| Thuy Pham-Remmele, District 20 1)I believe in assigning jobs to the persons most qualified to successfully accomplish them. All city departments and employment classifications should adhere to this standard so we get the best quality service for tax payers.That said, a certain line of work requires sensitivity on the part of service providers. I will advocate for outreach efforts and wide disemination of job availability so people of color are aware of opportunities. I will strongly encourage people of color to apply for every job they feel qualified to do. Hiring processes must be open to ensure fairness and impartiality . 2) To expand the level of the purchasing of goods and services of minority business enterprises (MBEs) by private and public decision makers the City of Madison should make sure minority businesses receive all notices of city purchase in time to submit their bids. A Minority Business Directory should be made available to all city department purchasing agents and private businesses. I would also encourage the city to offer some incentives to assist start-up businesses owned by women and minorities. To help MBEs succeed, the city should streamline paperwork and offer free training workshops for MBEs interested in working with the city. Madison must refrain from passing burdensome regulations that discourage small businesses from locating in Madison. 3) I don't think undocumented workers should be allowed to access and utilize goods and services provided by city government. The city doesn't have unlimited resources, nobody should take advantage of tax payers already burdened with increasing costs of living, insurance, and numerous taxes. I would encourage undocumented workers and their employers to abide by US laws and do everyting to acquired legal status. 4) Despite all the good will and money invested I don't think the Mayor has been successful with this project. This situation requires more consideration and thoughtful planning. The guiding principles that would influence my decisions is that all parties affected should be involved in every step along the way to improve Allied Drive. Imposed changes from the outside are never well received. 5) Excuse me, I don' know exactly what your question is asking. When I am on the Common Council this Office of Community Services will be on my first list of consideration. 6) Get rid of the failed IZ. Provide more direct mortgage assistance to first time low-income homeowners so they can choose homes that meet city housing codes and where to live. Madison does have affordable older homes for sale in many neighborhoods. The city should encourage, instead of punish, good landlords and renters to work together and improve our city housing quality. ****** Gary Poulson, District 20 1) I would expect that the City through its affirmative action agency has a plan to recruit and employ people of color for its whole range of classifications and positions. I would also expect that the Common Council would receive an update on how the plan is working in getting fair representation for people of color in City jobs. If this isn't true, then I would request such information be provided the whole Council with an action plan to get to the established employment goals. 2) I think the City should do outreach to minority businesses. This could be accomplished by the City hosted something like a ";job fair" for potential minority business providers of goods and services that the City needs to acquire. The City could also contact State Department of Commerce program that encourages minority businesses to compete for state contracts and learn how they do outreach to increase the number of minority businesses participating in the state program. 3) All residents should be able to access all basic services that the City provides its citizens. I do not think people who live in this City should be denied police, fire, EMT, library or other vital services because of their federal immigration status. 4) The City needs to work closely with all the stakeholders in the neighborhood to plan for the redevelopment and provision of housing. The City has a great opportunity to make some true progress in a troubled area of the City. I think that affordable housing needs to be the guiding principle here. I also think that ownership of one's dwelling should be promoted. I believe resident ownership will help stabilize the neighborhood and increase the stake that residents have in turning their neighborhood around. Other stabilizing factors include increased job opportunities, quality child care, and reliable public transportation. 5) It seems that in tough fiscal times the first area that is targeted for cuts in City spending is the community services budget and programs. I will support maintaining community service levels. Actually, I would like to see increases in spending for programs that impact children's care and development. 6) I would encourage the Community Development Authority to develop affordable housing on its own or in partnerships with private for-profit and non-profit developers. The CDA has a number of tools to assist in the development of affordable housing. These include tax exempt bond issuance and land trusts. I believe that the affordable housing trust fund needs additional resources. |
| Decision 2007: Candidates for Madison Alder Cont'd |
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