TREBIC 2009 City Council Candidate Questions

4)      Are you in favor of merging the following:

 

a.       GSO planning department with Guilford County?

b.      GSO inspections department with Guilford County?

c.       other departments? (name them)

d.      Boards and Commissions

 

 

14)    In general, are you willing to support rezonings which provide for higher densities and mixed-use projects even though neighbors oppose it in:

 

a.       infill sites?

b.      urban fringe areas?

 

 

16)    “John and Jane” just bought a brand new house in Guilford County.  Should they pay a special tax (over and above what you pay) to have their child in public school?

 

 

25)    Do you think that Adequate Public Facilities Ordinances that require “voluntary” fees are a good idea?

         

                    [My answer: How can a voluntary fee be required?]

 

 

29)    Which of the following options would you support as a way to finance parklands and open space:

 

a.       acquisition with public funds

b.      voluntary donations

c.       required dedication during development

d.      condemnation

e.       incentives in the development process

 

 

32)    Should the city enact stormwater regulations and stream buffer requirements that are more stringent than what the EPA and NCDENR require?

 

 

34)    Which of the following options would you support as a way to offset anticipated revenue shortfalls?

 

a.       additional sales taxes

b.      increased user fees

c.       increased car registration fees

d.      impact fees

e.       increased gas tax

f.       real estate transfer taxes

g.       increased property tax

h.      use of special taxing districts

i.       Bonds

j.       Certificates of Participation

k.      Increased permit, inspection and plan review fees

l.       Project Development (Tax Increment) Financing

m.     2/3 Bonds

n.      Delay of bond issues

o.      No additional revenues needed

p.      Increased government efficiencies.  Suggestions?:

q.      Cuts in government staff and/or services.  If so, which ones?

r.       Other:

 

 

35)    Do you support economic development incentives?

 

 

36)    Will you agree to discuss proposals that impact this industry with industry representatives in the early conceptual stages of the idea?

 

 

37)    What is the best time and way for staff to work with affected parties, including the real estate industry, when drafting policies, ordinances and fees?

 

a.       at the very beginning, while still considering concepts

b.      after drafting the proposal, but before beginning the public hearing process.

c.       public participation should be at the public hearings only

d.      not at all

e.       input should be to elected officials only

 

 

38)    When new or revised ordinances are being proposed, frequently there are a few points on which staff and industry cannot agree, which must be decided by Council.  Do you favor passing the ordinance…:

 

a.       as proposed and drafted by staff

b.      as proposed and drafted by staff with a fixed time period for review and evaluation of the ordinance

c.       after full discussion of each disputed point at a council hearing or briefing session

d.      after assigning one or more Council members to meet with staff and industry to resolve the remaining issues before coming to public hearing?

 

 

39)    RUCO?

 

 

41)    Do you support the Heart of the Triad project?

 

 

42)    How far are you willing to go to promote regional cooperation?

 

a.       tax sharing

b.      merger of certain departments

c.       multijurisdictional infrastructure projects

d.      multijurisdictional development projects (public)

e.       multijurisdictional development projects (private)

f.       support for inter-basin water transfers

g.       economic development recruitment

h.      regional planning collaboration

i.       technology compatibility

j.       regional landfill solutions

k.      regional water & sewer solutions or authority

l.       library solutions

m.     a structured, formal framework for regional collaboration

n.      support Piedmont Triad Partnership (PTP) and regional marketing