Welcome to Boulder Community United's Candidate Questionnaire and Responses for the 2009 Boulder City Council election. We are using this free blog site to post the information since we don't have a website of our own at this time. Below are the candidates' responses to our questionnaire. Each candidate's name is in the title of the comment (see the Blog Archive to the right to navigate to each one), and each has pasted their responses into the questionnaire so that the questions and answers appear together. We have not enabled comments at this time, simply due to the time required to moderate. We hope you will appreciate this opportunity to understand each candidate better. Don't forget to vote!
Here is the introduction we sent each candidate:
Dear Candidate,
Boulder Community United is a union of organizations working for social justice in Boulder. It includes the following and is open to all organizations working toward this goal:
Anti-Defamation League
Bias Incident Hotline
Boulder Pride
Community Action Program
El Centro Amistad
New Vista Equity Cohort
Rocky Mountain Peace and Justice Center
Strategies to End Oppression
YWCA
As a prospective Council member, we would like to understand your position on the following questions, and to extend an invitation to speak at our forum at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, Oct 4th at the YWCA, 2222 14th St., Boulder. David Theilen has graciously offered to post this questionnaire and your responses on his website, liberalandlovingit.com. Please respond to bcu.detre@gmail.com by Tuesday, September 15 to be included on the website and in our email blast to constituents. Thank you for your attention to these issues, which are so critical to our community sustainability.
Monday, October 5, 2009
Fenno Hoffman's Response
1. As the City Budget tightens in response to the economic downturn, and in response to a projected long-term revenue gap, which programs and services should receive the highest priority?
Public safety, utilities & transportation are life-safety priorities, but social and human services programs make life worth saving. Budget “triage” means saving the most critically dependant people first. Support & prevention both need funding. My wife works in the teen parent program at Foothills High School. She helps 12 year old Moms raising sometimes several children while staying in school. This is a tiny program compared to, say, the Library system, but if that were a budget choice, (it isn’t because BVSD funds it) but as an example, I’d trim the Library; not because my wife works at Fairview, but because the teen-parent program achieves integration, involves children & education, supports people in need and prevents future costs (by keeping kids in school) and is outreach, where and when it counts most. All those reasons make it the kind of smart investment I would support, without hesitation.
2. The current City Council has identified as one of its priorities creating a welcoming, inclusive and safe community for all. How can our police department best support this vision?
I think our police department has done a good job building a force that reflects the composition of the community it serves. There is a good effort at community policing too, engaging neighborhood groups to build relationships. However, profiling issues and the level of perceived inclusiveness are both ongoing challenges that many police departments in complex communities face. One of my oldest clients is Intrado in Longmont. They do 911 systems work and I know many former & current police officers. When I was studying pre-med in college, I worked in an emergency room in west Philadelphia and saw every kind of urban violence. I have looked at both sides of police work. Inclusiveness is an ongoing project, like a culture in the police department that must be understood and supported. Public safety is most successful when the police are perceived as there to help, not just enforce. I will support any program that feeds that approach.
3. The City has made many fine efforts to solicit input from underrepresented communities, such as the “Meetings-in-a-Box” component of the last community survey. Participants often feel, however, that they do not know what happens as a result. How can the City do a better job of following up with those underrepresented communities on their input?
We need a good feedback loop that first, verifies public input, (“I hear you saying…”) and then asks, “what questions should we be asking” and asks those (to reveal agendas and missed opportunities) and finally, reports the results of the process back to the same people, asking them if the results make any sense. That full feedback loop brings the most accountability to the process and the most inclusiveness to the participants.
4. What is your position relative to the City’s diversity initiative and what more can or should the City do to support expanded leadership representation for underrepresented communities on Boards and Commissions and on City staff? Would you, for example, support a City Charter amendment to allow resident non-citizens to serve on Boards and Commissions?
People contributing to our lives in Boulder should be represented. Our economy is strongly influenced by non-citizen labor. It seems unfair to selectively exclude opinion based on citizenship. However, 67,000 workers commute in and out of Boulder and none of them can vote here, even though our policies directly affect their daily lives. If we include non-citizens on government Boards & Commissions, should we allow commuting workers to vote?
To avoid that political quagmire and since the format and timing of meetings is often incompatible with the work schedules or communication styles of potential participants anyway, I think outreach can include the voices of everyone who lives and works here, citizen or not, resident or not, without provoking exhausting political delays. I would rather hear those opinions now and avoid getting caught up in citizenship technicalities.
5. Mobile homes provide some of the most affordable housing in Boulder, but mobile home residents are quite vulnerable because landlords control pad rent and park management. What should the City's role be in preserving this form of housing and protecting mobile home residents?
Mobile homes are a great housing choice and we should protect that choice, unless an opportunity to provide more affordable housing is presented.
6. Many in the community feel that the contamination issue at Valmont Butte, a sacred Arapaho site and home to an historic settler’s cemetery, remains unresolved. How would you propose to address this issue?
I’m not up to speed on this issue. I would respect the native site and also attempt responsible cleanup, understanding that disturbing materials can also create danger. Council has not been cautious enough here.
7. Would you consider ensuring access to recreational and sports activities for children and youth of all backgrounds a priority? If so, how would you accomplish this?
Yes. Kid’s pricing discounts help. The 5th graders ski for free programs are creative solutions. In the long run, my work towards developing walkable neighborhoods will integrate daily fitness through walking and access to parks into everyone’s lives. That basic everyday change, replacing driving with walking, changes the community demand for isolated, specialized and expensive fitness activities. Some of these programs are the result of suburban land use patterns. There is a huge correlation between land use patterns and fitness and health that is emerging into the popular press. We will see changes in this area that will give full access to everyone to fitness every day. Even 5th graders can walk for free.
Public safety, utilities & transportation are life-safety priorities, but social and human services programs make life worth saving. Budget “triage” means saving the most critically dependant people first. Support & prevention both need funding. My wife works in the teen parent program at Foothills High School. She helps 12 year old Moms raising sometimes several children while staying in school. This is a tiny program compared to, say, the Library system, but if that were a budget choice, (it isn’t because BVSD funds it) but as an example, I’d trim the Library; not because my wife works at Fairview, but because the teen-parent program achieves integration, involves children & education, supports people in need and prevents future costs (by keeping kids in school) and is outreach, where and when it counts most. All those reasons make it the kind of smart investment I would support, without hesitation.
2. The current City Council has identified as one of its priorities creating a welcoming, inclusive and safe community for all. How can our police department best support this vision?
I think our police department has done a good job building a force that reflects the composition of the community it serves. There is a good effort at community policing too, engaging neighborhood groups to build relationships. However, profiling issues and the level of perceived inclusiveness are both ongoing challenges that many police departments in complex communities face. One of my oldest clients is Intrado in Longmont. They do 911 systems work and I know many former & current police officers. When I was studying pre-med in college, I worked in an emergency room in west Philadelphia and saw every kind of urban violence. I have looked at both sides of police work. Inclusiveness is an ongoing project, like a culture in the police department that must be understood and supported. Public safety is most successful when the police are perceived as there to help, not just enforce. I will support any program that feeds that approach.
3. The City has made many fine efforts to solicit input from underrepresented communities, such as the “Meetings-in-a-Box” component of the last community survey. Participants often feel, however, that they do not know what happens as a result. How can the City do a better job of following up with those underrepresented communities on their input?
We need a good feedback loop that first, verifies public input, (“I hear you saying…”) and then asks, “what questions should we be asking” and asks those (to reveal agendas and missed opportunities) and finally, reports the results of the process back to the same people, asking them if the results make any sense. That full feedback loop brings the most accountability to the process and the most inclusiveness to the participants.
4. What is your position relative to the City’s diversity initiative and what more can or should the City do to support expanded leadership representation for underrepresented communities on Boards and Commissions and on City staff? Would you, for example, support a City Charter amendment to allow resident non-citizens to serve on Boards and Commissions?
People contributing to our lives in Boulder should be represented. Our economy is strongly influenced by non-citizen labor. It seems unfair to selectively exclude opinion based on citizenship. However, 67,000 workers commute in and out of Boulder and none of them can vote here, even though our policies directly affect their daily lives. If we include non-citizens on government Boards & Commissions, should we allow commuting workers to vote?
To avoid that political quagmire and since the format and timing of meetings is often incompatible with the work schedules or communication styles of potential participants anyway, I think outreach can include the voices of everyone who lives and works here, citizen or not, resident or not, without provoking exhausting political delays. I would rather hear those opinions now and avoid getting caught up in citizenship technicalities.
5. Mobile homes provide some of the most affordable housing in Boulder, but mobile home residents are quite vulnerable because landlords control pad rent and park management. What should the City's role be in preserving this form of housing and protecting mobile home residents?
Mobile homes are a great housing choice and we should protect that choice, unless an opportunity to provide more affordable housing is presented.
6. Many in the community feel that the contamination issue at Valmont Butte, a sacred Arapaho site and home to an historic settler’s cemetery, remains unresolved. How would you propose to address this issue?
I’m not up to speed on this issue. I would respect the native site and also attempt responsible cleanup, understanding that disturbing materials can also create danger. Council has not been cautious enough here.
7. Would you consider ensuring access to recreational and sports activities for children and youth of all backgrounds a priority? If so, how would you accomplish this?
Yes. Kid’s pricing discounts help. The 5th graders ski for free programs are creative solutions. In the long run, my work towards developing walkable neighborhoods will integrate daily fitness through walking and access to parks into everyone’s lives. That basic everyday change, replacing driving with walking, changes the community demand for isolated, specialized and expensive fitness activities. Some of these programs are the result of suburban land use patterns. There is a huge correlation between land use patterns and fitness and health that is emerging into the popular press. We will see changes in this area that will give full access to everyone to fitness every day. Even 5th graders can walk for free.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Valerie Mitchell's Response
1. As the City Budget tightens in response to the economic downturn, and in response to a projected long-term revenue gap, which programs and services should receive the highest priority?
I would put police and fire departments at the top of the list, they provide vital services to all of our community members and deserve financial stability and support. The budget is a tricky thing, to see so much of it decrease calls for the City Council to trim not only some large pieces, but to streamline all of the departments as well. It calls for the next council to be not only pragmatic, but also creative and willing to take bold actions if needed. From consolidating our city vehicles into a shared fleet to freezing all extraneous purchases, each action could help tilt us towards the positive. I'm generally against firing employees during times of economic hardships, it's often a quick fix that can have long term effects in the community. That being said, every department's budget should be revisited regularly and with open dialogue between the council, the city staff and the community about ongoing projects and services. These kinds of conversations are what pinpoint the holes and wastes in any budget.
2. The current City Council has identified as one of its priorities creating a welcoming, inclusive and safe community for all. How can our police department best support this vision?
Our police department can help by supporting continuing education classes that focus on tolerance and mediation. We could also build better bridges between our officers and our civilians by promoting more social interaction between the two groups. When I was a little girl we used to attend a 'policeman VS fireman' themed fair once a summer, we had a chance to see our officers in a setting that wasn't connected to the law and they were able to see the support that the community has for them ( there was always a cake and quilt raffle to raise money for them ). Support back from their community is something they might not see as much as we think, and something that would benefit them when trying to promote a safe and welcoming environment to Boulder's citizens. Plus it would bring a fun, annual, low key event to Boulder.
3. The City has made many fine efforts to solicit input from underrepresented communities, such as the “Meetings-in-a-Box” component of the last community survey. Participants often feel, however, that they do not know what happens as a result. How can the City do a better job of following up with those underrepresented communities on their input?
I think we can improve upon our internet networking for the city, find a way to blog online what City Council finds as they investigate and discuss citizen feedback, it's an easy way to build a connection and offer transparent communication. I've read about 4% of Boulder is without access to the internet, so the numbers are in favor of more online exchanges. This would be a quick, easy, cheap way to reach back out to our citizens after they've contributed. I think this is a huge problem with council right now, there are lots of people in the middle who don't feel motivated or welcome to share their thoughts on current issues. Without a feeling of accessibility and worth, most citizens simply avoid getting involved, this does not foster a healthy and balanced community.
4. What is your position relative to the City’s diversity initiative and what more can or should the City do to support expanded leadership representation for underrepresented communities on Boards and Commissions and on City staff? Would you, for example, support a City Charter amendment to allow resident non-citizens to serve on Boards and Commissions?
I'm always in favor of finding ways to get more people involved in their local government, especially the underrepresented. I'm running in hopes of bringing a voice to council that reflects the real struggles of Boulder's working class. I think it's crucial Boulder maintain a diverse panel of citizens on its Boards and Commissions, this is the only way we can truly get a feel for our community's needs and evolution. I would promote a feeling of inclusiveness when dealing with city staffing, reaching out into our community more with employment opportunities and finding new avenues to network through. As for allowing resident non-citizens on Boards and Commissions, I would have to hear the arguments and decide if there's merit to the idea.
5. Mobile homes provide some of the most affordable housing in Boulder, but mobile home residents are quite vulnerable because landlords control pad rent and park management. What should the City's role be in preserving this form of housing and protecting mobile home residents?
The city needs to take action to retain these mobile home parks. I think the affordable housing program in Boulder could be expanded to include future purchases of mobile home parks as they come up for sale in the city. We talk about the affordable housing program as if it's actually affordable to the working class, but the reality of it is that Boulder's working class lives in our mobile parks and rental units. I think the city could be more aggressive in making decisions now that protect the future of our mobile homes, we have already lost vital housing in Boulder due to this issue, we shouldn't sacrifice any more neighborhoods. Boulder's true affordable housing is its rentals and mobile home parks and this part of the population needs a voice on City Council to help with these decisions.
6. Many in the community feel that the contamination issue at Valmont Butte, a sacred Arapaho site and home to an historic settler’s cemetery, remains unresolved. How would you propose to address this issue?
From what I can gather we would need to prove the seller of the property did not disclose the full extent to which the land had been contaminated and then we could pursue legal action to make them help fund the clean up of the site. I feel that no matter what, we need to continue with monitoring and sampling the area and with future clean up plans. I full heartedly support any efforts to clean up Valmont Butte, it's a piece of land that should be returned to its historical roots.
7. Would you consider ensuring access to recreational and sports activities for children and youth of all backgrounds a priority? If so, how would you accomplish this?
I know we're lucky enough to already have an organization in place in Boulder right now that does this exact thing for children in low income housing, the Youth Services Initiative. I think it's very important we continue to support programs like this, it benefits the future generations of Boulder residents to protect and invest in our youth programs today. Children of low income families struggle enough with the extra burdens that come with their family's financial difficulties, to give them this opportunity gives them hope and a sense of acceptance. I would like to see more children included in this program if possible, I understand the guidelines, but I think there are more children that could be involved if they we encouraged to apply. Their parents could either pay a sliding scale fee or trade volunteer hours for their child's participation fee, either way there is a need for these kinds of programs geared towards low income families and I bet if there was a way to include more kids stuck in the fringe, they would come. Linking these programs up with rental properties and government agencies could help spread the word about the program, too.
I would put police and fire departments at the top of the list, they provide vital services to all of our community members and deserve financial stability and support. The budget is a tricky thing, to see so much of it decrease calls for the City Council to trim not only some large pieces, but to streamline all of the departments as well. It calls for the next council to be not only pragmatic, but also creative and willing to take bold actions if needed. From consolidating our city vehicles into a shared fleet to freezing all extraneous purchases, each action could help tilt us towards the positive. I'm generally against firing employees during times of economic hardships, it's often a quick fix that can have long term effects in the community. That being said, every department's budget should be revisited regularly and with open dialogue between the council, the city staff and the community about ongoing projects and services. These kinds of conversations are what pinpoint the holes and wastes in any budget.
2. The current City Council has identified as one of its priorities creating a welcoming, inclusive and safe community for all. How can our police department best support this vision?
Our police department can help by supporting continuing education classes that focus on tolerance and mediation. We could also build better bridges between our officers and our civilians by promoting more social interaction between the two groups. When I was a little girl we used to attend a 'policeman VS fireman' themed fair once a summer, we had a chance to see our officers in a setting that wasn't connected to the law and they were able to see the support that the community has for them ( there was always a cake and quilt raffle to raise money for them ). Support back from their community is something they might not see as much as we think, and something that would benefit them when trying to promote a safe and welcoming environment to Boulder's citizens. Plus it would bring a fun, annual, low key event to Boulder.
3. The City has made many fine efforts to solicit input from underrepresented communities, such as the “Meetings-in-a-Box” component of the last community survey. Participants often feel, however, that they do not know what happens as a result. How can the City do a better job of following up with those underrepresented communities on their input?
I think we can improve upon our internet networking for the city, find a way to blog online what City Council finds as they investigate and discuss citizen feedback, it's an easy way to build a connection and offer transparent communication. I've read about 4% of Boulder is without access to the internet, so the numbers are in favor of more online exchanges. This would be a quick, easy, cheap way to reach back out to our citizens after they've contributed. I think this is a huge problem with council right now, there are lots of people in the middle who don't feel motivated or welcome to share their thoughts on current issues. Without a feeling of accessibility and worth, most citizens simply avoid getting involved, this does not foster a healthy and balanced community.
4. What is your position relative to the City’s diversity initiative and what more can or should the City do to support expanded leadership representation for underrepresented communities on Boards and Commissions and on City staff? Would you, for example, support a City Charter amendment to allow resident non-citizens to serve on Boards and Commissions?
I'm always in favor of finding ways to get more people involved in their local government, especially the underrepresented. I'm running in hopes of bringing a voice to council that reflects the real struggles of Boulder's working class. I think it's crucial Boulder maintain a diverse panel of citizens on its Boards and Commissions, this is the only way we can truly get a feel for our community's needs and evolution. I would promote a feeling of inclusiveness when dealing with city staffing, reaching out into our community more with employment opportunities and finding new avenues to network through. As for allowing resident non-citizens on Boards and Commissions, I would have to hear the arguments and decide if there's merit to the idea.
5. Mobile homes provide some of the most affordable housing in Boulder, but mobile home residents are quite vulnerable because landlords control pad rent and park management. What should the City's role be in preserving this form of housing and protecting mobile home residents?
The city needs to take action to retain these mobile home parks. I think the affordable housing program in Boulder could be expanded to include future purchases of mobile home parks as they come up for sale in the city. We talk about the affordable housing program as if it's actually affordable to the working class, but the reality of it is that Boulder's working class lives in our mobile parks and rental units. I think the city could be more aggressive in making decisions now that protect the future of our mobile homes, we have already lost vital housing in Boulder due to this issue, we shouldn't sacrifice any more neighborhoods. Boulder's true affordable housing is its rentals and mobile home parks and this part of the population needs a voice on City Council to help with these decisions.
6. Many in the community feel that the contamination issue at Valmont Butte, a sacred Arapaho site and home to an historic settler’s cemetery, remains unresolved. How would you propose to address this issue?
From what I can gather we would need to prove the seller of the property did not disclose the full extent to which the land had been contaminated and then we could pursue legal action to make them help fund the clean up of the site. I feel that no matter what, we need to continue with monitoring and sampling the area and with future clean up plans. I full heartedly support any efforts to clean up Valmont Butte, it's a piece of land that should be returned to its historical roots.
7. Would you consider ensuring access to recreational and sports activities for children and youth of all backgrounds a priority? If so, how would you accomplish this?
I know we're lucky enough to already have an organization in place in Boulder right now that does this exact thing for children in low income housing, the Youth Services Initiative. I think it's very important we continue to support programs like this, it benefits the future generations of Boulder residents to protect and invest in our youth programs today. Children of low income families struggle enough with the extra burdens that come with their family's financial difficulties, to give them this opportunity gives them hope and a sense of acceptance. I would like to see more children included in this program if possible, I understand the guidelines, but I think there are more children that could be involved if they we encouraged to apply. Their parents could either pay a sliding scale fee or trade volunteer hours for their child's participation fee, either way there is a need for these kinds of programs geared towards low income families and I bet if there was a way to include more kids stuck in the fringe, they would come. Linking these programs up with rental properties and government agencies could help spread the word about the program, too.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Barry Siff's Response
1. As the City Budget tightens in response to the economic downturn, and in response to a projected long-term revenue gap, which programs and services should receive the highest priority?
Any city has the obligation to protect its citizens first and foremost. Thus, even in times of economic downturn, it is imperative to sustain proper police and fire protection, as well as those “safety net” services necessary to aid and protect citizens with special needs.
2. The current City Council has identified as one of its priorities creating a welcoming, inclusive and safe community for all. How can our police department best support this vision?
Our police department should reflect our community to the degree possible, having officers of both sexes and of color to reflect and be one with the community. In addition, the police department should interact with our citizens and representative groups, whenever possible, outside of “normal” police activities. A good example of this was this past weekend – I attended and spoke at Boulder’s PrideFest on the Pearl Street Mall. Stan Garnett, Boulder County’s District Attorney also spoke to the gathering. This type of engagement with a diverse portion of our community is wonderful and meaningful.
In early September, I had the opportunity to do a “ride along” with a Boulder Police Sergeant on University Hill. It was both interesting and enlightening as to what officers face and what goes on during the late evening and early morning hours on The Hill. Ride alongs by various community leaders and others can only help support the community vision, and help maintain open dialogue.
In addition, it would be great if Police Officers could be able to live in Boulder, as well as work here, so as to have an even greater stake in the community. This goes directly to our affordable housing issue.
3. The City has made many fine efforts to solicit input from underrepresented communities, such as the “Meetings-in-a-Box” component of the last community survey. Participants often feel, however, that they do not know what happens as a result. How can the City do a better job of following up with those underrepresented communities on their input?
Again, it would seem that being able to be more engaged with groups representing our underrepresented communities would go a long way toward not only hearing needs and concerns; but, also, then following up with reports of actions taken as a result. I would welcome the opportunity as a City Council member to attend an ADL, El Centro Amistad, or Boulder Pride meeting, for example, to listen and discuss concerns and actions achieved. It’s all about listening … and, then, acting!
4. What is your position relative to the City’s diversity initiative and what more can or should the City do to support expanded leadership representation for underrepresented communities on Boards and Commissions and on City staff? Would you, for example, support a City Charter amendment to allow resident non-citizens to serve on Boards and Commissions?
There are some strong youth programs in our City; for example YSI – Youth Services Initiative. If we want leaders from underrepresented communities, one way is to grow them. YSI is on the right track. It is then incumbent upon us help the kids feel at ease with one another; and, ultimately, that they do indeed belong here as first-class citizens. This is a step toward growing the diversity of leadership that we will need as a community.
The general principle is to engage Boulder’s diverse populations, and meet each one on their terms, where they are now. It is not easy finding your way into opportunities for engagement in the City; but, if we could identify the benefits for people to engage and list the obstacles to their participation, we could amplify the benefits and lower the hurdles to make it easier for them to get involved.
The voters have spoken on the City Charter amendment; so, I think that we have to start at a more active, “what-can-we-do-right-now” level to make some positive steps.
5. Mobile homes provide some of the most affordable housing in Boulder, but mobile home residents are quite vulnerable because landlords control pad rent and park management. What should the City's role be in preserving this form of housing and protecting mobile home residents?
Mobile home parks, indeed, provide some of the most affordable housing available in Boulder … and, without cost to the City. They help us environmentally and socially by allowing many lower income residents to live in and work in our City, without having to join the overloaded commuter lines in and out of Boulder each day.
As I have sat in City Council meetings for the past 6 months, I have heard many terrible stories of less than desirable situations and actions on the part of mobile home park ownership and management. While I do not believe City Council should micromanage issues that should be managed by City Staff, I do believe Council can set a tone of leadership and support for the residents of these communities, and ask that they receive fair and clear attention from City Staff.
6. Many in the community feel that the contamination issue at Valmont Butte, a sacred Arapaho site and home to an historic settler’s cemetery, remains unresolved. How would you propose to address this issue?
This is a long-standing, very challenging issue that affects lots of different people. Organizations including the City, The Trust for Public Land, and others continue to run into legal challenges due to the toxic contamination and other problems under CERCLA and RICRA. I would like to rekindle the efforts to bring the various interested parties and people together to see what is possible, and identify the best alternative to the present condition. We have a lot of smart, talented people to work on this, and not having found an answer yet does not mean that we shouldn’t keep trying.
7. Would you consider ensuring access to recreational and sports activities for children and youth of all backgrounds a priority? If so, how would you accomplish this?
I have been engaged with Boulder’s Youth Services Initiative program for 5 years now. This helps kids in our City’s affordable housing units become more engaged in City offerings and activities. I have taken well over 100 kids to Colorado Rockies baseball games, CU football games, and recognized the program’s scholars at their Honors Dinners.
As such, my actions have spoken as to my commitment to this priority. However, I have found a general lack of awareness of the YSI – and other – programs for children and youth who may not otherwise be able to take advantage of these activities. I would suggest a stronger marketing campaign to help raise such awareness and improve participation rates. Another example – I spoke to the Boulder Optimist Club last week. They are dedicated to helping youth. They are looking for opportunities to help and work with our youth; and, we are now talking about them doing something with YSI.
It takes values, compassion, and good thought; but, most important, it takes action … and that is something I am committed to. We need to heighten awareness and the activities of such programs aimed at our youth, ultimately working to have lower income kids feel like they belong here as well as anyone – period.
Thank you again for your time and thoughtful answers. We look forward to understanding you better.
Sincerely,
Boulder Community United
Any city has the obligation to protect its citizens first and foremost. Thus, even in times of economic downturn, it is imperative to sustain proper police and fire protection, as well as those “safety net” services necessary to aid and protect citizens with special needs.
2. The current City Council has identified as one of its priorities creating a welcoming, inclusive and safe community for all. How can our police department best support this vision?
Our police department should reflect our community to the degree possible, having officers of both sexes and of color to reflect and be one with the community. In addition, the police department should interact with our citizens and representative groups, whenever possible, outside of “normal” police activities. A good example of this was this past weekend – I attended and spoke at Boulder’s PrideFest on the Pearl Street Mall. Stan Garnett, Boulder County’s District Attorney also spoke to the gathering. This type of engagement with a diverse portion of our community is wonderful and meaningful.
In early September, I had the opportunity to do a “ride along” with a Boulder Police Sergeant on University Hill. It was both interesting and enlightening as to what officers face and what goes on during the late evening and early morning hours on The Hill. Ride alongs by various community leaders and others can only help support the community vision, and help maintain open dialogue.
In addition, it would be great if Police Officers could be able to live in Boulder, as well as work here, so as to have an even greater stake in the community. This goes directly to our affordable housing issue.
3. The City has made many fine efforts to solicit input from underrepresented communities, such as the “Meetings-in-a-Box” component of the last community survey. Participants often feel, however, that they do not know what happens as a result. How can the City do a better job of following up with those underrepresented communities on their input?
Again, it would seem that being able to be more engaged with groups representing our underrepresented communities would go a long way toward not only hearing needs and concerns; but, also, then following up with reports of actions taken as a result. I would welcome the opportunity as a City Council member to attend an ADL, El Centro Amistad, or Boulder Pride meeting, for example, to listen and discuss concerns and actions achieved. It’s all about listening … and, then, acting!
4. What is your position relative to the City’s diversity initiative and what more can or should the City do to support expanded leadership representation for underrepresented communities on Boards and Commissions and on City staff? Would you, for example, support a City Charter amendment to allow resident non-citizens to serve on Boards and Commissions?
There are some strong youth programs in our City; for example YSI – Youth Services Initiative. If we want leaders from underrepresented communities, one way is to grow them. YSI is on the right track. It is then incumbent upon us help the kids feel at ease with one another; and, ultimately, that they do indeed belong here as first-class citizens. This is a step toward growing the diversity of leadership that we will need as a community.
The general principle is to engage Boulder’s diverse populations, and meet each one on their terms, where they are now. It is not easy finding your way into opportunities for engagement in the City; but, if we could identify the benefits for people to engage and list the obstacles to their participation, we could amplify the benefits and lower the hurdles to make it easier for them to get involved.
The voters have spoken on the City Charter amendment; so, I think that we have to start at a more active, “what-can-we-do-right-now” level to make some positive steps.
5. Mobile homes provide some of the most affordable housing in Boulder, but mobile home residents are quite vulnerable because landlords control pad rent and park management. What should the City's role be in preserving this form of housing and protecting mobile home residents?
Mobile home parks, indeed, provide some of the most affordable housing available in Boulder … and, without cost to the City. They help us environmentally and socially by allowing many lower income residents to live in and work in our City, without having to join the overloaded commuter lines in and out of Boulder each day.
As I have sat in City Council meetings for the past 6 months, I have heard many terrible stories of less than desirable situations and actions on the part of mobile home park ownership and management. While I do not believe City Council should micromanage issues that should be managed by City Staff, I do believe Council can set a tone of leadership and support for the residents of these communities, and ask that they receive fair and clear attention from City Staff.
6. Many in the community feel that the contamination issue at Valmont Butte, a sacred Arapaho site and home to an historic settler’s cemetery, remains unresolved. How would you propose to address this issue?
This is a long-standing, very challenging issue that affects lots of different people. Organizations including the City, The Trust for Public Land, and others continue to run into legal challenges due to the toxic contamination and other problems under CERCLA and RICRA. I would like to rekindle the efforts to bring the various interested parties and people together to see what is possible, and identify the best alternative to the present condition. We have a lot of smart, talented people to work on this, and not having found an answer yet does not mean that we shouldn’t keep trying.
7. Would you consider ensuring access to recreational and sports activities for children and youth of all backgrounds a priority? If so, how would you accomplish this?
I have been engaged with Boulder’s Youth Services Initiative program for 5 years now. This helps kids in our City’s affordable housing units become more engaged in City offerings and activities. I have taken well over 100 kids to Colorado Rockies baseball games, CU football games, and recognized the program’s scholars at their Honors Dinners.
As such, my actions have spoken as to my commitment to this priority. However, I have found a general lack of awareness of the YSI – and other – programs for children and youth who may not otherwise be able to take advantage of these activities. I would suggest a stronger marketing campaign to help raise such awareness and improve participation rates. Another example – I spoke to the Boulder Optimist Club last week. They are dedicated to helping youth. They are looking for opportunities to help and work with our youth; and, we are now talking about them doing something with YSI.
It takes values, compassion, and good thought; but, most important, it takes action … and that is something I am committed to. We need to heighten awareness and the activities of such programs aimed at our youth, ultimately working to have lower income kids feel like they belong here as well as anyone – period.
Thank you again for your time and thoughtful answers. We look forward to understanding you better.
Sincerely,
Boulder Community United
Rob Smoke's Response
1. As the City Budget tightens in response to the economic downturn, and in response to a projected long-term revenue gap, which programs and services should receive the highest priority?
I think the highest priority should be human services. I recently submitted a piece for the Daily Camera in which I listed the number one “hidden” agenda item for this year’s council election as “homelessness in Boulder”. It is just part of the entire spectrum of human service issues which have to be addressed if we are ever to have a strong, sustainable community. I was talking about this with someone today – and it is most definitely true that there has been, and may very well continue to be, restrictions on the amount that goes to helping the homeless because our leaders would like to cap the number of people who come here seeking those services. If they’re ‘too good’, more will come here from Denver in search of them. This actually may already occur to some extent; however, I think it’s wrong not to do all that we can. For one thing, people needing mental health support, who may be homeless, are not refuse. In progressive nations—in progressive communities—an effort is made to help in whatever way possible. It may be difficult to provide housing for homeless people, but we also need to consider that even a 300 sq. ft. studio apartment is vastly better for someone than being out in the cold in zero degree temperatures. So…in answer to the question, I support the wide spectrum of housing and human service programs, and some that barely exist if at all. I’ve campaigned and worked for this in various ways during my 23 years in Boulder.
2. The current City Council has identified as one of its priorities creating a welcoming, inclusive and safe community for all. How can our police department best support this vision?
I’ve been a steady advocate for a more conscious vision of policing; one that steers clear of harassment and abuse. As a broadcast journalist on our community station for many years, I frequently had police and sheriff’s department representatives on shows taking calls from the community and talking about these issues. I want to see respect for human rights given paramount importance. As an involved citizen and as a member of the City’s Human Relations Commission for five years I established relationships with our law enforcement community and I think we’ve made ‘some’ progress. When CU turned cameras and sprinklers on individuals attending a “4/20” event on the Boulder campus, I arranged for public scrutiny of this by inviting CU, the chancellor’s office and CU’s law enforcement representatives, together with our city law enforcement staff, to discuss a way out of this type of antagonistic and intolerant abuse for people rallying behind a political cause. This was briefly headline news in Boulder—in 2007, the sprinklers were finally turned off, as were the cameras. In 2009, the 4/20 event at CU went off peacefully and was acknowledged as one of the largest in the nation
.
Of course, all of this scratches the surface – we need a police force that acts responsibly in dealing with all members of the community and does not discriminate against members of minority communities in any way, shape or form. I would like to establish regular reporting on these issues, and a free exchange of information on these issues between community groups and our police department representatives. I see a fair share of problems with the status quo at the moment, and have discussed these issues at length with many individuals. I think there are many officers working in Boulder law enforcement who are pretty good; but it’s not a stretch to believe that we need to do a lot of work at changing the culture of law enforcement from one that is adversarial to one that is at all times helpful to the community. I think the groups that participate in Boulder Community United’s efforts are a key part of the strategy; the involvement of people in these issues day-to-day is very significant.
3. The City has made many fine efforts to solicit input from underrepresented communities, such as the “Meetings-in-a-Box” component of the last community survey. Participants often feel, however, that they do not know what happens as a result. How can the City do a better job of following up with those underrepresented communities on their input?
Hmm. I had some problems with the “meeting-in-a-box” I attended. I know I do want to see a conversion of our Channel 8 facilities from a “propaganda station” to one that has some media interactivity with residents and also addresses tough issues. I’ve made some efforts in this direction as a citizen; for instance, when I served on the HRC, I also served on an “oversight committee” involving CU, where alcohol abuse issues were being addressed. I brought in an MEF video on alcohol, campus violence and sexual abuse that later was put in the rotation on Channel 8; perhaps a small measure, but a direction worth pursuing in the future.
4. What is your position relative to the City’s diversity initiative and what more can or should the City do to support expanded leadership representation for underrepresented communities on Boards and Commissions and on City staff? Would you, for example, support a City Charter amendment to allow resident non-citizens to serve on Boards and Commissions?
Yes…I do support non-citizen representation; I asked that it be put on the ballot.
I also have gone out of my way to speak with opponents of that, and opponents of the anti-hate initiatives, and so forth. Ted Kennedy and several other significant political leaders of the past century, including Mahatma Gandhi, talk at some length about the need to acknowledge and hear one’s opposition; I’m a believer in that. The city attorney, or actually, two past city attorneys went over the issues raised by non-citizen participation with me. I think it’s possible that we can overcome the hurdles on this issue. As far as representation on city staff goes…that’s a toughie. The council doesn’t oversee department staffing decisions and works in a very restricted way with the city manager on staffing policy. I think it’s worth talking about in the public forum; I also think there are other avenues for developing leadership representation – I support the concept and ideas coming from the community to help facilitate it.
5. Mobile homes provide some of the most affordable housing in Boulder, but mobile home residents are quite vulnerable because landlords control pad rent and park management. What should the City's role be in preserving this form of housing and protecting mobile home residents?
I support the city’s present effort to effect some statewide legislation that will improve protection for mobile homes; I also support the city in creating bonding authority for purchase of mobile home parks, and perhaps getting a bonding initiative for that purpose on the ballot.
6. Many in the community feel that the contamination issue at Valmont Butte, a sacred Arapaho site and home to an historic settler’s cemetery, remains unresolved. How would you propose to address this issue?
The city has to stop trying to squeeze dollar value out of property that it may own with only the least ethical examination of what “ownership” signifies.
7. Would you consider ensuring access to recreational and sports activities for children and youth of all backgrounds a priority? If so, how would you accomplish this?
Yes; I’m not sure how to accomplish this in all circumstances; however, I’ll give a prime example of an issue that I’ve been working on that involves this. In point of fact, this is a key issue for me and something I think
exemplifies the problem:
Our reservoir, Boulder reservoir, has been more or less taken over by a cadre of motorized boat users. These people largely come from the wealthy community living outside of the city. The effect of having hundreds of motorized boat and jet ski users is that we’ve driven away those of lesser economic means who would be more likely to engage in quieter, less invasive activities such as kayaking, sailing, fishing, rowing, canoeing, and most importantly, swimming. As a result of the twisted paradigm, the city has given short shrift to support for less-costly, but more inclusive activities that would bring a more diverse group of recreationalists, including families who would just like a safe, quiet, clean environment enabling young swimmers and non-motorized boat users. I want to change the paradigm. I want the motorized users out; I want to restore the aquatic habitat for birds; improve the swim facility with a new beach and “swimmer’s” dock (one that let’s you dive into the deeper water without wading through muck) and I want to make the facility accessible to a much wider audience of people, in particular, families who do not participate in that high-priced culture of aquatic motorists. I want to ensure a precise turnaround that gives a much greater spectrum of participation for this facility; one where our resources are not devoted to the policing and maintenance of a fleet of expensive boats, but of support for simpler and more basic human activities that a much wider segment of our community can enjoy.
Thank you again for your time and thoughtful answers. We look forward to understanding you better.
Sincerely,
Boulder Community United
I think the highest priority should be human services. I recently submitted a piece for the Daily Camera in which I listed the number one “hidden” agenda item for this year’s council election as “homelessness in Boulder”. It is just part of the entire spectrum of human service issues which have to be addressed if we are ever to have a strong, sustainable community. I was talking about this with someone today – and it is most definitely true that there has been, and may very well continue to be, restrictions on the amount that goes to helping the homeless because our leaders would like to cap the number of people who come here seeking those services. If they’re ‘too good’, more will come here from Denver in search of them. This actually may already occur to some extent; however, I think it’s wrong not to do all that we can. For one thing, people needing mental health support, who may be homeless, are not refuse. In progressive nations—in progressive communities—an effort is made to help in whatever way possible. It may be difficult to provide housing for homeless people, but we also need to consider that even a 300 sq. ft. studio apartment is vastly better for someone than being out in the cold in zero degree temperatures. So…in answer to the question, I support the wide spectrum of housing and human service programs, and some that barely exist if at all. I’ve campaigned and worked for this in various ways during my 23 years in Boulder.
2. The current City Council has identified as one of its priorities creating a welcoming, inclusive and safe community for all. How can our police department best support this vision?
I’ve been a steady advocate for a more conscious vision of policing; one that steers clear of harassment and abuse. As a broadcast journalist on our community station for many years, I frequently had police and sheriff’s department representatives on shows taking calls from the community and talking about these issues. I want to see respect for human rights given paramount importance. As an involved citizen and as a member of the City’s Human Relations Commission for five years I established relationships with our law enforcement community and I think we’ve made ‘some’ progress. When CU turned cameras and sprinklers on individuals attending a “4/20” event on the Boulder campus, I arranged for public scrutiny of this by inviting CU, the chancellor’s office and CU’s law enforcement representatives, together with our city law enforcement staff, to discuss a way out of this type of antagonistic and intolerant abuse for people rallying behind a political cause. This was briefly headline news in Boulder—in 2007, the sprinklers were finally turned off, as were the cameras. In 2009, the 4/20 event at CU went off peacefully and was acknowledged as one of the largest in the nation
.
Of course, all of this scratches the surface – we need a police force that acts responsibly in dealing with all members of the community and does not discriminate against members of minority communities in any way, shape or form. I would like to establish regular reporting on these issues, and a free exchange of information on these issues between community groups and our police department representatives. I see a fair share of problems with the status quo at the moment, and have discussed these issues at length with many individuals. I think there are many officers working in Boulder law enforcement who are pretty good; but it’s not a stretch to believe that we need to do a lot of work at changing the culture of law enforcement from one that is adversarial to one that is at all times helpful to the community. I think the groups that participate in Boulder Community United’s efforts are a key part of the strategy; the involvement of people in these issues day-to-day is very significant.
3. The City has made many fine efforts to solicit input from underrepresented communities, such as the “Meetings-in-a-Box” component of the last community survey. Participants often feel, however, that they do not know what happens as a result. How can the City do a better job of following up with those underrepresented communities on their input?
Hmm. I had some problems with the “meeting-in-a-box” I attended. I know I do want to see a conversion of our Channel 8 facilities from a “propaganda station” to one that has some media interactivity with residents and also addresses tough issues. I’ve made some efforts in this direction as a citizen; for instance, when I served on the HRC, I also served on an “oversight committee” involving CU, where alcohol abuse issues were being addressed. I brought in an MEF video on alcohol, campus violence and sexual abuse that later was put in the rotation on Channel 8; perhaps a small measure, but a direction worth pursuing in the future.
4. What is your position relative to the City’s diversity initiative and what more can or should the City do to support expanded leadership representation for underrepresented communities on Boards and Commissions and on City staff? Would you, for example, support a City Charter amendment to allow resident non-citizens to serve on Boards and Commissions?
Yes…I do support non-citizen representation; I asked that it be put on the ballot.
I also have gone out of my way to speak with opponents of that, and opponents of the anti-hate initiatives, and so forth. Ted Kennedy and several other significant political leaders of the past century, including Mahatma Gandhi, talk at some length about the need to acknowledge and hear one’s opposition; I’m a believer in that. The city attorney, or actually, two past city attorneys went over the issues raised by non-citizen participation with me. I think it’s possible that we can overcome the hurdles on this issue. As far as representation on city staff goes…that’s a toughie. The council doesn’t oversee department staffing decisions and works in a very restricted way with the city manager on staffing policy. I think it’s worth talking about in the public forum; I also think there are other avenues for developing leadership representation – I support the concept and ideas coming from the community to help facilitate it.
5. Mobile homes provide some of the most affordable housing in Boulder, but mobile home residents are quite vulnerable because landlords control pad rent and park management. What should the City's role be in preserving this form of housing and protecting mobile home residents?
I support the city’s present effort to effect some statewide legislation that will improve protection for mobile homes; I also support the city in creating bonding authority for purchase of mobile home parks, and perhaps getting a bonding initiative for that purpose on the ballot.
6. Many in the community feel that the contamination issue at Valmont Butte, a sacred Arapaho site and home to an historic settler’s cemetery, remains unresolved. How would you propose to address this issue?
The city has to stop trying to squeeze dollar value out of property that it may own with only the least ethical examination of what “ownership” signifies.
7. Would you consider ensuring access to recreational and sports activities for children and youth of all backgrounds a priority? If so, how would you accomplish this?
Yes; I’m not sure how to accomplish this in all circumstances; however, I’ll give a prime example of an issue that I’ve been working on that involves this. In point of fact, this is a key issue for me and something I think
exemplifies the problem:
Our reservoir, Boulder reservoir, has been more or less taken over by a cadre of motorized boat users. These people largely come from the wealthy community living outside of the city. The effect of having hundreds of motorized boat and jet ski users is that we’ve driven away those of lesser economic means who would be more likely to engage in quieter, less invasive activities such as kayaking, sailing, fishing, rowing, canoeing, and most importantly, swimming. As a result of the twisted paradigm, the city has given short shrift to support for less-costly, but more inclusive activities that would bring a more diverse group of recreationalists, including families who would just like a safe, quiet, clean environment enabling young swimmers and non-motorized boat users. I want to change the paradigm. I want the motorized users out; I want to restore the aquatic habitat for birds; improve the swim facility with a new beach and “swimmer’s” dock (one that let’s you dive into the deeper water without wading through muck) and I want to make the facility accessible to a much wider audience of people, in particular, families who do not participate in that high-priced culture of aquatic motorists. I want to ensure a precise turnaround that gives a much greater spectrum of participation for this facility; one where our resources are not devoted to the policing and maintenance of a fleet of expensive boats, but of support for simpler and more basic human activities that a much wider segment of our community can enjoy.
Thank you again for your time and thoughtful answers. We look forward to understanding you better.
Sincerely,
Boulder Community United
Matthew Appelbaum's Response
1. As the City Budget tightens in response to the economic downturn, and in response to a projected long-term revenue gap, which programs and services should receive the highest priority?
It’s rather too simple to list public safety, water utilities, local road maintenance and the like as priorities of any city government. Boulder’s citizens have long supported a very high level of city services, including libraries, recreation centers, human services, housing, Open Space, and many others, and they too have become priorities, and essential components of the high quality of life we enjoy. So along with the traditional set of “essential” services, programs that support the most vulnerable must continue to be funded, and in fact Boulder has done an admirable job of maintaining strong support for a wide range of human and housing services. As times and needs/desires change, we must reevaluate all services; severe budget cuts over the past seven years have forced much reevaluation and numerous services have suffered significant budget cuts. And it is my hope that, while we must continue to find ways to lower the costs and improve the efficiencies of city programs, our citizens will continue to support a higher level of city services than are perhaps typical, as well as innovative and model programs and policies that set Boulder apart.
2. The current City Council has identified as one of its priorities creating a welcoming, inclusive and safe community for all. How can our police department best support this vision?
I would like to think that our police department does a good job in helping to create the type of community you describe, and on council we have heard very, very little to the contrary. But that does not mean that there aren’t problems or concerns (especially from underrepresented communities that often do not have ongoing dialogue with the city and council, or who might feel uncomfortable raising such issues), and I think that dealing with the issues raised in your questions # 3 and # 4 below would help all of us better understand those concerns. More specifically, I don’t know what type of training the police get regarding inclusiveness and cultural sensitivity and awareness, but such training must be both ongoing and a high priority that is taken seriously and which produces recommended actions and techniques that are a key component of evaluations of police activities.
3. The City has made many fine efforts to solicit input from underrepresented communities, such as the “Meetings-in-a-Box” component of the last community survey. Participants often feel, however, that they do not know what happens as a result. How can the City do a better job of following up with those underrepresented communities on their input?
Thank you for the best question of the many candidate questionnaires we have received – not because I have a great response, but because you have raised an important issue that I haven’t thought much about. Council often gets reports about how the city has created a public process and received input from residents, but we rarely if ever are informed about what types of follow-up is done. While this problem no doubt affects all interested residents, it is clear that it would more directly affect those from underrepresented communities and groups that do not have sufficient informal channels of communication with the city. So I think we need to make this a priority, and a plan for following up with those who have provided input and demonstrated interest must be part of our public process. And, as noted in your next question, we must find ways to get leaders from these underrepresented communities to become more involved with city affairs in leadership roles, since that will help open communication channels.
4. What is your position relative to the City’s diversity initiative and what more can or should the City do to support expanded leadership representation for underrepresented communities on Boards and Commissions and on City staff? Would you, for example, support a City Charter amendment to allow resident non-citizens to serve on Boards and Commissions?
I’ve worked on the issue of getting more diverse representation on city boards since I was on the city council in the 1990’s. I think city boards are an essential part of our government, and provide a critical path for residents to get involved with the city, open communication channels, provide representation for a diverse set of viewpoints, and create opportunities to rise to elected leadership positions. While there has been some limited improvement in this situation, far more needs to be done via more outreach from the city and the creation of a real partnership with the communities – particularly with the leaders of those communities. And city boards are of course not the only avenue for representation, nor is joining one desirable or possible for everyone given the time requirements, so other approaches need to be included. As for allowing all city residents to take part in their government by serving on a city board, I strongly supported that charter amendment in 2007 and still hope that our voters will see the importance of that concept so that we can more fully integrate all of our residents and all of their important views into our city government.
5. Mobile homes provide some of the most affordable housing in Boulder, but mobile home residents are quite vulnerable because landlords control pad rent and park management. What should the City's role be in preserving this form of housing and protecting mobile home residents?
Mobile homes are indeed an essential component of our affordable housing program. For that reason, we have rezoned them so that they must continue to be used as mobile homes and cannot be converted to other uses, and I have strongly supported every such rezoning. But as you note, that alone isn’t sufficient to protect the residents of these mobile home parks because the current regulatory environment gives tenants little if any protection from inappropriate and threatening actions by landlords. I don’t think it is likely that the state legislature will allow cites to engage in any sort of rent control, so protecting tenants from rent increases is currently not something the city can do. However, we must lobby the legislature to allow us to implement a number of resident protection measures, such as advance notice of rent increases, protection from retaliation, requirements related to park upkeep and maintenance, and handling of older mobile home units, among others. Council has just agreed that this lobbying effort will be a top priority for us this year when we talk with our local legislative delegation. We have also directed our city attorney to investigate what authority the city might currently be able to claim that would allow us to better protect residents.
6. Many in the community feel that the contamination issue at Valmont Butte, a sacred Arapaho site and home to an historic settler’s cemetery, remains unresolved. How would you propose to address this issue?
The city is cleaning up Valmont Butte and remediating the contamination under the auspices of both the Environmental Protection Agency and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, which have jurisdiction in this matter and which are charged with protecting public health. I think that is the correct approach, and I would hope that by fully meeting the requirements of those agencies the city will be able to remove itself as a potentially liable party to any additional remediation efforts that might be required. Certainly if there is compelling evidence of unresolved issues those must be considered by the regulatory agencies, but again, they, not the city, have control over this issue. In addition, the city is actively engaged in efforts to get prior owners of the site to take responsibility for their role in its contamination and fund the remediation efforts. Regardless, the historic cemetery and mill site, and the sacred native American sites must be preserved and protected, although that still should leave considerable land at the Butte for creating something appropriate and of significant community benefit, such as a solar farm or other approach to reducing our greenhouse gas emissions.
7. Would you consider ensuring access to recreational and sports activities for children and youth of all backgrounds a priority? If so, how would you accomplish this?
Access for all of our residents to all of our recreational facilities and programs is simply essential, and that access must be not just in name only but fully realized. I have made that clear many times, most recently during a discussion with the city’s new director of Parks and Recreation when I referenced my long-standing concerns with our soccer programs. While we understandably have essentially turned over these programs to several private non-profit organizations, it is not at all clear to me that all children/youth are fully welcomed, or that the outreach to those who are all too often underrepresented in these programs is as aggressive and effective as needed. Since these programs are essentially given control over fields that are owned by the city and built with taxpayers’ money, it is critical that the city ensure that the programs fully meet all of our diversity goals. I don’t mean to single out soccer; I’m not an expert on this issue and it is certainly possible that the soccer programs are reasonably successful in this regard. And it is likely that there are other programs and sports that are lacking. As a councilmember who sets policy and gives direction – but does not operationally run the city – I believe my role is to raise these issues, talk with communities and groups who believe there are issues to be resolved, and make it clear that ensuring full access is both a critical goal and a top priority for Parks.
It’s rather too simple to list public safety, water utilities, local road maintenance and the like as priorities of any city government. Boulder’s citizens have long supported a very high level of city services, including libraries, recreation centers, human services, housing, Open Space, and many others, and they too have become priorities, and essential components of the high quality of life we enjoy. So along with the traditional set of “essential” services, programs that support the most vulnerable must continue to be funded, and in fact Boulder has done an admirable job of maintaining strong support for a wide range of human and housing services. As times and needs/desires change, we must reevaluate all services; severe budget cuts over the past seven years have forced much reevaluation and numerous services have suffered significant budget cuts. And it is my hope that, while we must continue to find ways to lower the costs and improve the efficiencies of city programs, our citizens will continue to support a higher level of city services than are perhaps typical, as well as innovative and model programs and policies that set Boulder apart.
2. The current City Council has identified as one of its priorities creating a welcoming, inclusive and safe community for all. How can our police department best support this vision?
I would like to think that our police department does a good job in helping to create the type of community you describe, and on council we have heard very, very little to the contrary. But that does not mean that there aren’t problems or concerns (especially from underrepresented communities that often do not have ongoing dialogue with the city and council, or who might feel uncomfortable raising such issues), and I think that dealing with the issues raised in your questions # 3 and # 4 below would help all of us better understand those concerns. More specifically, I don’t know what type of training the police get regarding inclusiveness and cultural sensitivity and awareness, but such training must be both ongoing and a high priority that is taken seriously and which produces recommended actions and techniques that are a key component of evaluations of police activities.
3. The City has made many fine efforts to solicit input from underrepresented communities, such as the “Meetings-in-a-Box” component of the last community survey. Participants often feel, however, that they do not know what happens as a result. How can the City do a better job of following up with those underrepresented communities on their input?
Thank you for the best question of the many candidate questionnaires we have received – not because I have a great response, but because you have raised an important issue that I haven’t thought much about. Council often gets reports about how the city has created a public process and received input from residents, but we rarely if ever are informed about what types of follow-up is done. While this problem no doubt affects all interested residents, it is clear that it would more directly affect those from underrepresented communities and groups that do not have sufficient informal channels of communication with the city. So I think we need to make this a priority, and a plan for following up with those who have provided input and demonstrated interest must be part of our public process. And, as noted in your next question, we must find ways to get leaders from these underrepresented communities to become more involved with city affairs in leadership roles, since that will help open communication channels.
4. What is your position relative to the City’s diversity initiative and what more can or should the City do to support expanded leadership representation for underrepresented communities on Boards and Commissions and on City staff? Would you, for example, support a City Charter amendment to allow resident non-citizens to serve on Boards and Commissions?
I’ve worked on the issue of getting more diverse representation on city boards since I was on the city council in the 1990’s. I think city boards are an essential part of our government, and provide a critical path for residents to get involved with the city, open communication channels, provide representation for a diverse set of viewpoints, and create opportunities to rise to elected leadership positions. While there has been some limited improvement in this situation, far more needs to be done via more outreach from the city and the creation of a real partnership with the communities – particularly with the leaders of those communities. And city boards are of course not the only avenue for representation, nor is joining one desirable or possible for everyone given the time requirements, so other approaches need to be included. As for allowing all city residents to take part in their government by serving on a city board, I strongly supported that charter amendment in 2007 and still hope that our voters will see the importance of that concept so that we can more fully integrate all of our residents and all of their important views into our city government.
5. Mobile homes provide some of the most affordable housing in Boulder, but mobile home residents are quite vulnerable because landlords control pad rent and park management. What should the City's role be in preserving this form of housing and protecting mobile home residents?
Mobile homes are indeed an essential component of our affordable housing program. For that reason, we have rezoned them so that they must continue to be used as mobile homes and cannot be converted to other uses, and I have strongly supported every such rezoning. But as you note, that alone isn’t sufficient to protect the residents of these mobile home parks because the current regulatory environment gives tenants little if any protection from inappropriate and threatening actions by landlords. I don’t think it is likely that the state legislature will allow cites to engage in any sort of rent control, so protecting tenants from rent increases is currently not something the city can do. However, we must lobby the legislature to allow us to implement a number of resident protection measures, such as advance notice of rent increases, protection from retaliation, requirements related to park upkeep and maintenance, and handling of older mobile home units, among others. Council has just agreed that this lobbying effort will be a top priority for us this year when we talk with our local legislative delegation. We have also directed our city attorney to investigate what authority the city might currently be able to claim that would allow us to better protect residents.
6. Many in the community feel that the contamination issue at Valmont Butte, a sacred Arapaho site and home to an historic settler’s cemetery, remains unresolved. How would you propose to address this issue?
The city is cleaning up Valmont Butte and remediating the contamination under the auspices of both the Environmental Protection Agency and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, which have jurisdiction in this matter and which are charged with protecting public health. I think that is the correct approach, and I would hope that by fully meeting the requirements of those agencies the city will be able to remove itself as a potentially liable party to any additional remediation efforts that might be required. Certainly if there is compelling evidence of unresolved issues those must be considered by the regulatory agencies, but again, they, not the city, have control over this issue. In addition, the city is actively engaged in efforts to get prior owners of the site to take responsibility for their role in its contamination and fund the remediation efforts. Regardless, the historic cemetery and mill site, and the sacred native American sites must be preserved and protected, although that still should leave considerable land at the Butte for creating something appropriate and of significant community benefit, such as a solar farm or other approach to reducing our greenhouse gas emissions.
7. Would you consider ensuring access to recreational and sports activities for children and youth of all backgrounds a priority? If so, how would you accomplish this?
Access for all of our residents to all of our recreational facilities and programs is simply essential, and that access must be not just in name only but fully realized. I have made that clear many times, most recently during a discussion with the city’s new director of Parks and Recreation when I referenced my long-standing concerns with our soccer programs. While we understandably have essentially turned over these programs to several private non-profit organizations, it is not at all clear to me that all children/youth are fully welcomed, or that the outreach to those who are all too often underrepresented in these programs is as aggressive and effective as needed. Since these programs are essentially given control over fields that are owned by the city and built with taxpayers’ money, it is critical that the city ensure that the programs fully meet all of our diversity goals. I don’t mean to single out soccer; I’m not an expert on this issue and it is certainly possible that the soccer programs are reasonably successful in this regard. And it is likely that there are other programs and sports that are lacking. As a councilmember who sets policy and gives direction – but does not operationally run the city – I believe my role is to raise these issues, talk with communities and groups who believe there are issues to be resolved, and make it clear that ensuring full access is both a critical goal and a top priority for Parks.
Seth Brigham's Response
As the City Budget tightens in response to the economic downturn, and in response to a projected long-term revenue gap, which programs and services should receive the highest priority?
As planned, the city must reduce the number of employees, though, I would phase out jobs that are not currently filled and that are not essential to the operation of the city.
This has to be the one of most difficult decisions a city manager has to make. Losing jobs is not good for the economy, in the long run.
We have to be creative, such as having furloughs occur the day before or after holidays, or closing the municipal building on the same days.
Obviously, we have to decide what is nonessential services provided to Boulder residents. No one wants to cut critical services such as police, fire and human services, but, I do think that we could be more efficient in these areas.
Personally, I think we should move towards decriminalizing marijuana and thus cut some funds from the Boulder's Drug Task Force and spend a little more on drug education and a lot less on enforcement and interdiction.
I do believe the police department, for example, could delay hiring cops.
I support the decision not to close any library branches or recreation centers but I think it's unwise to shorten the hours of operation at the main Library.
In these difficult economic times, the library is being used more than ever.
Preserving community resources is a position shared by the public. But, with Open space reliant on sales taxes we need to prioritize what maintenance, upkeep and additional trail work is necessary at this time. With loans/bonds owed over time for existing land purchases we might have to take a long pause before making any new purchases.
Our budget revenue is too heavily based on sales taxes, and thus, we find ourselves with such a budget deficit during this recession, not only because residents are tightening their belts but there is less tourism and they too are spending less.
I would attempt to institute a progressive income tax, and perhaps, restructure sales taxes.
I would like to eliminate food sales taxes all together, but, then we'd have to find, raise or restructure other taxes and fees.
I support hikes in levies on commercial property and sales, some of it going towards affordable housing and some to retain essential services and maintain infrastructure.
So how do we have fiscal sustainability without eliminating core services?
The allocation of funding available from the removal of the remaining TABOR restrictions on property tax, approved by voters in November 2008, helps.
This will allow funding for core city services such as those identified as critical deficiencies, including fire apparatus, information technologies, energy costs and facility maintenance.
Whenever possible we should look at re-inventing programs through grant funding and partnerships, rather than eliminating them.
The city manager should better align staff to assess current trends and opportunities such as going after ‘green’ projects money.
We must do an inventory of simple savings measures, such as making city buildings energy efficient, switching the lights at traffic signals, having private groups, local neighborhoods and residents "adopt" the maintenance of some streets and street medians.
I think we are not estimating how much we might benefit from the national stimulus dollars coming into our city.
Nonetheless, I am not naïve enough to believe that the solution will not have to include cuts.
I believe that the Economic Vitality Program funds should be cut, $750,000 spent for 2009, if not eliminated. It's not fair to give out tax breaks to businesses while we are making public sector cuts. I would not be opposed to micro loans, but, the Chamber of Commerce actually wants to double the budget for this program in 2010.
I do not support including reductions to health and human service programs. Cuts might even mean the closure of some popular and much needed antipoverty and mental health programs, as is expected in Lafayette. I think the effects of those cuts would cost the city more in the long run.
Protecting the safety net and stabilizing communities is key and so I would fight hard not to make cutbacks in those areas.
We have a lot of wealth in this city, and we have to move it around to alleviate the deficit.
I'm open to new revenue measures but it's got to go hand in hand with reform, which includes consolidating departments and streamlining government.
We have to be very careful with the greatest of our assets; open spaces, parks and recreation, arts and culture. That's what brings people to visit and live in Boulder.
The current City Council has identified as one of its priorities creating a welcoming, inclusive and safe community for all. How can our police department best support this vision?
The Boulder Police department should embark on a comprehensive process to become a fully dedicated community-policing agency.
There should be an intensified program to educate police officers on the most effective ways to work together with neighborhood residents to maintain order legally, humanely, respectfully and equitably.
In the recruitment of police officer's there should be strategies/outreach to employ more officers with a precise set of strengths, especially communication skills, is needed.
The premise is that the single most important step in the development of a good officer is the initial one - identifying the right candidate. From the beginning recruitment goals have to be clear. While all qualified individuals are encouraged to apply, mature, service-oriented residents from populations, which have been traditionally undeserved in the community, should be especially sought.
Community outreach done in partnership with community members is also necessary.
There should be more of building relationships with the many educational institutions and community agencies in our area, while going directly to the people they serve for opinions, advice, and participation in recruitment campaigns.
The Boulder Police department should clearly define its community policing strategies, and educate it's officers and officer's to use these strategies in an interactive, community-oriented curriculum, which take students/officers out of the classroom and into the neighborhoods.
In addition to a curriculum of traditional subjects such as constitutional law, use of force decision making, defensive tactics, firearms, penal code and motor vehicle law, students should learn about the history, culture and values of Boulder's many different populations. Other courses should include Milestones in Civil Rights Legislation, Non-Violent Management of Aggressive Behavior, Alternative Dispute Resolution, HIV/AIDS, the Boulder Needle Exchange Program ( there should be a legal one ), Sexual Harassment, Bias and Hate Crimes, and Individuals with Memory, Hearing and Seizure Disorders. The department should be committed to police understanding of child and adolescent behavior.
I have personally spoke in front of groups of police officers on the subject of mental health, to sensitize them to the plight of those afflicted with a mental disorder, and, to emphasize a non-aggressive approach towards managing conflicts.
Inclusive, non-militaristic language should be used in all classes, assignments, and publications: students are no longer recruits, cadets or trainees; police department has replaced police force; policemen and women are police participates in structured clinical rotations within the community agencies, in independent research and in classes held onsite in such diverse locations as soup kitchens, battered women's shelters, centers for homeless and runaway youth, HIV/AIDS information clearing houses and substance abuse clinics. Students should complete fieldwork supervised by academic advisors from the collaborating agencies; they meet, rather than merely hear about, the wide variety of citizens they are being trained to protect and serve.
Providing continuing education for both sworn and civilian department members is key. Every year review training should be conducted in state-mandated subject areas such as legislation, firearms re-qualification and sexual assault. At the same time, the there should be a series of state and national conferences to provide opportunities for enhance the learning process, as well as to create a forum for department and community members to interact with officers and advocates from throughout the country. . In addition, officers should be trained in areas such as bias and hate crimes, violence against women, firearms, defensive tactics, domestic violence, youth issues, sexual harassment, investigative techniques, alternative dispute resolution, motor vehicle law, race and gender issues, report writing, alternative sanctions, drug intervention and treatment programs, and gang violence.
The Boulder Police department should arrange for department members to attend Police Mountain Bicycle and Field Training Officer (FTO) instructor certification schools.
The Boulder Police Department should look for innovative methods for increasing the number of women and minorities and for improving race and gender relations, both within the agency and the community.
And, I believe, there should be a civilian board to oversee and investigate police actions that come into question.
I do not support the use of tasers, as they have not been used properly in the past and there is a tendency, I believe, to use of such force when unnecessary.
One good idea might be to assign police officers to specific neighborhoods and to make it known who those police men or woman are, either by posting it in a centrally located spot or by passing out cards with officer's picture and information included.
The City has made many fine efforts to solicit input from underrepresented communities, such as the “Meetings-in-a-Box” component of the last community survey. Participants often feel, however, that they do not know what happens as a result. How can the City do a better job of following up with those underrepresented communities on their input?
Officials should use a variety of informal processes, behaviors and skills that facilitate engagement.
These included:
1. Making the timing, location and format of engagement forums accessible.
2. Using participatory methods.
3. Going to where communities are. That could be those involved with the specific issue, but, I would also like to see the City Council find a way to change the location of Council meetings, moving from one community to another over a period of a year.
4. Effective communication skills.
5. The ability to manage conflict.
But, how to address the 'feed back' on the final results of these previous "engagements?" which is the essence of this question.
I would use the same strategies mentioned above, with a follow up meeting or meetings, describing how they came to their decisions and what the final conclusions were.
The skills and capacity of officials shape the kind of interactions that take place in engagement settings.
Boulder officials have said in the past that it was particularly helpful to engage with people through an ongoing dialogue.
It provided them with an opportunity to get and give feed back on the results of earlier engagements and allowed community participants to develop a better understanding of the issues involved.
But, they, "the officials" should follow up with in an engagement setting to inform participants of the results of the "meetings-in-a-box" component and public input meetings.
As well, sending out that information, results, to those who have signed up an e-mail list or given address to be informed on the "issue" that they participated in, shown interest in and/or gone to previous meetings.
I, personally, am committed to responding to residents questions and concerns.
I will look into any inquiry, idea or suggestion and get back to that individual or group who makes such an inquiry.
What is your position relative to the City’s diversity initiative and what more can or should the City do to support expanded leadership representation for underrepresented communities on Boards and Commissions and on City staff? Would you, for example, support a City Charter amendment to allow resident non-citizens to serve on Boards and Commissions?
I'm afraid I'm not aware of the City's diversity initiative, so, obviously more can be done.
I know CU has such an "initiative."
One good idea is the creation of internships for racial/ethnic groups, who might not have the initial qualifications required, but could go through successful internships with the city that could lead to positions within City Government.
Municipal governments must make equity and equality the cornerstone of the way they work, do business and govern to enjoy the full benefits of future growth
and productivity.
The City should support staff training and ensure that services are
inclusive and diversity sensitive.
The City should have a community liaison who's job is to be receptive to the "diverse" segments of our population.
As well, in collaboration with the different "diversity" groups, City Council should appoint one of it's members to be a liaison.
The question I have is, for example, who or what organization would you say "represents" the interests of the chicano community?
We do have the Human Relations Board which, in a way, acts as a liaison between and advises the city on diverse, underrepresented communities and other "social justice" concerns brought to them.
As a City, we should focus on improving early childhood education for minorities.
It is my impression that BVSD has not dealt well with the increasing minority enrollment in our public schools. However possible, we should be supporting efforts like what is developing at the former Mapleton Elementary school and programs like the Family Learning Center.
Can the City pitch in and increase teenage youth leadership grants for minorities and the "disadvantaged?"
I do support expanded leadership representation for underrepresented communities on Boards and Commissions and on City staff.
I support a City Charter amendment to allow resident non-citizens to serve on Boards and Commissions, as long as the person has been a legal resident for a year. i do not support illegal immigrants to have that right, and, feel that mistake on the previous ballot was the cause of it's defeat.
I see no need to bring this before the voters. Council should simply make the changes to the City Charter and allow legal residents to serve on Boards and Commissions who have lived here for at least a year.
Of course, we will need an open minded Council, one that will not choose well connected supporters and contributors to their campaigns. There is a "political elite" of individuals and groups. We must look beyond those easy choices, the familiar and established, and make bold choices by choosing those people from the community that will have bring a new perspective to the decision making process due to their different life experiences.
Mobile homes provide some of the most affordable housing in Boulder, but mobile home residents are quite vulnerable because landlords control pad rent and park management. What should the City's role be in preserving this form of housing and protecting mobile home residents?
This is not a new problem. in 1996 more than 1,000 Boulder tenants gathered to call for a city-wide rent strike to protest out-of-control rents and lousy housing conditions. A fantasy? In the last decade I can recall several fights to save mobile home parks, to protest substandard management practices and markedly rising rent increases. These are a couple of the intimidating tactics employed by property owners in future hopes of selling the land or redeveloping it.
Presently, we've see this "scenario" played out at Orchard Grove and Vista Village.
I was pleased to read that City Council has put "reforming property rights" on top of their agenda in 2010, to address mobile home owners rights.
It would be wonderful if it were possible for the tenants to buy the land as a co-op with the help of the city and/or a non-profit organization like Thistle Community or Boulder Housing Partners.
I think there should be a discussion on tenants rights and rent control not just for Mobile Home owners but renters in general.
Apparently, there is a State law that prohibits local rent control.
Can the City of Boulder challenge this? Does this apply to Mobile Homes?
I will make a principled stand in support of tenants/mobile home owners rights and affordable housing.
Many in the community feel that the contamination issue at Valmont Butte, a sacred Arapaho site and home to an historic settler’s cemetery, remains unresolved. How would you propose to address this issue?
I think "unresolved" would be an appropriate word to describe the progress, or lack of, in regard to Valmont Butte.
How the city came to buy this land primarily for a fire training facility without knowing the extent of the "environmental challenges"and the historical and religious importance it had with members of the public, is anyones guess?
Should there be an investigation, some accountability in regard to the purchase?
It is quite likely that operations at Valmont Butte had contaminated water on and off the site with radioactive substances.
And, it doesn't appear the "cap"that was supposed to contain the site for 200 years has been effective, as prairie dogs have been able to burrow in and out of the supposed contained area.
The city is in the process of trying to clean up the site but are only in discussions with former polluters of the site for voluntary contribution to the cause. This doesn't seem fair to the residents of Boulder, to pick up part the tab of cleaning up a site that was bought without forethought, it seems.
I am not opposed to civil litigation if Honywell refuses to help substantially with the cost of clean-up.
What's mystifying to me is that the city was ready to sell the 71 acre site to Trust for Public Land who then would sell parts of the site to interested Indian tribes and other non-profit organizations.
I think selling of this land is unethical in the state that it's in.
I would prohibit any public use other than the right of religious ceremony, if requested.
It's a difficult situation. We must find a way to clean up the site before even thinking of the possibility of allowing Native American representatives, who wish to preserve the butte as a sacred site, to acquire the adjacent land and perhaps to establish a cultural center.
But, as well, their are preservationists, who wish to obtain historical landmarking for the mill and perhaps to refurbish that.
Then, there are pioneers’ descendants, who wish to protect the cemetery, which is still in use, and who are concerned that development at the site would disrupt serenity and access. finally, there are the neighbors, organic farmers, and downstream municipalities who are concerned that development could release airborne or waterborne contaminants that would impact them.
I am against any decision about the property's future until environmental cleanup issues are more fully resolved.
And, I'm not sure the site will ever be in a condition for public use.
One idea is to put a solar farm up there to recover some of the dollars (the city) has put in it. That sounds like a great idea to add to Boulder's renewable energy sources, but, how would this conflict with the rights of all the other interested parties? Could a solar farm work while still preserving the butte as a sacred site? Do we want to landmark the mill and work to preserve it? How will a solar farm effect the surrounding neighborhood?
Like you, I'm waiting in limbo.
Would you consider ensuring access to recreational and sports activities for children and youth of all backgrounds a priority? If so, how would you accomplish this?
Of course, ensuring access to recreational and sports activities for children and youth of all backgrounds should be a priority.
The City of Boulder should recognize the importance of free play for children, especially in the “GOOD OL’ SUMMERTIME !”
Play provides for creativity, along with social, physical and emotional well being, as well as teamwork and bonding.
I have a vision that “Parks & Rec” offers a supervised PLAYground program for youngsters in grades 1-8 at the major neighborhood schools/parks during the summer. Perhaps, there would be six locations spread throughout Boulder.
It seems like a lot to undertake, transforming your summer Parks and Rec programs, but you could combine existing programs with the neighborhood schools/parks summertime program as a focal point.
i don't know how you'd shift Parks and Recreation finances around or generate extra funds needed for personnel and such, but, it's a great plan to work on for the not too distant future. Schools should be the center of every neighborhood community.
And, it provides opportunities for those who do not have the time or can't afford to send their children to more costly organized sports programs.
Parents would be encouraged to send their young ones “outside to play” at the park closest to their home.
After registering, the children are free to enter and leave the parks on their own volition.
However, requiring that the youngsters consult with a staff person and provide exiting information before leaving.
It is very important to all parties concerned, that the parents who want their children to stay in the program all day, should stress this to their children. So, this "program" could also be some help in the area of childcare for two parent working families
I hope that this gives “your kids” an opportunity to partake, grow and benefit from many wonderful activities, some centered at "their park"but also many competitions and activities away from "your" local park.
This summertime “playground” can be done with cooperation and mutual support from the City of Boulder, the School Department, School Board, Police Department and the Parks & Recreation Department.
This would also give opportunities for older youths, teenagers, and possible interns and students from CU to be used in a supervisory role, while there would be at least one adult staff person at each park to direct the activities.
This type of program was instituted in my hometown and has been very successful for more than 35 years.
They have a “Fun Bus” that provides transportation to and from activities away from “your” local park.
There are field trips, art activities, games and much more; bowling programs, a swimming program, baseball “sandlot” leagues for girls and boys, flag football, tennis lessons, kick ball and on and on... There are competitions against other local parks.
There is even a summer ending "olympics," where each school centered playground competes against one another in track and field and other olympic events.
For any activity which costs a fee, there should be a sliding scale much like the school lunch program.
Addressing the role of police, there is even a cops to kids basketball program where kids from grades 9-12 actually pair up with police officers and play ball!
I would also like to see youth nights at our local recreation centers to give kids and teenagers, specifically, a place to gather that is positive., Have the kids take ownership of a friday and saturday youth cafe of sorts at their local Recreation Center.
Of course, I would expect all recreation centers to be able to reman open until around 9:30 PM on these nights.
That is not the case at this time.
There is a potential for providing a wide range of developmental, educational and information programmes to young people in this sports centered "cafe."
Again, a city and/or council liaison should be established with relevant departments/agencies on developments in line with the play and recreation policies, and to help facilitate the development recreational programs, such as the one I suggested, that could be identified as "a high community need activities and services."
Parks and Recreation should maintain and expand existing partnerships with community agencies serving at risk youth, seniors and people with disabilities.
As planned, the city must reduce the number of employees, though, I would phase out jobs that are not currently filled and that are not essential to the operation of the city.
This has to be the one of most difficult decisions a city manager has to make. Losing jobs is not good for the economy, in the long run.
We have to be creative, such as having furloughs occur the day before or after holidays, or closing the municipal building on the same days.
Obviously, we have to decide what is nonessential services provided to Boulder residents. No one wants to cut critical services such as police, fire and human services, but, I do think that we could be more efficient in these areas.
Personally, I think we should move towards decriminalizing marijuana and thus cut some funds from the Boulder's Drug Task Force and spend a little more on drug education and a lot less on enforcement and interdiction.
I do believe the police department, for example, could delay hiring cops.
I support the decision not to close any library branches or recreation centers but I think it's unwise to shorten the hours of operation at the main Library.
In these difficult economic times, the library is being used more than ever.
Preserving community resources is a position shared by the public. But, with Open space reliant on sales taxes we need to prioritize what maintenance, upkeep and additional trail work is necessary at this time. With loans/bonds owed over time for existing land purchases we might have to take a long pause before making any new purchases.
Our budget revenue is too heavily based on sales taxes, and thus, we find ourselves with such a budget deficit during this recession, not only because residents are tightening their belts but there is less tourism and they too are spending less.
I would attempt to institute a progressive income tax, and perhaps, restructure sales taxes.
I would like to eliminate food sales taxes all together, but, then we'd have to find, raise or restructure other taxes and fees.
I support hikes in levies on commercial property and sales, some of it going towards affordable housing and some to retain essential services and maintain infrastructure.
So how do we have fiscal sustainability without eliminating core services?
The allocation of funding available from the removal of the remaining TABOR restrictions on property tax, approved by voters in November 2008, helps.
This will allow funding for core city services such as those identified as critical deficiencies, including fire apparatus, information technologies, energy costs and facility maintenance.
Whenever possible we should look at re-inventing programs through grant funding and partnerships, rather than eliminating them.
The city manager should better align staff to assess current trends and opportunities such as going after ‘green’ projects money.
We must do an inventory of simple savings measures, such as making city buildings energy efficient, switching the lights at traffic signals, having private groups, local neighborhoods and residents "adopt" the maintenance of some streets and street medians.
I think we are not estimating how much we might benefit from the national stimulus dollars coming into our city.
Nonetheless, I am not naïve enough to believe that the solution will not have to include cuts.
I believe that the Economic Vitality Program funds should be cut, $750,000 spent for 2009, if not eliminated. It's not fair to give out tax breaks to businesses while we are making public sector cuts. I would not be opposed to micro loans, but, the Chamber of Commerce actually wants to double the budget for this program in 2010.
I do not support including reductions to health and human service programs. Cuts might even mean the closure of some popular and much needed antipoverty and mental health programs, as is expected in Lafayette. I think the effects of those cuts would cost the city more in the long run.
Protecting the safety net and stabilizing communities is key and so I would fight hard not to make cutbacks in those areas.
We have a lot of wealth in this city, and we have to move it around to alleviate the deficit.
I'm open to new revenue measures but it's got to go hand in hand with reform, which includes consolidating departments and streamlining government.
We have to be very careful with the greatest of our assets; open spaces, parks and recreation, arts and culture. That's what brings people to visit and live in Boulder.
The current City Council has identified as one of its priorities creating a welcoming, inclusive and safe community for all. How can our police department best support this vision?
The Boulder Police department should embark on a comprehensive process to become a fully dedicated community-policing agency.
There should be an intensified program to educate police officers on the most effective ways to work together with neighborhood residents to maintain order legally, humanely, respectfully and equitably.
In the recruitment of police officer's there should be strategies/outreach to employ more officers with a precise set of strengths, especially communication skills, is needed.
The premise is that the single most important step in the development of a good officer is the initial one - identifying the right candidate. From the beginning recruitment goals have to be clear. While all qualified individuals are encouraged to apply, mature, service-oriented residents from populations, which have been traditionally undeserved in the community, should be especially sought.
Community outreach done in partnership with community members is also necessary.
There should be more of building relationships with the many educational institutions and community agencies in our area, while going directly to the people they serve for opinions, advice, and participation in recruitment campaigns.
The Boulder Police department should clearly define its community policing strategies, and educate it's officers and officer's to use these strategies in an interactive, community-oriented curriculum, which take students/officers out of the classroom and into the neighborhoods.
In addition to a curriculum of traditional subjects such as constitutional law, use of force decision making, defensive tactics, firearms, penal code and motor vehicle law, students should learn about the history, culture and values of Boulder's many different populations. Other courses should include Milestones in Civil Rights Legislation, Non-Violent Management of Aggressive Behavior, Alternative Dispute Resolution, HIV/AIDS, the Boulder Needle Exchange Program ( there should be a legal one ), Sexual Harassment, Bias and Hate Crimes, and Individuals with Memory, Hearing and Seizure Disorders. The department should be committed to police understanding of child and adolescent behavior.
I have personally spoke in front of groups of police officers on the subject of mental health, to sensitize them to the plight of those afflicted with a mental disorder, and, to emphasize a non-aggressive approach towards managing conflicts.
Inclusive, non-militaristic language should be used in all classes, assignments, and publications: students are no longer recruits, cadets or trainees; police department has replaced police force; policemen and women are police participates in structured clinical rotations within the community agencies, in independent research and in classes held onsite in such diverse locations as soup kitchens, battered women's shelters, centers for homeless and runaway youth, HIV/AIDS information clearing houses and substance abuse clinics. Students should complete fieldwork supervised by academic advisors from the collaborating agencies; they meet, rather than merely hear about, the wide variety of citizens they are being trained to protect and serve.
Providing continuing education for both sworn and civilian department members is key. Every year review training should be conducted in state-mandated subject areas such as legislation, firearms re-qualification and sexual assault. At the same time, the there should be a series of state and national conferences to provide opportunities for enhance the learning process, as well as to create a forum for department and community members to interact with officers and advocates from throughout the country. . In addition, officers should be trained in areas such as bias and hate crimes, violence against women, firearms, defensive tactics, domestic violence, youth issues, sexual harassment, investigative techniques, alternative dispute resolution, motor vehicle law, race and gender issues, report writing, alternative sanctions, drug intervention and treatment programs, and gang violence.
The Boulder Police department should arrange for department members to attend Police Mountain Bicycle and Field Training Officer (FTO) instructor certification schools.
The Boulder Police Department should look for innovative methods for increasing the number of women and minorities and for improving race and gender relations, both within the agency and the community.
And, I believe, there should be a civilian board to oversee and investigate police actions that come into question.
I do not support the use of tasers, as they have not been used properly in the past and there is a tendency, I believe, to use of such force when unnecessary.
One good idea might be to assign police officers to specific neighborhoods and to make it known who those police men or woman are, either by posting it in a centrally located spot or by passing out cards with officer's picture and information included.
The City has made many fine efforts to solicit input from underrepresented communities, such as the “Meetings-in-a-Box” component of the last community survey. Participants often feel, however, that they do not know what happens as a result. How can the City do a better job of following up with those underrepresented communities on their input?
Officials should use a variety of informal processes, behaviors and skills that facilitate engagement.
These included:
1. Making the timing, location and format of engagement forums accessible.
2. Using participatory methods.
3. Going to where communities are. That could be those involved with the specific issue, but, I would also like to see the City Council find a way to change the location of Council meetings, moving from one community to another over a period of a year.
4. Effective communication skills.
5. The ability to manage conflict.
But, how to address the 'feed back' on the final results of these previous "engagements?" which is the essence of this question.
I would use the same strategies mentioned above, with a follow up meeting or meetings, describing how they came to their decisions and what the final conclusions were.
The skills and capacity of officials shape the kind of interactions that take place in engagement settings.
Boulder officials have said in the past that it was particularly helpful to engage with people through an ongoing dialogue.
It provided them with an opportunity to get and give feed back on the results of earlier engagements and allowed community participants to develop a better understanding of the issues involved.
But, they, "the officials" should follow up with in an engagement setting to inform participants of the results of the "meetings-in-a-box" component and public input meetings.
As well, sending out that information, results, to those who have signed up an e-mail list or given address to be informed on the "issue" that they participated in, shown interest in and/or gone to previous meetings.
I, personally, am committed to responding to residents questions and concerns.
I will look into any inquiry, idea or suggestion and get back to that individual or group who makes such an inquiry.
What is your position relative to the City’s diversity initiative and what more can or should the City do to support expanded leadership representation for underrepresented communities on Boards and Commissions and on City staff? Would you, for example, support a City Charter amendment to allow resident non-citizens to serve on Boards and Commissions?
I'm afraid I'm not aware of the City's diversity initiative, so, obviously more can be done.
I know CU has such an "initiative."
One good idea is the creation of internships for racial/ethnic groups, who might not have the initial qualifications required, but could go through successful internships with the city that could lead to positions within City Government.
Municipal governments must make equity and equality the cornerstone of the way they work, do business and govern to enjoy the full benefits of future growth
and productivity.
The City should support staff training and ensure that services are
inclusive and diversity sensitive.
The City should have a community liaison who's job is to be receptive to the "diverse" segments of our population.
As well, in collaboration with the different "diversity" groups, City Council should appoint one of it's members to be a liaison.
The question I have is, for example, who or what organization would you say "represents" the interests of the chicano community?
We do have the Human Relations Board which, in a way, acts as a liaison between and advises the city on diverse, underrepresented communities and other "social justice" concerns brought to them.
As a City, we should focus on improving early childhood education for minorities.
It is my impression that BVSD has not dealt well with the increasing minority enrollment in our public schools. However possible, we should be supporting efforts like what is developing at the former Mapleton Elementary school and programs like the Family Learning Center.
Can the City pitch in and increase teenage youth leadership grants for minorities and the "disadvantaged?"
I do support expanded leadership representation for underrepresented communities on Boards and Commissions and on City staff.
I support a City Charter amendment to allow resident non-citizens to serve on Boards and Commissions, as long as the person has been a legal resident for a year. i do not support illegal immigrants to have that right, and, feel that mistake on the previous ballot was the cause of it's defeat.
I see no need to bring this before the voters. Council should simply make the changes to the City Charter and allow legal residents to serve on Boards and Commissions who have lived here for at least a year.
Of course, we will need an open minded Council, one that will not choose well connected supporters and contributors to their campaigns. There is a "political elite" of individuals and groups. We must look beyond those easy choices, the familiar and established, and make bold choices by choosing those people from the community that will have bring a new perspective to the decision making process due to their different life experiences.
Mobile homes provide some of the most affordable housing in Boulder, but mobile home residents are quite vulnerable because landlords control pad rent and park management. What should the City's role be in preserving this form of housing and protecting mobile home residents?
This is not a new problem. in 1996 more than 1,000 Boulder tenants gathered to call for a city-wide rent strike to protest out-of-control rents and lousy housing conditions. A fantasy? In the last decade I can recall several fights to save mobile home parks, to protest substandard management practices and markedly rising rent increases. These are a couple of the intimidating tactics employed by property owners in future hopes of selling the land or redeveloping it.
Presently, we've see this "scenario" played out at Orchard Grove and Vista Village.
I was pleased to read that City Council has put "reforming property rights" on top of their agenda in 2010, to address mobile home owners rights.
It would be wonderful if it were possible for the tenants to buy the land as a co-op with the help of the city and/or a non-profit organization like Thistle Community or Boulder Housing Partners.
I think there should be a discussion on tenants rights and rent control not just for Mobile Home owners but renters in general.
Apparently, there is a State law that prohibits local rent control.
Can the City of Boulder challenge this? Does this apply to Mobile Homes?
I will make a principled stand in support of tenants/mobile home owners rights and affordable housing.
Many in the community feel that the contamination issue at Valmont Butte, a sacred Arapaho site and home to an historic settler’s cemetery, remains unresolved. How would you propose to address this issue?
I think "unresolved" would be an appropriate word to describe the progress, or lack of, in regard to Valmont Butte.
How the city came to buy this land primarily for a fire training facility without knowing the extent of the "environmental challenges"and the historical and religious importance it had with members of the public, is anyones guess?
Should there be an investigation, some accountability in regard to the purchase?
It is quite likely that operations at Valmont Butte had contaminated water on and off the site with radioactive substances.
And, it doesn't appear the "cap"that was supposed to contain the site for 200 years has been effective, as prairie dogs have been able to burrow in and out of the supposed contained area.
The city is in the process of trying to clean up the site but are only in discussions with former polluters of the site for voluntary contribution to the cause. This doesn't seem fair to the residents of Boulder, to pick up part the tab of cleaning up a site that was bought without forethought, it seems.
I am not opposed to civil litigation if Honywell refuses to help substantially with the cost of clean-up.
What's mystifying to me is that the city was ready to sell the 71 acre site to Trust for Public Land who then would sell parts of the site to interested Indian tribes and other non-profit organizations.
I think selling of this land is unethical in the state that it's in.
I would prohibit any public use other than the right of religious ceremony, if requested.
It's a difficult situation. We must find a way to clean up the site before even thinking of the possibility of allowing Native American representatives, who wish to preserve the butte as a sacred site, to acquire the adjacent land and perhaps to establish a cultural center.
But, as well, their are preservationists, who wish to obtain historical landmarking for the mill and perhaps to refurbish that.
Then, there are pioneers’ descendants, who wish to protect the cemetery, which is still in use, and who are concerned that development at the site would disrupt serenity and access. finally, there are the neighbors, organic farmers, and downstream municipalities who are concerned that development could release airborne or waterborne contaminants that would impact them.
I am against any decision about the property's future until environmental cleanup issues are more fully resolved.
And, I'm not sure the site will ever be in a condition for public use.
One idea is to put a solar farm up there to recover some of the dollars (the city) has put in it. That sounds like a great idea to add to Boulder's renewable energy sources, but, how would this conflict with the rights of all the other interested parties? Could a solar farm work while still preserving the butte as a sacred site? Do we want to landmark the mill and work to preserve it? How will a solar farm effect the surrounding neighborhood?
Like you, I'm waiting in limbo.
Would you consider ensuring access to recreational and sports activities for children and youth of all backgrounds a priority? If so, how would you accomplish this?
Of course, ensuring access to recreational and sports activities for children and youth of all backgrounds should be a priority.
The City of Boulder should recognize the importance of free play for children, especially in the “GOOD OL’ SUMMERTIME !”
Play provides for creativity, along with social, physical and emotional well being, as well as teamwork and bonding.
I have a vision that “Parks & Rec” offers a supervised PLAYground program for youngsters in grades 1-8 at the major neighborhood schools/parks during the summer. Perhaps, there would be six locations spread throughout Boulder.
It seems like a lot to undertake, transforming your summer Parks and Rec programs, but you could combine existing programs with the neighborhood schools/parks summertime program as a focal point.
i don't know how you'd shift Parks and Recreation finances around or generate extra funds needed for personnel and such, but, it's a great plan to work on for the not too distant future. Schools should be the center of every neighborhood community.
And, it provides opportunities for those who do not have the time or can't afford to send their children to more costly organized sports programs.
Parents would be encouraged to send their young ones “outside to play” at the park closest to their home.
After registering, the children are free to enter and leave the parks on their own volition.
However, requiring that the youngsters consult with a staff person and provide exiting information before leaving.
It is very important to all parties concerned, that the parents who want their children to stay in the program all day, should stress this to their children. So, this "program" could also be some help in the area of childcare for two parent working families
I hope that this gives “your kids” an opportunity to partake, grow and benefit from many wonderful activities, some centered at "their park"but also many competitions and activities away from "your" local park.
This summertime “playground” can be done with cooperation and mutual support from the City of Boulder, the School Department, School Board, Police Department and the Parks & Recreation Department.
This would also give opportunities for older youths, teenagers, and possible interns and students from CU to be used in a supervisory role, while there would be at least one adult staff person at each park to direct the activities.
This type of program was instituted in my hometown and has been very successful for more than 35 years.
They have a “Fun Bus” that provides transportation to and from activities away from “your” local park.
There are field trips, art activities, games and much more; bowling programs, a swimming program, baseball “sandlot” leagues for girls and boys, flag football, tennis lessons, kick ball and on and on... There are competitions against other local parks.
There is even a summer ending "olympics," where each school centered playground competes against one another in track and field and other olympic events.
For any activity which costs a fee, there should be a sliding scale much like the school lunch program.
Addressing the role of police, there is even a cops to kids basketball program where kids from grades 9-12 actually pair up with police officers and play ball!
I would also like to see youth nights at our local recreation centers to give kids and teenagers, specifically, a place to gather that is positive., Have the kids take ownership of a friday and saturday youth cafe of sorts at their local Recreation Center.
Of course, I would expect all recreation centers to be able to reman open until around 9:30 PM on these nights.
That is not the case at this time.
There is a potential for providing a wide range of developmental, educational and information programmes to young people in this sports centered "cafe."
Again, a city and/or council liaison should be established with relevant departments/agencies on developments in line with the play and recreation policies, and to help facilitate the development recreational programs, such as the one I suggested, that could be identified as "a high community need activities and services."
Parks and Recreation should maintain and expand existing partnerships with community agencies serving at risk youth, seniors and people with disabilities.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)