoing cuts proposed

which I believe could be implemented if necessary.

10. What approaches would you take to reduce traffic congestion?

We have learned that we can not just build our way out of congestion. While it

is important to make our existing roadways function as well as possible, the

most important steps we can take are to develop our community transit

network, to provide mass transit that works for commuters, and to develop a

network of bike paths and lanes that gives access to all areas of our city. As

Boulder¹s representative to the Denver Regional Council of governments I

successfully argued for millions of dollars in federal funding that allowed us to

begin our new bus services ­ the JUMP, LEAP, and BOUND - and will also

allow 2 new services to begin next year.

10.What solutions would you propose to address the jobs to housing ratio in

Boulder?

THE JOBS/HOUSING IMBALANCE IN THE CITY OF BOULDER IS A SIGNIFICANT

PROBLEM. IT WILL BE VERY DIFFICULT TO MITIGATE AUTO CONGESTION, OR TO MAKE

A REAL DENT IN OUR AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROBLEM, WITHOUT ADDRESSING THIS

ISSUE. HOWEVER WE MUST ADDRESS IT CAREFULLY, CONSIDERING THE IMPACT OF

CHANGES TO OUR LAND USE CODE ON EXISTING LOCAL BUSINESSES AND

NONPROFITS. WE SHOULD ALSO CONSIDER THE POSSIBILITY OF REGIONAL

AGREEMENTS TO TRY TO ACHIEVE MORE BALANCED GROWTH WITHIN OTHER AREAS

OF BOULDER COUNTY AS WELL. WE DEFINITELY NEED TO CONSIDER REZONING SOME

LAND FROM COMMERCIAL TO, ALONG WITH MANY OTHER ALTERNATIVE

MECHANISMS. TO THIS END, I SUPPORTED THE CREATION OF A TASK FORCE, WITH

DIVERSE REPRESENTATION FROM THE ENVIRONMENTAL AND BUSINESS

COMMUNITIES, APPOINTED BY THE CITY MANAGER, TO EXAMINE THE JOBS/HOUSING

BALANCE AND COME BACK WITH A SET OF OPTIONS FOR COUNCIL CONSIDERATION. I

WANT TO HONOR THIS PROCESS, AND WILL WAIT TO SEE THE TASK FORCE¹S ANALYSIS

BEFORE JUDGING THE APPROPRIATE STEPS TO TAKE.

11. a) What are your views on the direction the Crossroads Mall redevelopment

should take?

I believe that the framework plan developed by the city, which retains a retail

core, but converts the site as a whole into a mixed use development with a

significant amount of housing, is a good direction. The plan also calls for

removing much of the surface parking, and making the area more pedestrian

and bicycle friendly.

b) Do you have any thoughts on the type of landscaping that should be

included in the plan?

I don¹t know that there will be a lot of landscaped area. If there is a core green

plaza, I would support turf in areas that will be heavily used, and xeriscape in

other areas. I think that large shade trees should probably be planted in the

vicinity of the residential areas.

12. What is your position on the displacement of mobile home park tenants? Do

you think the city has a role in this?

I supported asking city staff to provide an analysis of the full range of options

available to the city in order to provide support the rights of residents of

Boulder Meadows. I have also strongly supported the efforts to create a

resident owned cooperative at Mapleton Mobile Home Park.

13. What would you do to ensure that the environmental quality of Boulder

improves?

I SUPPORT AN INCREASED CITY FOCUS ON ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND RENEWABLES.

OUR NEW GREEN POINTS PROGRAM WILL HELP. WE ALSO SHOULD ENACT NEW

GREEN BUILDING REQUIREMENTS FOR COMMERCIAL CONSTRUCTION. BEYOND THIS, I

THINK WE NEED TO DEVELOP A LONGER TERM STRATEGY FOR BEGINNING TO SHIFT

TOWARDS NEW TECHNOLOGIES - INCLUDING HIGHER END USE EFFICIENCY, HYBRID

ELECTRIC AND FUEL CELL VEHICLES, EXPANDED USE OF SOLAR AND WIND

GENERATED ELECTRICITY, AND STATIONARY FUEL CELLS.

SOME OF THE THINGS I HAVE ALREADY SUPPORTED INCLUDE:

… I WORKED HARD ON THE HISTORIC ACQUISITION OF OPEN SPACE LANDS BY BOULDER IN JEFFERSON

COUNTY, WHICH HELPED PREVENT A 20,000 ACRE SPRAWL DEVELOPMENT THAT WOULD HAVE

STRETCHED FROM NEAR GOLDEN TO THE BOULDER COUNTY LINE.

… I SUCCESSFULLY ARGUED TO MAKE ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY ONE OF FOUR KEY CITY GOALS.

… I STRONGLY SUPPORTED THE NEW TRASH HAULERS' ORDINANCE WHICH GIVES INCENTIVES TO REDUCE

TRASH AND WILL EXPAND MATERIALS COLLECTED AT CURBSIDE.

… I SUPPORTED USING THE TAX FUNDS THAT THE NEW TRASH HAULERS' ORDINANCE FREED UP FOR NEW

RECYCLING PROGRAMS _ CURBSIDE YARD WASTE COLLECTION, EXPANDED CONSTRUCTION WASTE

RECYCLING, AND A HARD TO RECYCLE CENTER.

… I ADVOCATED FOR THE ENVIRONMENTAL AUDIT OF PARKS. WE ARE NOW REDUCING PESTICIDE USE IN

PARKS.

… I AMENDED THE STAFF PROPOSAL FOR THE NEW GREEN POINTS PROGRAM, TO LEAD TO MORE REUSE

OF CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS AND MORE USE OF SOLAR ENERGY; IT IS THE NATION'S STRONGEST

RESIDENTIAL GREEN BUILDING REQUIREMENT.

I PERSONALLY ADVOCATED FOR THE NORTH BOULDER RECREATION CENTER TO BE

GREEN DESIGN SUCH THAT IT WILL RECEIVE A SILVER RATING FROM THE US GREEN

BUILDING COUNCIL.

14. What is your position on pesticide-use on city-owned land? On private

land?

I HAVE ADVOCATED FOR PHASING OUT THE USE OF TOXICITY LEVEL 1 AND 2 PESTICIDES (EPA TOXICITY

RATINGS) IN BOULDER¹S MUNICIPAL URBAN LANDS. IN SUPPORT OF THIS EFFORT, I HAVE WORKED TO

DIRECT SUBSTANTIAL ADDITIONAL FUNDING FOR NON CHEMICAL PEST CONTROL IN THIS YEAR¹S

BUDGET. I WOULD SUPPORT EFFORTS TO INCREASE PROTECTION FROM EXPOSURE TO TOXIC PESTICIDES

ON PRIVATE LANDS, DEPENDING ON THE SPECIFIC PROPOSAL THAT COMES FORWARD. I SHOULD NOTE,

THOUGH, THAT THERE IS A SUBSTANTIAL LEGAL ISSUE INVOLVING STATE PRE-EMPTION OF PESTICIDE

REGULATION. ONE AREA THAT WE IN THE CITY OF BOULDER COULD TIGHTEN UP IS NOTIFICATION

REQUIREMENTS.

15. What is your position regarding the City's new matching funds system

for candidates who voluntarily limit their contributions and spending and

meet certain other qualifying requirements? Will your campaign be

participating in this program? Why or why not?"

I was a vocal public advocate in favor of the campaign finance reform ballot

issue, which passed overwhelmingly 2 years ago. I will accept matching funds,

as a show of support, although I anticipate only taking a fraction of the

maximum available to each candidate.

16. What do you think of the City Council taking positions on international

issues and issues that relate to foreign policy?

I have voted in favor of city positions on topics such as the MAI and the FTAA.

In general, I believe that there should be some sort of nexus with city issues

before we take a position.

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From: Michael Hamann <thehamanncampaign@hotmail.com>

To: <nanner@totalspeed.net>

Sent: Friday, October 05, 2001 9:32 PM

Subject: Re: CITY COUNCIL CANDIDATE QUESTIONNAIRE

Office Sought:

City Council Seat Name:

Michael Hamann Party:

Democrat (but a fiscal conservative) I would consider being a Green if they ever became federally funded. I voted for Nader. Address:

828 Marine St Apt # 4 Boulder, CO 80302 Phone:

(303) 444 - 4484 E-mail:

TheHamannCampaign@hotmail.com Occupation:

Volunteer Teacher at Boulder Preparatory High School (I will be teaching government class) Sociology Major at the University of Colorado Boulder Education:

I am currently enrolled at CU

We base our work on what we call our Ten Key Values: Social Justice, Ecological Wisdom, Non-violence, Grassroots Democracy, Community-Based Economics, Decentralization, Feminism, Respect for Diversity, Personal and Global Responsibility, and Future Focus.

, Chris Goodwin, at 303-449-0663 (HM).

CITY COUNCIL CANDIDATE QUESTIONNAIRE - 2001

1. What experience would you bring to the City Council?

I was a member of the National Honor Society throughout High School. As a member I performed all kinds of community service, from mowing the grass in our neighborhood mini-park, to picking up litter.

More recently, I have devoted my full attention to helping the citizens of Boulder. Just this morning, I spoke to Pat Arnaudo at the Department of Housing and Urban Development in Washington D.C. (HUD). HUD has a grant program for cities that offer affordable housing vouchers (money for families and individuals who need help with high rent) People in our city, especially the elderly and cash strapped families, need help with the high cost of housing here. They don't want to and often can't move into the city's "affordable housing units," they want to stay where they are. Housing vouchers are the answer. Using federal dollars, we can be fiscally responsible while at the same time offering more to the community.

I was born in Washington D.C. and grew up around government. My father, a police officer and homicide detective in the city for the last thirty years, instilled in me a sense of civic responsibility. He served his city, now I would like to serve mine.

2. a) What groups have you been active with? b) What has been your role?

I am currently a Volunteer Teacher at Boulder Preparatory High School, where I will be teaching government class. I am a student at CU. I also, coincidentally, support the green party and voted for Nader.

3. On average, 70% of registered voters do not turn out for the City's non-presidential elections. a) Why do you think this is the case?

Unfortunately, people do not realize the importance of local government. They are either too busy, or uninformed.

b) What would you propose to increase turnout?

I think the federal government should make election day a national holiday.

4. How would you increase citizen participation in civic affairs?

Education. Possibly even a public television channel devoted to local politics and elections.

5. a) How do you define affordable housing? b) What specific programs would you propose to increase the supply of affordable housing in the city?

The catch phrase "affordable housing" can be deceiving. It does not mean that housing costs will be reduced for current residents. It means that the city will be squandering millions of tax dollars to build housing units (typically ugly developments) for individuals who might otherwise have had difficulty paying for the high cost of housing in Boulder. I want the city to phase out this wasteful program in favor of housing vouchers. I have been investigating federal programs to assist low income individuals in coping with high housing costs here in the City of Boulder. I have already proposed (on a live radio broadcast last night (88.5 FM KGNU) and at a community meeting at the Golden West Senior residence in Boulder that the city abandon it's current housing program (which is funded partially with federal dollars) in favor of a voucher program (My proposed voucher program could take advantage of the same federal dollars at no cost to Boulder taxpayers). A voucher program is superior to the current system because: The current system has very high costs and very limited benefits. Right now the Housing department in Boulder focuses on the aquisition of land and the building of affordable units (this is expensive!!). These units are then designated affordable and leased to individuals who qualify. In other words, in order to get affordable housing in Boulder you must live where the city tells you to. This system stinks. Vouchers help people without requiring them to move. Everyone wins. People get more choice about where they want to live and the city, by avoiding the costs incurred under the old system through big government, land aquisition, and construction, has a substantially increased amount of available funds that can be used to help citizens with high housing costs. This is especially important to seniors who often must live in senior residences (like Golden West) and have not been recieving any help under the current system. And to make this whole deal even sweeter, HUD (the federal department of Housing and Urban Development) has even more federal dollars waiting for us if we decide to turn to a voucher system.

6. a) Do you think the University of CO is a good neighbor? b) What do you think of CU's plans to develop the South campus property?

CU is an excellent neighbor. It provides jobs, it is a huge source of the revenue for the city. Students and faculty staff spend at least a billion dollars a year in the city (food, gas, rent). Plus the University draws tourists to the city. It is a major research University, and this has attracted companies like Ball Aerospace and Sun Microsystems to Boulder. CU not only has a distinguished reputation as an educational institution, but it is an economic generator. On top of all this, the University's presence had helped to make Boulder a culturally, intellectually, and environmentally rich place (plays, sports, library, adult education, etc.) Boulder has enjoyed many things that it couldn't possibly have had without CU.

7. What is your position on the proposed Living Wage ordinance?

This is such a bad idea that it is hardly even worthy of comment. When I first moved to Boulder I worked at a minimum wage job for more than a year (Coco's Restaurant). It wasn't easy to pay for housing in Boulder, but I managed. If an ordinance had been passed to force my employer to raise my pay, the restaurant would have gone out of business. I would have been out of a job (everyone else in the restaurant would have been unemployed too) Many businesses in Boulder, and indeed in the US, run on very small profit margins. If you artificially raise wages, many of these businesses will simply go under. A high "living wage" has been disastrous in France and other socialized countries for just this reason. People in France frequently endure national unemployment rates of 12% or higher. We do not want this in Boulder.

8. How would you propose that the City deal with possible budget shortfalls due to a decrease in tax revenues?

The city needs to tighten its belt a bit. We've had rapid government expansion in Boulder for years now. There's pork and waste everywhere. (The affordable housing project is one example I've already mentioned that's 23 million right there. Then there's cable TV for $250,000 a year, $10,000 a year to store city records in a private facility, $110,000 a year in membership dues to political groups, $100,000 a year to the humane society (what about the United Way?), 2.8 million for the planning department to decide where it might be nice to plant some bushes (does in make sense to pay a consulting firm when we have a University with students who work for free right in our backyard)) Those are just a few examples. Our city is wealthy, it is time they started spending more money on things that will count: education, housing vouchers, an environmentally friendly, economically stimulating, and traffic problem solving light rail system, etc.

9. What approaches would you take to reduce traffic congestion?

More on-campus housing for students. Improved relations with the University might give us the leverage we need to prevent freshmen from bringing cars to school. These a good ideas, but what we really need is a commuter train from Denver, to the University, to crossroads. We have a ton of commuter traffic; we need a commuter train to lighten it.

10. What solutions would you propose to address the jobs to housing ratio in Boulder?

Jobs are good. We need a commuter train. I am totally against a cap on business growth. I do support, however, efforts to prevent suburban sprawl in Boulder. We do not want ugly developments here.

11. a) What are your views on the direction the Crossroads Mall redevelopment should take?

Well, it should take some direction, I think we can all agree on that. I am concerned, however, about the Mall's mysterious demise. Perhaps if council hadn't been busy levying high property taxes and taxes on new development throughout the 90s (to pay for their ill-conceived affordable housing developments, among other things) they would have noticed that they were killing Crossroads Mall. Now they've lost millions in tax revenue and they have a big expensive mess on their hands. Of course, they made it. The only way to revive Crossroads is to abandon the anti-business policies that killed it. New business-friendly policies, and possibly even subsidies for businesses with positive externalities, combined with a Crossroads light rail stop should go a long way towards reviving the mall.

b) Do you have any thoughts on the type of landscaping that should be included in the plan?

The type that doesn't cost taxpayers 2.8 million a year just to think up (2.8 million is the total cost of Boulder's Planning Department). Crossroads should attempt to match the character of Pearl St (if possible)

12. What is your position on the displacement of mobile home park tenants? Do you think the city has a role in this?

I would not support the displacement of anybody from their home.

13. What would you do to ensure that the environmental quality of Boulder improves?

I would work to protect open space and natural wildlife habitat. I would support the light rail (fewer cars). I would support the use of "hydrogen-fuel-cell" busses. Made by Ford and GM in a joint venture, and already in use in Chicago, the exhaust from these buses is water and oxygen. Amazing!

14. What is your position on pesticide-use on city-owned land? On private land?

I oppose it on city property. It needs to be carefully monitored on private lands. I wish we could do away with pesticides entirely, but we simply could not feed the world's population without them. There are too many people, and the yield from organic farming alone simply wouldn't be enough. Everyone would starve.

15. What is your position regarding the City's new matching funds system for candidates who voluntarily limit their contributions and spending and meet certain other qualifying requirements? Will your campaign be participating in this program? Why or why not?"

I am a big supporter of campaign reform, because I believe it will eventually make government more responsible to the people. Right now special interests and soft money rule in Washington D.C.. Campaign finance reform is the answer. I believe history will look fondly upon its fathers. People like John McCain are helping to bring an end to an era of legalized bribery (soft money contributions). I will accept public funds because I believe in them; now I can afford to run for public office. I could not have afforded to without matching funds.

16. What do you think of the City Council taking positions on international issues and issues that relate to foreign policy?

The city should focus on city issues. When the federal government or the President does something ridiculous (like pulling out of the ICBM treaty with Russia like Bush wanted to do or refusing to sign the Kyoto treaty like Bush did do) the city, like any responsible citizen, should formally complain.

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Hello Chris,

Below and attached please find my 2001 Boulder County Green Party candidate questionnaire. Please

let me know if you have any problems with this email or the attachment.

Thanks,

Mark Ruzzin

303.417.9798

8. How would you propose that the City deal with possible budget shortfalls due to a decrease in tax revenues?

12. What is your position on the displacement of mobile home park tenants? Do you think the city has a role in this?

14. What is your position on pesticide use on city-owned land? On private land?

********************************************************** From:

Izzesther@aol.com Mon 12:45 PM

Subject: BCGP City Council candidate Julia Perez's campaign platform

To: grns-gpoc-bcgp@greens.org

Due to no fault of her own or of her campaign committee, Julia Perez did

not send us a reply to the BCGP questionnaire . Since she is a candidate with

views and a record of activism that are clearly in accord with Green values and

with our local campaigns on affordable housing , mobile homes, a living wage,

and the rights of immigrants , I believe that we should at least be aware of her

campaign platform. So, here is Julia's campaign platform :

1. To continue as an advocate and activist for truly affordable housing.

2. To listen to and work for mobile home park residents and apartment

tenants against harassment and unfair evictions.

3.To listen to and work for the small home owners of this city against

neighborhood neglect.

4. To consult locally owned businesses in Boulder and work for

measures that help survive the influx of corporate business.

5. To consult workers in Boulder to find out how the city council

can help with labor issues for low and middle-income families.

6. To support the proposed living wage ordinance to end starvation

wages for employees of firms that are contracted by the city , and to work for

ending the current exploitation of undocumented workers.

7. To work to end discrimination and harassment based on race, religion, age, disabilities, gender,

national origin, or sexual orientation.

8.To consult local environmental groups on their concerns.

9. To welcome input from university students, staff, and faculty regarding

the impact of the university on the housing and economics of Boulder.

10. I propose he city build a usable youth and senior center at

Crossroads Mall and create computer resource centers around the city for

children to use without regard to financial condition.

NOTE: Juia has been endorsed by Dorothy Rupert.

NOTE: Julia is not wishy-washy about the living wage issue.

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