Question 1
Yes, I believe there is an affordable housing crisis in our community. It is getting more
difficult for people to get housing in traditional ways. Getting people into affordable
housing should be a serious commitment from our city.
Question 2
District 9 has a small number of affordable housing units comparatively speaking. Yes,
there should be more but it is unlikely due to current demographics and cost. We have to
look for ways to get people into existing housing.
Question 3
I have not worked on housing issues directly in terms of supply and demand. I have
attended several meetings in the Allied Drive area in which housing was discussed.
Question 4
There are two populations in need of affordable housing:
- Families below 70% of Dane County median income
- First time home buyers, especially younger home buyers.
Question 5
I am open to new ideas in making affordable housing a reality. I look forward to input
from the AHAA.
Question 6
Initiatives aimed at fighting crime and poverty can greatly support, or be supported by
affordable housing initiatives.
Question 7
We have a democracy, and I believe everyone has a right to participate in the political
process. I am open minded and will listen to everybody I can during the campaign, and
once I’m elected (regardless to their support or lack thereof during the campaign).
However, I am looking forward to working with the Affordable Housing Action Alliance
during the campaign, and once I’m elected.
Question 8
I would like to see the city make a serious commitment to the Affordable Housing Trust
Fund. In addition to taxpayer dollars, we should look to raise funds privately also. I
would like to see the fund reach its $10 million goal in the shortest time possible.
Question 9
I would reserve expressing a position until I have more specific data. I would like to see
the fund be built as quickly as possible, and any interest gains should first be used to help
low income residents find affordable housing.
Question 10
Inclusionary zoning is a very worthwhile concept and should be supported. I look
forward to the improvements the Council is working on.
Question 11
The city and housing advocates are constantly reviewing how the landlord tenant
ordinance is working. Before taking the position on resource allocation I would like to
hear more from both sides.
Question 12
I feel we need to develop a comprehensive plan to address the issue of low income
housing in Madison. Any changes that could help address this issue I would be strongly
inclined to support.
Question 13
The Plan Commission is a good starting point for asking right questions about
accessibility. Before approving housing plans the city council should check for
adherence to accessibility standards.
Question 14
Homelessness is not a problem the city can solve by itself. Currently a number of groups,
including the faith community, social workers, community volunteers and other nonprofit
groups are working to alleviate this problem. While the city does fund some of the
shelters, somehow I would like to see more done. We had record numbers of people
using the shelters this year. Something must be done about this.
Question 15
Yes, the city has the responsibility for case management. Not only will it help residents
with housing issues, but it will also provide a useful metric on which programs are
working in reducing poverty and housing issues.
Question 16
It is not as easy to deal with homelessness as it once was in the past. Usually, there is no
one single cause of homelessness, but poverty is increasingly a factor. Often people have
multiple blocks such as drug problems, mental problems, job loss or other personal
issues.
The best way to fight homelessness is to make a commitment to the Affordable Housing
Trust Fund, and to fight poverty.
Question 17
The inability to be properly situated due to financial instability is the main issue with
people getting out of shelters. Job training programs can help shelter residents gain the
skills necessary to find a job and become more stable financially. Rent subsidy programs
can also help shelter residents once they leave the shelter.
Question 18
We need to make sure that the revitalization leave the character of the neighborhood in
tact and that current residents will still be able to afford to live in the neighborhood if
they choose.
Question 19
In Allied Drive there will be no one-way to fix everything. Education and job training
initiatives will be vital to the revitalization efforts. Home ownership will also be key to
the revitalization efforts, but we must preserve the character of the neighborhood by
ensuring that a significant percentage of the existing residents have an opportunity to own
homes.
