Response to the League of Women Voters Vote Guide

Recently, the League of Women Voters asked me to fill out their survey.  I am not certain it will be posted to their site in time for the election, but I decided to post my answers here:

What role, if any, should the city have in improving mental health and reducing drug dependence, and why? (750 characters)

I believe it is in the city’s best interest to reduce drug dependence and improve mental health. Both issues directly impact the public welfare and the city’s residents. From the bus stabbing where a woman attacked an asian student to addressing the homeless problem, there are many instances of mental health that need to be addressed for the public benefit.

For this reason I support providing resources to address mental health and drug addiction. One such example is a clinic in Seymour that allows people struggling with addiction to work and get clean while they pay for their stay there at no cost to the taxpayer. I am open to any policy that reaches my desk as long as it will actually address the issue. 

What, if anything, should the city do to increase local affordable housing? (750 characters)

The city should reprioritize its development efforts by building homes and dwellings that allow for property ownership. The increase in the number of homes would drive housing costs down and increase availability for potential, future long-term residents. The city has prioritized tenant buildings when it should be prioritizing dwellings such as multi-story condominiums

Home ownership allows for more investment in the community and increases the likelihood of long term residence. Building apartments increases the likelihood of temporary workers who are less likely to stay. For that reason, city development efforts should prioritize keeping development projects that will keep people in the area and see Bloomington as a community. 

What should be done to ensure that all Bloomington residents, particularly those who have been made vulnerable or marginalized, feel safe in public spaces? (750 characters)

Bloomington has to expand efforts to reduce crime and protect the public. This can include hiring more police officers, building a second jail, and improving standards in our jail buildings. I promise to look into these policies, though I will not promise to sign any legislation until I am sure that it has been proven it will have the impact desired.

Violent crime in Bloomington has increased in the last year and crime itself increased from the early 2010s until the start of the pandemic. This has included high profile cases like the bus stabber, the bar shooting, and the target bomber. The best way to make people feel safe is to reduce crime. 

Bloomington’s 2021 Climate Action Plan has numerous goals for mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions and adaptation to climate change. What would you do to achieve these multiple goals? (750 characters)

It is the business of the local government to protect public goods, including the air, waterways, and keeping the city well maintained. I do support policies that will protect our drinking water, keep our streets clean, and reduce overall pollution. Once again though, I will not support any policy until it has proven it will accomplish its goals without hurting the broader public.

I make no promise on any particular goals outlined besides addressing the key issues discussed earlier. Many climate goals are made with the intent of creating a purely symbolic gesture. I am promising I will only prioritize what reaches my seat and make sure that any policies supported will actually accomplish their goals.

How should the city handle the varying traffic needs of bikes, busses, cars, delivery vehicles, pedestrians, and scooters? (750 characters)

The city's transportation goals should always be to maintain the flow of traffic and make it easy for people to move from place to place. I have many friends who bike and I myself ride the buses. However, several of my potential constituents told me many have been dissatisfied with the expansion of bike lanes into the farther parts of Bloomington.

The city must prioritize all traffic updates in ways that will improve the flow of traffic.  It must also be done to benefit the public. Public transport opportunities will also help reduce carbon emissions. It must also be done in a way that does not upset the needs of the local community which is why the needs of different parts of the city must be understood before any policy is made.

Is the level of apparent conflict among local government officials a concern for you? If so, what would you do to decrease conflict and increase collaborative problem solving? (750 characters)

The current level of conflict among the city government does not concern me. Confrontation, though often unenjoyable, is part of the policy making process to get legislation accomplished. It is necessary for politicians to consider all avenues and to consider if the policy they are making is actually good, and a willingness to fight for it helps us determine if that is the case. Still, the main focus should be to keep policy making civil even if we disagree and remember we are passing legislation with the intent of serving the Bloomington public. Disagreement is necessary, but this can be done respectfully.