QUESTIONS for the Bend City Council 2012
1. Background and qualifications.
2. Why have you decided to run for city council? If you’re an incumbent why do you want to continue to serve.
3. What do you think are the top three issues facing your city and what plan do you have to solve them?
4. Are there any specific economic development components you would implement to help the economy improve?
5. Do you support recent tax breaks for SisTech Manufacturing and Validation Resources?
6. Do you support the Bend Park & Recreation District Ballot $39 million Bond Measure?
7. Do you support the current $68 million Surface Water Improvement Project?
8. What would you do about the Mirror Pond sedimentation problem?
POSITION 1
VICTOR CHUDOWSKY
1. I’m a policy analyst by profession. My business, Caldera Research, analyzes education data for government leaders. I look at facts, analyze them, and find solutions. I have a Ph.D. in political science. I have volunteered to serve on Bend’s Budget Committee and the Public Safety Funding Committee.
2. My aim is to keep Bend safe, prosperous and affordable. On the Budget Committee I saw the expensive mistakes the City made in the past – not making sidewalk ramps accessible to people with disabilities, buying land for a City Hall that was never built, etc. The problem: Bend grew from a small town to a medium-size city but our leadership didn’t keep up. We need tougher oversight, stronger leadership, and a higher standard of competence and professionalism.
3. Infrastructure – Bend isn’t going to be attractive to any business if our roads are crumbling or the sewer system is overflowing. On the sewer system, we have to keep costs as low and agree to a strict timeline to get the project done.
Public safety – as the economy slowly improves, first priority in City hiring should go to the police and fire departments.
Cost of living – we have many young families, small business owners, and people on fixed incomes. Many people are unemployed or underemployed. We need to keep Bend affordable for everyone by watching City spending.
4. First, do the basics: police, fire, ambulance and infrastructure. Do them well and Bend will be attractive to business. Second is permitting: everything from large and small building projects to starting a small business and getting a sign. Approval of plans and various charges often seem arbitrary. Staff should be more helpful. Bend should be “open for business.” Let’s not forget up-and-coming entrepreneurs who run things like food carts, farm stands, internet-based businesses or small retail or consulting businesses. These might grow to become large businesses and we should stay out of their way!
5. I support the SisTech and Validation tax breaks because they met pre-existing criteria for receiving such incentives under the enterprise zone. However, we should remember that most Bend businesses are not in an enterprise zone and do all we can to ensure that conditions are good for businesses city-wide.
6. While some of the proposed projects are worthy, I would rather see them prioritized and paid for through the regular Parks and Rec budget.
7. We should reduce the cost of the SWIP by lobbying for an exemption from filtration rules, switching to a less expensive filtering system, and dropping the hydropower element if it is not of immediate benefit to ratepayers.
8. I love Mirror Pond. I think we should find the cheapest way to dredge it, then raise some of the money through a fundraising effort and have Pacific Power, the Parks district, and the City share the remainder of the cost.
WADE FAGEN
1. I am a native Bendite. Twenty-five years ago, I started a logging business. When that industry ceased to exist, I took my business in another direction. I adapted and reinvented myself as an arborist. From the success in my tree service business I was able to diversify and eventually began working in several other areas: mulching and snowplowing, DJing, and property management. I believe my hard work, ability to adapt, diverse background and commitment to efficiency make me an exceptional candidate for the Bend City Council. I will use these talents to improve and maintain the City of Bend and represent its citizens.
2. As a native Bendite, I have seen the City of Bend grow and change in many ways over the past years and I believe that many of our problems come from over complications. I have seen too many inefficiencies at the most basic level which I know that I can improve upon. For these reasons, I believe I would be able to simplify these issues by implementing common sense, effective solutions.
3. Jobs – I want to make sure the city of Bend supports economic growth with quality, family-wage jobs and enables small businesses to start, grow and prosper. We need to cut the red tape and make Bend business friendly.
Government Accountability and Efficiency – Poor decisions by the city have cost taxpayers millions of dollars over the years. The City of Bend needs someone who will be a voice for common sense.
Resource Stewardship – We are blessed with an abundance of natural resources in Bend. I understand resource management. I will ensure the city grows in a sustainable way that protects our natural environment.
4. Given that our local forests are still our most valuable resource, I would encourage the forest service to be better stewards of our forests so that we are conserving them and not letting them burn to waste. I also would like to promote quality jobs as opposed to a larger quantity of jobs. This way, there is less impact on our infrastructure and a bigger focus on quality family-wage jobs.
5. I would be very careful about giving tax breaks to companies for the purpose of creating jobs. I would want to make sure any jobs created were extremely high-quality, family wage jobs. Bend’s quality of life should be the selling point that encourages businesses to relocate to our community rather than tax breaks.
6. The bond has been put before the voters. The voters are the ones that are going to decide whether this is an appropriate expenditure or not.
7. I believe this should not be a top priority because we have a temporary backup for our water supply and I do not see us having a backup for our sewer.
8. Dig the sediment out, don’t dredge it. During the fall season when the weather is dry use the dams to lower the water and let the sediment dry out. Once the sediment is dry, dig the sediment out without ever touching the water.
BARB CAMPBELL
1. I am currently a small business owner. When I first moved to Bend, I worked in the construction and hospitality industries. I went on to teach middle school science. I created my downtown store, wabi sabi, during the depths of the recession and it has been growing.
2. I am uniquely qualified to serve on the City Council, to fairly represent and make decisions on behalf of so many of the tax and the ratepayers who feel that their voices are not being heard.
3. Infrastructure, economic growth and public safety are the three top issues facing the city. We must frugally complete the infrastructure projects that are absolutely necessary, keeping in town as much of the money as possible. To foster economic growth we must maintain our quality of life. Bend is a fantastic place to live; that will always be our strongest attractor for new businesses. We must also nurture the businesses we have or our tax base will not be sufficient to keep our police and fire departments strong.
4. Infrastructure is how a city councilor could directly affect the economy. Every time a water or sewer rate increases it leaves citizens with less of their family budget to contribute to the local economy. Similarly, by hiring out-of-town firms to design and build these projects, we take more money out of our local economy.
5. I do support the recent tax breaks for SisTech Manufacturing and Validation Resources, and possibly more for future businesses. The tax breaks are miniscule compared to the amount of money the companies will be investing themselves and are tied to the creation of high-paying jobs. Some of the breaks are from taxes on equipment, which shouldn’t be taxed in the first place.
6. I think this is a perfect example of when the voters should be asked to pass a tax increase. The projects to be paid for are luxury items. In this tough economy, many families have had to cut out the luxuries from their own budgets. They are the ones who should decide whether or not they want these improvements. My business is likely to benefit from visitors coming or returning to town for the whitewater play area, and the Deschutes River Trail and so I will probably vote for it.
7. No! I think it is an outrageous amount of money to spend chasing after two red herrings: 1) A pipe breakage would be a catastrophe…The water from the Bridge Creek system is cut off 20 percent of the time. We have ground water to supply our needs during the peak hour of the peak day. 2) Our water rights might be in danger…We have senior, municipal, water rights. We can mitigate them in stream. It would take a change in state law before they could be challenged.
8. What would you do about the Mirror Pond sedimentation problem? 1) Do the research to determine cost of the alternatives. 2) Ask the citizens what they want to do. 3) Form a tax district to pay for it and for sustainable solutions going forward.
POSITION 2
(currently held by Jeff Eager)
CHARLES BAER
Did not send a response.
EDWARD MCCOY
1. I am a local business owner with experience creating jobs, residential/commercial general contractor. I have served in the United States Military, and I also belong to The Rotary Club of Bend.
2. I have decided to run because I love the City of Bend and believe that can bring a different experience to the council. This campaign is about jobs and how we move forward in creating an environment in which jobs can be created.
3. Public safety, failing infrastructure and creating jobs.
4. With fewer, simpler regulations and a low taxes and fees, more business will hire in Bend, and more people will find work in Bend.
5. I am open to finding new ways to help business grow. There are many types of incentives that can help business. I support looking into all of those.
6. No I do not support the Bend Park & Recreation District Ballot $29 million Bond Measure.
7. Yes on the water improvement plan, but I plan to find ways to cut the costs by looking at other treatments and not doing the hydro.
8. My answer is I support dredging it with trying to find a long term solution.
EDWARD BARBEAU
1. I am a private investigator who specializes in surveillance and executive protection. I also own Pisanos, a restaurant in Northwest Crossing.
2. I thought it important to stop wondering why we’ve made so many mistakes and decided I could make a difference with my business experience throughout these lean times. Common sense goes a long way.
3. The Bridge Creek Water project. Sewer upgrades. Bringing business and industry to Bend We need to make decisions that reflect these lean times. Scale back Bridge Creek water project to do only what we need, we’ll do more when the economy picks up. Fix the current problems with the sewer but increase capacity where it limits growth in bringing business and industry to Bend. Increase funding to entities like EDCO and Visit Bend.
4. See above.
5. Yes, let’s get the jobs first, let’s give business and industry a shot in the arm, we’ll get more revenues later.
6. The voters will decide these issues before I’m in office. I won’t comment either way.
7. Partially, I support a dual source of water, keeping our senior water rights. I believe that we should only spend what is necessary, no hydro electric plants, at least not until the economy revives. I am the only candidate to speak at City Council about this issue.
8. Ask the citizens of Bend. Do we keep it as it exists? Do we let the dams down, taking it back to a more pre-existing look, and only then can we make a responsible plan.
DOUG KNIGHT
1. Since moving to Bend 17 years ago, I have served on the Deschutes County Landmarks Commission for 11 years (currently vice chair), the Bend Urban Area Planning Commission for nearly four years (currently chair), and at various times (seven years total service) been part the Board of Directors for both the River West Neighborhood Association (RWNA), as well as the Old Bend Neighborhood Association (OBNA).
2. The City of Bend is grappling with many infrastructure issues. From the surface water project), to sewer system inadequacies, to whether or not to dredge Mirror Pond, the City Council is struggling to make decisions to provide for the infrastructure of Bend’s future. As a licensed civil engineer, I am the ONLY candidate who will lend a technical engineering voice to these council discussions.
3. Bend needs more jobs, and more people working. Solution: Move more jobs to Bend by collaborating with EDCO, BEDAB, Carolyn Eagan (the COB Business Advocate) and the Bend Chamber to increase Bend’s business recruiting efforts.
Bend needs more family-wage jobs. Solution: Create incentives for existing Bend businesses to hire more people in high paying positions by providing more Enterprise Zone Property Tax Exemptions for qualified businesses.
Bend suffers from irrational infrastructure spending. Solution: Insist upon smart infrastructure spending that is not built upon the backs of rate-payers, nor is detrimental to the City’s fiscal health.
4. It is time for the City of Bend to dust off its Central Area Plan and begin revitalizing the Third street and Greenwood corridors and to attract new high-paying jobs & businesses to Bend (see items one and two prev. question above) within our center core through smart urban and economic planning.
5. Yes, providing a leg up for businesses via business enterprise zones more than offsets short-term incremental losses to general fund taxes and paves the way towards future revenue increases when those businesses are successful. Once un-employment is stabilized (at 7.0 percent in Bend), I would repeal the tax abatements.
6. Absolutely, The key to a successful economy is having varied and diverse industries and tourism is one industry that Bend will need rely upon in the short-run. Measure 9-86 infuses $8MM tourism dollars into the Bend economy each year, and in-essence pays for itself in four years time while creating recreation destinations that will become legacies in Bend for generations.
7. Absolutely not, I was one of two City of Bend Planning Commissioners to vote against the City’s Water Public Facilities Plan because it included the description of a dual source system -which in essence was a de-facto surface water project endorsement. The origins of the data used to arrive at the decision to go forward with the surface water project are suspect, and the economic modeling relies heavily on the water rate-payers of Bend as well as the collection of uncertain SDC monies. For one-tenth of the cost, additional ground water wells could be drilled, of which we already have ground water rights for.
8. A local improvement district (LID) extending the entire length of the river within the UGB along the Water Overlay Zone (WOZ) should be created. The funds collected from all those property owners within 100’ of the river should be used for improving the river ecology, teaching river stewardship, and also maintaining the river (including mirror pond). In this way, those property owners whose property values DIRECTLY benefit from their proximity to the river shoulder the most responsibility for river maintenance, and a healthy income stream (no pun intended) is created for our community’s most precious resource.
POSITION 3
(currently held by Kathie Eckman)
KATHY ECKMAN
1. Retired. Occupational Background: US Senator Ron Wyden Deschutes County Field Representative; Bend LaPine Schools – Human Resources Specialist, Office Manager, Executive Secretary; City of Burns – Recorder/Treasurer/Municipal Judge; Accountant/Bookkeeper; Small Business Owner.
Educational Background: Burns High School; Course work toward degree through EOU/COCC; Long term goal: Masters Degree in Public Administration.
Prior Governmental Experience: Mayor of Bend 2009, 2010 and 1991. Bend City Council cumulative 22 years; City of Bend Budget Committee; Central Oregon Area Commission on Transportation, Bend Metropolitan Planning Organization; Bend Planning Commission; City of Burns Recorder, Treasurer, Municipal Judge.
2. Bend is at a pivotal point and crossroad for the future of our community. I believe that government regulations should be minimal and we need to work closer with the business community to ensure its ability to thrive not just today, but in the future. I believe in the philosophy “Service Above Self” and want to continue to work on the goals the council has established for the next few years.
3. Top three issues: 1. Keep within our budget and continue to fund our reserves so we can finance the needed services we have to provide to the community.2. Infrastructure projects (water, sewer, roads) are needed for the future development of Bend. It is also important we maintain our current infrastructure. 3. Public Safety Funding. I will consider all facets of funding to continue to stabilize Police and Fire.
4. It is not the role of government to create jobs. It is important that we continue to look at ways we can streamline the permit process and make government more accessible to the public it serves.
5. Yes, I do support the abatements. These two businesses are located in the Enterprise Zone. They had strict guidelines to meet to receive a tax abatement which included needing to add and keep employees with a salary 150 percent of the county’s median income. The abatement was only on the additional property that was developed.
6. Parks and Rec Bond Measure: This will be determined by the entire community. On a personal level I would support the measure.
7. I support a dual water source for the City of Bend and that includes surface water and well water. I do not support giving up decades old water rights the city currently holds. Looking into the future 50 years, this is the most cost effective way to go for the water infrastructure.
8. Mirror Pond: This is not a City of Bend issue, it is a community issue, involving many different entities including Parks and Rec, PP&L, private property owners, etc. I would prefer to find a permanent solution so that when and if the pond is dredged it won’t be needed again in the future. Everyone needs to come together to resolve the problem.
RON (RONDO) BOOZELL
1. Bend has been my home for 22 years. My occupational background is in management, customer service, advertising and sales. I have owned and operated a successful business. I have served on boards and committees. I have served in a number of leadership roles, my favorite being as father.
I am a fiscal conservative. Social liberal. Nonpartisan. I am running my campaign with no Party support, virtually no money and no paper. I’d like to prove that local political campaigns can be sustainable and groundroots and effective.
2. I am seeking a seat on our City Council as a means to effect indieBENDence: economic and environmental sustainability! I volunteer for a number of organizations. This is my personal community-subsidy strategy. I believe in Bend, so I invest in Bend. My perspective and problem-solving skills will benefit our city. This is my second application in two years.
3/4. End the Cycle of Debt. A smart conservative fiscal policy is good for our business community. We must reduce our debt and stop borrowing. We must rediscover ways to strengthen our bottom-line and fund city projects.
Please note: Bend’s budget is $34 million. Taxpayers are presently on the hook for $100 million. In the next year, many local government institutions will be asking us to back $300 -$400 million in Bonds! I did the math and I don’t like the cost or the risk.
Secure Infrastructure: Water and sewer will demand our focus the next four years.
Manage Growth. The challenge today is to discover lifestyle that is sustainable. Growth has to be affordable, and beneficial for all residents of Bend. We are one of the fastest growing cities in this country. Many predict huge growth for Bend. Let those that move here pay for the growth and infrastructure costs. If Bend is to grow big, then those that already live here shouldn’t have to pay for that growth.
Better Use of City Resources. Resource Reclamation Project. My dream is to see our homeless involved in the creation and maintenance of community gardens on presently unused city properties.
Community Cost Reduction Act (IN-12-01) On 4/20 of this year, I filed a petition with the City of Bend to amend the Charter. I did this to redirect our police services back toward real crime. The Act does not create a bureaucracy or a tax.
5. I am much more committed to championing local entrepreneurs and existing Bend businesses rather than enticing others to Bend with tax breaks and other special incentives. Invest in Bend.
6. No. I love the projects. Not worth the debt.
7. Two of the four ($68 million) water projects are on hold. 1) Hydro Powerhouse -Design 30 percent complete. 2) Treatment Plant -Design 90 percent complete. I won’t be voting to approve a bond for either. 3) Conduit Project -Piping is being delivered. Construction is set to begin today (10/10). Replacing 80-year-old pipe is necessary. I support. 4) Intake -Bidding 40 percent complete. Undecided.
8. Dredge it.
SALLY RUSSELL
1. A resident of Bend for almost 30 years, I have always been committed to making our community a better place to live. My business experience and education, my willingness to dig into issues and my skill at solving problems will make me an effective member of the Bend City Council. As Executive Director of the Cascade Cycling Classic and later the Cascade Festival of Music I turned around these landmark events, resetting their financial and organizational framework.
2. Over my eight years on the Bend Planning Commission I learned about working with the community and City staff to create a framework within which this City could grow and thrive into the future. There were some innovative things we did with zoning then, and out of that work came the Old Mill District and Northwest Crossing.
3. The three top issues facing our City today are solving our infrastructure needs, re-starting our local economy and staying financially healthy.
Sewer is Bend’s most time-critical infrastructure need today. Bend can’t grow and add jobs until it solves its sewer capacity problems. The focus should be on cost effective, efficient and innovative solutions.
4. Restarting our local economy can be supported by strategic policies and programs. I understand that a business which provides solid, living-wage jobs is golden to our community. A healthy, livable community lays the groundwork for a successful business environment.
Some of those elements (parks) and policies (enterprise zones) are mentioned below. In addition, locating the four year OSU Cascades campus near the center of town will give a significant economic boost. Following the lead of the Galveston Revitalization Task Force, additional corridors in the City should be identified to “revitalize” local neighborhoods. Streamlining the experience and the time builders and developers spend in the Bend Development Department should also be a top priority.
5. Enterprise zones, when applied sparingly and strategically, have been proven to be effective. The tax breaks for SisTech Manufacturing and Validation Resources in exchange for adding jobs paying 150 percent of the average wage make sense. I would especially like to see this applied in existing but now neglected areas of Bend, for instance the Third Street Corridor and the Division Street Corridor.
6. I am a supporter of the Bend Parks and Recreation $29 million bond measure. The local economic drivers in this bond measure are significant. The Colorado Bridge whitewater play area and the RUSH the soccer fields, alone, are estimated to bring $8 million to our region annually. Bend’s parks are a huge asset for residents and visitors alike.
7. Although it appears that the City is moving forward on the $68 million surface water project, this community cannot afford to be spending money on projects that aren’t critically necessary today. The City could have been much smarter with this project.
8. The Mirror Pond sedimentation problem needs a long term fix. This will take creative thinking and collaboration by the irrigation districts, adjoining property owners, Pacific Power and other stakeholders. I am hopeful that the Mirror Pond Steering Committee will step forward with a long term action plan/solution, along with a funding strategy.
POSITION 4
(currently held by Jim Clinton)
JIM CLINTON
1. I am a scientist and owner of a small high-tech company in Bend. I grew up in Eastern Oregon, have a BA and PhD in Physics, and have started and run a number of companies. I have served two terms on the Bend City Council.
2. Our City faces a number of serious challenges. I have a proven record of effective service on the Council and have gained a unique level of support from the most diverse segments of our City.
3. First, we face expensive upgrades to our sewer, water and transportation infrastructure. I will ensure that priorities are properly set, and costs are reduced. Second, we have structural budget problem in paying for public safety services. I will restore needed positions and build a long-term funding strategy. Third, economic development must be focused on programs that work, that create an equitable and efficient environment for businesses to start-up, grow and prosper. Long term infrastructure and higher education are crucial to our prosperity.
4. Along with its Advisory Group, the Council needs to evaluate all its economic development programs and focus on those with a proven benefit. The City must continue to improve its service to companies seeking planning and building permits, and it must carefully listen to the business community to address problems they have in doing business in Bend.
5. These companies are in Bend’s Enterprise Zone, so the tax breaks are part of the deal the City made with them and future companies. More generally, I don’t think that property taxes should be applied to equipment, so the Enterprise Zone designation partially rights that wrong. It is one of those taxes that is counterproductive and inequitably applied.
6. I don’t take positions on bond measures and levies from other agencies. These are between the agencies and the voters.
7. I have been the only Councilor voting against this project, consistently from when it was first proposed. I do favor keeping the Bridge Creek source, and would support a different, less-expensive project, one that wouldn’t cause huge water bills.
8. I would recharge a new Management Board to (1) establish the facts and legal requirements, (2) define the options (this was mostly completed by the Technical Committee I convened), (3) attach costs and outcomes to each option, (4) engage with everyone interested to select an option and method of funding, and (5) DO IT. The disappointingly drawn-out process so far shows our difficulty in working across multiple agencies and stakeholders on controversial issues–a new Council will need to take the lead.
MIKE ROBERTS
1. I have over 20 years of experience working for local and county government which include the City of Bend, Deschutes County and Jefferson County. I have worked on the jurisdictional side of the counter and know the pit falls that often take place between government and the community.
2. I have made my living working for government and I felt it was time to give back to the community that my family calls home. The city is faced with some upcoming tough decisions financially as a small business owner I know how tough times are and we as a city can not continue to just go and get a G O Bond every time we need money. I believe it is time for a new voice on City Council and that we can not continue to maintain status-quo.
3. First and foremost it is the appearance of lack of being fiscally responsible. Recently our city administration approved the City of Bend Fire Department to send out for a proposal of over $100,000 on how to spend the limited amount of funds that the department has. That $100,000 will pay for a firefighter for a year. If our city administration needs to ask “experts” with a six figure price tag for advice then perhaps we need to look at the expertise of our city administration.
Stabilized funding for our public safety divisions (police and fire) we need to make our dollars stretch as much as possible. Perhaps if the City quit playing the role of developer and regulator with property purchases such as Juniper Ridge and the former Bulletin and Hap Taylor properties which the city is paying hundreds of thousands of dollars if not more in interest and perhaps the City got a little more mileage out of the fleet vehicles we could find revenues to maintain the needed amount of public safety personnel.
Doing a better job of maintaining our current infrastructure, specifically street over lays.
4. I would encourage that the vacant properties Bend currently has along with the price tag be reviewed, it is no wonder why Juniper Ridge is not seeing much development at $300,000 per acre. Perhaps lower the price and excuse some property taxes if the property is purchased and developed and NEW jobs are added. We need to find ways to bring business to Bend instead of watching them pass by Bend to get to other parts of the state.
5. Yes I do, if a tax break is given to a new or existing business that will provide new employment opportunities for Central Oregonians I have no problem with it.
6. I have not seen all of the items that the bond is suppose to include so I cannot provide a positive or negative response to this question.
7. I believe the piping system needs to be replaced and would like to see that move forward, what will happen at the head waters. I would need to review all of the information to see if there are other alternatives to supply Bends water needs. I do not believe Bend can rely on future wells to be dug as our sole water source.
8. First thing I would want to know is the cause of the sediment problem we can’t fix the problem until we know the cause. No matter how the situation is corrected whether it includes dredging or digging out the material during low water levels careful planning has to be taken into account of property owners that live, work and recreate down river, it is not just for the adjacent river users to have to deal with the aftermath of the Mirror Pond Clean Up.
