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
