Jeff Zink’s Q&A for City Council candidates
This is the message that Jeff Zink sent out describing his survey of the City Council candidates. – Ellen
Sent: Friday, May 29, 2009 12:50 PM
Subject: City Council Questions & Answers
Dear Fellow Oak Ridge Voters:
As you know, “we” will soon be electing four (4) members to the City Council on Tuesday, 02 JUN 09.
I’ve been here 32 years now and the usual responses before an election are “more retail”, “better schools”, “safer environment”; etcetera
So, I set out to ask the candidates a few questions about specific topics that affect the Oak Ridge budget.
I first got assistance from the League of Women Voters – Oak Ridge (LWVOR), The Oak Ridger and the Anderson County Election Commission (ACEC) in generating a list of e-mails as I wanted my answers in an e-mail format.
The ACEC gave me an Excel file with the list of candidates in alphabetical order. This file had only a phone number to contact each candidate. I called each candidate and had them give me an e-mail address for them. I am sad to say that I never did make telephonic contact with Rick Hasbrouck, Audrey Overbury (who has dropped out of the race), and Eric Tobler. However, after submitting the questions, I did get an answer from Eric Tobler. So someone was quite kind in forwarding the questions to him.
To make this effort more worthy of each candidate’s time, I promised to forward their responses to other Oak Ridge voters. I also promised to copy the candidates, the LWVOR, The Oak Ridger and the ACEC.
Below is a (painstakingly) compiled list of all the candidate replies that I have received. If there is no section for a specific candidate, then I did not get an e-mail with answers to the questions. They are in alphabetical order by candidate.
I hope they help you make a better informed decision on who you plan to vote for next Tuesday.
I do ask that anything below the first demarcation “**********************”, be left as it is and in no way edited when you or anyone else forwards this e-mail.
In closing, this was a worthwhile effort on my part but did take more time than I thought (something not unusual for me).
Next election, I will see if the LWVOR will set up a separate web page to have questions like mine posted so that I am not having to perform this self-appointed “town crier” function.
Please enjoy reading the replies and I hope they help you decide who to vote for on Tuesday.
Thanks
Jeff Zink
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Anne Garcia Garland
Mr. Zink,
What an interesting way to promote participation in democracy. Glad to have another venue Thank you. Anne
The Questions:
1) Centennial Golf Course
When The Oak Ridger use to publish the quarterly statement, the city owned golf course was not making a profit.
(I’ve not seen this statement in the Oak Ridger for sometime now.) Are you in favor or opposed to the city continuing to own the Centennial golf course ?
I don’t know. I, too, have not seen P&L information for some time.
Some loss might be tolerated if a public interest can be demonstrated but a large loss should not be unless it can be shown to be progressively disappearing.
If in favor, what plans or ideas do you have to make the golf course profitable ?
I don’t actually have any plans. I would be grateful to hear ideas.
If opposed, will you work to sell the course to a private firm ?
I would be glad to put it to a referendum after publishing as much data as we can find on its viability so the citizens can make a decision or inform Council’s decision.
It sounds like a politician’s answer but I am a deep believer in public participation in government.
2) City of Oak Ridge Web site
Would you favor or oppose increasing the amount of information on the City of Oak Ridge web site ?
I favor making all of the city’s public records available through the web site. The site also needs to be redesigned to make access to records and staff as simple as possible. Right now if one clicks on “Contact Us,” what comes up is a blank page.
Information items that could be on the web site:
1) Documents for major City contracts
Bidding documents
Contractual documents with major suppliers
The actual document that gives WalMart its right to deny certain businesses at The Oak Ridge Mall
2) Organizational charts for all City departments (school, police, fire, electrical, etcetera)
3) IDB and other City related organization documents
4) Monthly income statements showing the flow of funds
3) Lobbyist Funding
Are you in favor or opposed to funding of lobbyists with Oak Ridge City funds at either the Federal or State level?
I am, unhappily, not yet qualified to answer that. It is a terrific bind. I don’t like lobbying and I don’t want us to miss our share of attention so…
4) Oak Ridge Mall
Do you have any ideas on how to encourage Mr. Arnsdorf and his investors to finally getting around to remodeling and reopening The Oak Ridge Mall. (I have my own idea and will share it with the winners if they would e-mail me after the election.)
Don’t wait for election outcomes to share ideas, okay? And please don’t wait to be asked. Speak up.
Anyway, there is very little city government can do at this point.
We must monitor to make sure the building doesn’t violate code.
We can appeal to the county to keep the assessment from going any lower or maybe even raise it to reflect any rises to costs of properties in Oak Ridge so that the consortium who own the property don’t get out of paying property taxes.
We can be open to ideas. We must not, under any circumstances, however, make any promises, specific or implied, that we do not have the public support for and we must not mislead the public into thinking that city council can do anything outside its power.
5) Oak Ridge Marina
Are you in favor or opposed to further development of the “rowing area”
I personally believe continued improvements to the rowing course and the launching area and the support amenities (parking, showers, gathering areas, etc.) can pay off for the city in attracting both events which bring in many visitors and new residents who want to live in areas with outdoor opportunities for sports and spectating.
If opposed, why ?
If in favor, what ideas do you have ?
None that haven’t been put forward already by the rowing association members who are both knowledgeable and creative. I have some reservations about some of the related development proposed in the city’s waterfront development draft plan.
6) Street Cameras
(Note: The original cameras were to be red light cameras but instead the first cameras installed are speed cameras and have no attachment whatsoever to a traffic light)
Are you in favor or opposed to using street cameras for law enforcement (ticketing and fines) purposes ?
Opposed. Having read a lot of literature and talked to a lot of people with experience in other places, I believe this was an ill-conceived venture which we will wind up eliminating. I believe it will cause more accidents and elevate the anger levels of the populace. Police officers train hard to do more diplomatic teaching than “punishing” at traffic stops. If ticketing were about raising money, don’t you think the officers would be under direction to be doing more traffic stops all the time that they are out on patrol? I think we need crossing guards and a police presence at school crossings during starting and ending times of the class day. Someone has asked me why there is no flashing yellow signal at Glenwood during those times and I have not yet had a chance to see if that is the situation.
Should some signage be erected to “inform” motorists that they are about to come upon a street camera?
Some signs are posted telling people that the coming intersection is camera enforced.
If you are in favor, how many street corners and how many roadways do you think should get a camera?
If you are in favor, are there any types of street camera that you would oppose (there are more camera types than just red light and speed)
If you are opposed to street cameras, will you work to have the contract terminated and the existing cameras removed, as soon as contractually feasible ?
Yes.
7) Taxpayer Funding of Private Businesses
When do you feel it is appropriate to subsidize new retail development with taxpayer funding ?
Do you mean when is it appropriate to bribe retail to come here by giving tax abatements? I am yet to be convinced that it is necessary. If we do grant property tax reductions to businesses in order to help them get on their feet, it should be limited in time and degree and should be based on demonstrable return on investment in the form of jobs, other tax revenues, or other benefits and should carry conditions which enforce repayment if the company fails to meet its goals. In addition, the businesses should be of a nature that is not otherwise represented in the city and for which there is a need or widespread desire. I also favor restricting such assistance to locally owned and independent enterprises.
I am told by the Chamber of Commerce that tax abatements for industry have become the standard and, as such, are necessary. I consider this a sad state of affairs reminiscent of third world conditions this country used to descry and I would like us to make every effort to reduce our participation in the practice.
As for retail, we can help the retail we have by improving access to the many businesses we already have. We are not meeting ADA accessibility standards. Our public transit is severely limited. Private for-hire transit is also very limited. Some of our commercial centers have no presence on the main thoroughfares that would inform visitors and newcomers of their existence or whereabouts.
Is it appropriate to use taxpayer money to bring in a store that directly competes with existing retail, such as another jewelry store or another real estate office?
I cannot quite imagine a scenario that would make that acceptable, no.
Final/Open Question – Since I will send this to other Oak Ridge Voters that I have e-mail addresses ……..
Is there any statement or subject(s) you would like to discuss that I did not inquire about in the above seven subjects ?
Oak Ridge is one of the most amazing communities I have ever encountered. Lately it seems that we have been beset by a loss of faith in ourselves or a loss of some of our sense of community. Are we being set against each other in some way by interests which depend on confusion or ignorance of the citizenry? Collectively we make better decisions than do isolated elements. If we are disappointed in proposed projects like the Mall reconfiguration or the supposed shopping development on the bare flattened hill, isn’t it possible that the failures lie in what happens well before such projects are exposed to the public? I would like us to once again address the issue of open government. I would like to see fewer promises made or accepted without input from the public. This is our town. If we want it to remain so, if we want to be proud and happy to live here, I’m thinking that we have to do the work, to be informed, to participate.
And, if there is “nothing to do here” for young people, would young people please be specific about what they want to do and help go after it?
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Martin McBride
Mister Zink,
Here are my responses to your questions. I have also attached a version as a Word Document.
Many thanks for your interest in the election. Your efforts will inform folks and (hopefully) encourage more citizens to vote.
Martin McBride
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1) Centennial Golf Course
When The Oak Ridger use to publish the quarterly statement, the city owned golf course was not making a profit. (I’ve not seen this statement in the Oak Ridger for sometime now)
Are you in favor or opposed to the city continuing to own the Centennial golf course ?
If in favor, what plans or ideas do you have to make the golf course profitable ?
If your opposed, will you work to sell the course to a private firm ?
Response:
In my opinion, cities should stick to the jobs that they traditionally have held, providing schools, police, and fire services for example. Beyond this philosophical point, our golf course involves a significant public relations problem—because the council brushed aside strong local opposition in order to initially pursue it.
The fact that the golf course has been such a financial loss over the years, simply makes the memory of the golf course decision that much more divisive for the community.
Unfortunately, the golf course was a large (and very expensive) gamble that failed. For many, it symbolizes government arrogance. From a financial point of view and from a public trust point of view, the city should cut its losses and sell the property as soon as possible.
2) City of Oak Ridge Web site
Would you favor or oppose increasing the amount of information on the City of Oak Ridge web site ?
Information items that could be on the web site:
1) Documents for major City contracts
Bidding documents
Contractual documents with major suppliers
The actual document that gives WalMart its right to deny certain businesses at The Oak Ridge Mall
2) Organizational charts for all City departments (school, police, fire, electrical, etcetera)
3) IDB and other City related organization documents
4) Monthly income statements showing the flow of funds
Response:
I favor substantially increasing the amount of information on the city website. Your suggested enhancements all sound neat! Expanding the city’s website is a low-cost way to add transparency to Oak Ridge government—building public trust.
One of the hidden points I take from your question is the value of having some type of “citizen suggestion box” for the city website. What do citizens want to see on the website? Isn’t the website really for them?
In this way, the Oak Ridge city website can become a very important avenue for citizens to communicate with their government. I believe that one cannot have too many such avenues. There cannot be too much communication!
3) Lobbyist Funding
Are you in favor or opposed to funding of lobbyists with Oak Ridge City funds at either the Federal or State level ?
Response:
I oppose funding city lobbyists because they lack the basic tools that make lobbying effective and because they are redundant to our state and federal elected officials.
Whether one agrees with the lobbying process or not, its effectiveness comes from the money and/or voters that a particular lobbyist brings to the table. City lobbyists bring neither to the table.
It is also a primary responsibility of our state and federal elected representatives to look after Oak Ridge city interests. If our elected officials fail to get this job done, the Council needs to inform the community so they can make a change—rather than pay for expensive lobbyists.
4) Oak Ridge Mall
Do you have any ideas on how to encourage Mr. Arnsdorf and his investors to finally getting around to remodeling and reopening The Oak Ridge Mall? (I have my own idea and will share it with the winners if they would e-mail me after the election)
Response:
One must remember that the Oak Ridge Mall is private property. Any suggestions made here, entail working with the Mall owner.
One of the key issues about the future use of the Mall is the set of 99-year Mall covenants. In July of 2000, the owner of the Oak Ridge mall agreed to place fifty-pages of detailed restrictions on the Mall property—restrictions which require WalMart approval for virtually any change in the mall buildings, mall parking areas, or in the mall out parcels. I have both a complete set of the covenants and a one-page summary of their more-interesting restrictions—if anyone is interested in reading them.
WalMart may very well be willing to relax some of these restrictions, if the Council were to approach the WalMart CEO. This needs to be done.
Once the mall covenants are dealt with, the council should turn its attention to the development restrictions contained in the leases of the various mall tenants. If these restrictions were relaxed to some degree, the mall owner would gain some valuable flexibility. It might make development decisions flow much faster.
The council should also explore the concept of multiple zoning—zoning which enables both retail and residential housing development on a single property. This has apparently worked well in other localities. It could enable the addition of retail stores and high-end apartments (for seniors, for example) to the Oak Ridge Mall.
The most-fundamental problem with the Oak Ridge Mall is the weak underlying Oak Ridge customer base. Turkey Creek has done well primarily because Farragut’s underlying economy is such a powerhouse.
The strong Farragut customer base fills its stores with shoppers and encourages more and more retail investment. In contrast, Oak Ridge’s relatively weak retail sector has many fewer shoppers and a strong tendency to shrink over time.
To really fix the mall, one has to energize the Oak Ridge city economy. The problem is that people have been working to expand the Oak Ridge economy for sixty years. Unfortunately, a number of key constraints—linked to the city’s long and distinguished federal service—hold the Oak Ridge economy back and drive up city tax rates.
Congress has poured millions of dollars of economic aid into other communities bordering nuclear complexes, for example the Los Alamos and the Rocky Flats communities. Such Congressional attention now needs to come to Oak Ridge.
If Congress (not DOE, but Congress) were to provide a $10,000 bonus to encourage 500 federal families a year to move to Oak Ridge—it would even-out Oak Ridge’s economic playing field and encourage mall expansion. If Congress provided $ 8 million dollars a year to the Oak Ridge schools—money that it provides to the Los Alamos school system—we could expand school programs and reduce city tax rates by about a dollar.
Consider the added problems that Oak Ridge will have attracting shoppers when the expansion of Lovell Road is completed. The Lovell Road work will bring Turkey Creek practically to our front door!
Unless the underlying constraints on the Oak Ridge economy are dealt with (through a Congressional investment, for example) it is unlikely that any measures will actually “fix” the Oak Ridge mall. Our economy is simply too weak and our competition too strong.
5) Oak Ridge Marina
Are you in favor or opposed to further development of the “rowing area”
If opposed, why ?
If in favor, what ideas do you have ?
Response:
Personally, I strongly support developing the land around the current marina in order to create a new Oak Ridge “boardwalk” area—with new retail and housing. If done correctly, such a development could create both a major new family attraction for the city and a platform to expand our wonderful rowing venue.
One would of course have to actively discourage motor boating activities in the area. Both engine noise and boat wake pose serious problems. The lake at the marina is simply too narrow to accommodate any more than an occasional motorized craft. Evening strollers will want a peaceful environment to enjoy the restaurants and the shops and the rowers need calm water for their events.
Thus, development may well entail the reduction of existing docking, the elimination of existing boat ramps, and the installation of “no-wake” zones.
The most important question concerning the future of the Melton Hill Lake area is: what does the community wish to do?
Several development options can (and should) be placed in a city-wide survey. Three development options could be, for example:
o Option 1: Leave the marina area as is, with little (if any) new development.
o Option 2: Strongly develop the Melton Hill Lake land area—while promoting further expansion of rowing facilities—including brand new retail, heritage features, and housing development. This is the option that I like.
o Option 3: A middle-of-the-road approach that combines elements of Options 1 and 2.
The school board used a public survey when coming to grips with the future of the high school. In that case, the process was completed very quickly and efficiently. It also generated a huge amount of support, as a side benefit. The city should use a similar approach with the Melton Hill Lake decision.
Find out what the public wants by suggesting a number of options and conducting a survey—then follow the public’s lead.
6) Street Cameras
(Note: The original cameras were to be red light cameras but instead the first cameras installed are speed cameras and have no attachment whatsoever to a traffic light)
Are you in favor or opposed to the using street cameras for law enforcement (ticketing and fines) purposes ?
Should some signage be erected to “inform” motorists that they are about to come upon a street camera ?
If you are in favor, how many street corners and how many roadways do you think should get a camera ?
If you are in favor, are there any type of street camera that you would oppose (there are more camera types than just red light and speed)
If you are opposed to street cameras, will you work to have the contract terminated and the existing cameras removed, as soon as contractually feasible?
Response:
I opposed the red-light cameras. The cameras generate a major new distraction for motorists—one that will tend to make the streets less safe over time. Moreover, the tickets generated by the camera program will cause Oak Ridge to become known as an unfriendly community (and a speed trap,) driving potential customers away and further depressing our economy.
Yet as strongly as I oppose the cameras, the central question really should be: what does the community think about them? I favor a community survey on the matter.
If a survey shows that the community supports the cameras, the program should be continued and the results closely monitored. If the community opposes the cameras—as I believe they will—the council should end the program as soon as possible.
7) Taxpayer Funding of Private Businesses
When do you feel it is appropriate to subsidize new retail development with taxpayer funding ?
Is it appropriate to use taxpayer money to bring in a store that directly competes with existing retail, such as another jewelry store or another real estate office ?
Response:
Tax abatement is an unfortunate (but necessary) component of the city’s economic strategy. I view it as a necessary evil.
Yet, despite spending millions of dollars on “economic development” over the years, neither Oak Ridge’s population, its retail sector, nor the city’s overall economy has grown. To make our abatements effective, the Council must: (1) face reality concerning our economic competition, (2) improve the city’s business climate, (3) control taxpayer risk, (4) enhance transparency, (5) fund projects citizens support, (6) make city-residence a prerequisite, and (7) insist on a return-on-investment.
Such abatements are by their nature “unfair.” In almost every case, abatements place older loyal taxpaying businesses at an economic disadvantage.
Understanding this, let me provide three examples of possible abatements—along with my positions on them.
1. A Small Isolated Retail Store. I would oppose an abatement for an individual jewelry store or real estate office—because the return-on-investment is low and these abatements so clearly penalize existing businesses.
2. Larger Retail Shopping Center. I would probably support an abatement for a new, larger shopping center, provided there are suitable safeguards to assure that: (a) the project is completed, (b) Oak Ridge receives a sufficient number of new residents out of the deal, and (c) there is adequate return-on-investment to protect the taxpayer money.
3. A Factory Complex that Included Some Retail. I would definitely support abatements for still larger endeavors, like a factory, even if they included a competing retailer—again, provided the project is completed, Oak Ridge gets sufficient new residents, and the taxpayer’s investment is protected.
8. Final/Open Question – Since I will send this to other Oak Ridge Voters that I have e-mail addresses for……..
Is there any statement or subject(s) you would like to discuss that I did not inquire about in the above seven subjects ?
Response:
Our city currently has a listless economy with non-competitive tax rates. Out of 406 taxing areas listed by the Tennessee Comptroller General, Oak Ridge’s total property tax rate (that is, city plus county rate) is the fifth highest in Tennessee. At $5.45, the Oak Ridge property tax rate is more than double that of its chief competitor, The Town of Farragut (at $2.69.) The Oak Ridge rate is nearly three times that of nearby Loudon County ($1.92.)
Moreover, Oak Ridge is currently only 18 cents behind the number two Tennessee property tax rate. This is significant, because the council raised the Oak Ridge tax rate by 22 cents in the last two years. This trend suggests the council will shortly raise Oak Ridge taxes to the point we have the second highest property tax rate in Tennessee.
These conditions seriously impede the development of the Oak Ridge economy, jeopardizing Oak Ridge’s future city services (schools, police, and fire services.)
For Oak Ridge to grow and prosper, our city needs a results-oriented Council that is willing to face its problems (like the tax rate) and partner with the public.
We also need to attract more workers from Y-12 and ORNL to the city, in order to assure that those plants receive a continuing, positive political environment. This bond does not mean that Oak Ridge is a “federal” town—it means that our city provides a vital federal service (a service that requires a congressional economic investment, if it is to continue.)
I believe in results, not slogans. I hope that people will vote for me, so that we can get our wonderful city moving!
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D Jane Miller
Jane Miller requests that you consult her web site at http://www.janemiller.org/index.html and read her submissions to the questions asked by the Oak Ridge Observer at http://www.oakridgeobserver.com/ for her answers to the questions I submitted.
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David N Mosby
Jeff, my responses are in red type below. Let me know if you have questions or suggestions to clarify my comments/answers. Thanks again for allowing us an opportunity to share our thoughts on these issues important to Oak Ridge.
Dave
Compiler’s Note: To make the responses consistent, I changed Mr. Mosby’s red type answers to blue type.
The Questions:
1) Centennial Golf Course
When The Oak Ridger use to publish the quarterly statement, the city owned golf course was not making a profit. (I’ve not seen this statement in the Oak Ridger for sometime now)
Are you in favor or opposed to the city continuing to own the Centennial golf course ?
If a qualified buyer made a responsible offer (i.e. equal to or exceeds current investment), I would be in favor of selling the property.
I believe the only reason we haven’t sold the property is that there have been no reasonable offers to buy it.
I would not be interested in taking a loss on the property at this point.
If in favor, what plans or ideas do you have to make the golf course profitable ?
Golf course operations (not considering debt service) have been slightly profitable for the last few years.
I know that the management company is trying to increase revenues and bring in more golfers/users of the facilities and are having some success.
If your opposed, will you work to sell the course to a private firm ?
There was a big push several years ago to sell the course, but there were no takers and the city had to bring in a course management firm.
If there are any serious buyers out there, I would definitely be in favor of working with them to sell the course.
2) City of Oak Ridge Web site
Would you favor or oppose increasing the amount of information on the City of Oak Ridge web site ?
I would support any effort to increase the exchange of public information (web site or otherwise) with citizens.
There is an awful lot of information already on the web site like the council minutes and meeting agenda packets, as well as some of the documents you list below.
I am pretty sure that the City Manager or city clerk would be happy to get citizens hard copies of any public information not currently on the web site upon request.
Information items that could be on the web site:
1) Documents for major City contracts
Bidding documents
Contractual documents with major suppliers
The actual document that gives WalMart its right to deny certain businesses at The Oak Ridge Mall
2) Organizational charts for all City departments (school, police, fire, electrical, etcetera)
3) IDB and other City related organization documents
4) Monthly income statements showing the flow of funds
3) Lobbyist Funding
Are you in favor or opposed to funding of lobbyists with Oak Ridge City funds at either the Federal or State level?
Within the scope of the Council adopted Legislative Agenda, I favor the hiring of consultants (Lobbyists) to help identify and package our requests for assistance at both the State and Federal levels.
It is clear that the city has received value far in excess of the fees it has paid for those services over the last several years.
4) Oak Ridge Mall
Do you have any ideas on how to encourage Mr. Arnsdorf and his investors to finally getting around to remodeling and reopening The Oak Ridge Mall?
I think just about everything legal has been tried to get this project moving, short of buying the property or taking it away through the courts (which is essentially the same as buying the property). The mall owners have been coddled, coersed, cajoled, and cussed at, but nothing has worked. The owners even willingly gave up an $800K EDA grant intended to get the project moving. A legal taking (emminent domain) would tie up ten’s of millions of taxpayer dollars and would likely take years and years to get through the courts. The City simply does not have the cash reserves to buy the property outright. Besides, the City has no track record or experience in mall management or development and would likely end up with a multi-million dollar fiasco.
5) Oak Ridge Marina
Are you in favor or opposed to further development of the “rowing area”
Development of the entire waterfront is long overdue and I am in favor of providing complementary commercial (retail) and recreational expansion, retaining the openness and beauty of the existing area.
If opposed, why ?
If in favor, what ideas do you have ?
I support the community plan being developed by the Planning Commission and would like to see quality developers get involved early on.
The plan should be sensitive to generating offsetting tax revenues and address traffic flow and parking issues.
6) Street Cameras
(Note: The original cameras were to be red light cameras but instead the first cameras installed are speed cameras and have no attachment whatsoever to a traffic light)
Are you in favor or opposed to the using street cameras for law enforcement (ticketing and fines) purposes?
I oppose the cameras because I have several unresolved concerns like the potential for increased accidents and the lack of alternate solutions considered before adoption of the ordinance.
Should some signage be erected to “inform” motorists that they are about to come upon a street camera?
Yes. (There is already signage installed to inform motorists at most locations.)
If you are in favor, how many street corners and how many roadways do you think should get a camera ?
If you are in favor, are there any type of street camera that you would oppose (there are more camera types than just red light and speed)
If you are opposed to street cameras, will you work to have the contract terminated and the existing cameras removed, as soon as contractually feasible ?
I intend to monitor the camera outcomes closely over the next few months and will definitely work for a contract review if there are unexpected consequences from the cameras.
7) Taxpayer Funding of Private Businesses
When do you feel it is appropriate to subsidize new retail development with taxpayer funding ?
It depends on the circumstances surrounding the project, but generally, I think subsidies for retail developments are appropriate when the subsidy is more than offset by other revenues to the city (i.e. sales taxes, use taxes, etc.) or is used as an incentive to reclaim a depressed vacant parcel in the city.
Is it appropriate to use taxpayer money to bring in a store that directly competes with existing retail, such as another jewelry store or another real estate office ?
It depends on the circumstance, but generally, I would not be inclined to support the use of taxpayer money to bring in a store that directly competes with existing retail business.
Final/Open Question – Since I will send this to other Oak Ridge Voters that I have e-mail addresses for……..
Is there any statement or subject(s) you would like to discuss that I did not inquire about in the above seven subjects ?
There are a lot of great things happening in Oak Ridge and we have lots to celebrate. Our national economy is facing serious challenges and so far, we have been spared any significant downturn. We must continue to embrace our strengths and be open to the potential for growth and development. I want to help lead the City as we become a more desirable place to live, work, and visit. I respectfully request your vote for City Council.
Dave
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Eric Tobler
Jeff,
I’m going to answer these questions in sort of a summary if that is all right.
This city is in the state it is in because we as citizens try to micro-manage it from the outside.
What we need to do is put people in office, that we trust, to do what is best for the city.
They have all the information, not the bits and pieces we get from the paper.
1) Centennial Golf Course
If people really want to know the financials of the golf course, they should run for council.
Very few golf courses make a profit.
They are fundamentally used to draw people in to purchase property.
I do however think the council should evaluate how it is being managed to ensure it is being run the best it can be.
2) City of Oak Ridge Web site
The Oak Ridge web site can loaded with as much information as you want, but be careful for what you wish for. When you publish these phone numbers and all this information, staffers will inandated with calls and even more of the city money will be wasted, because this will effect productivity. We have a city management staff. The city council needs to make sure they are doing their jobs and city organization is their responsibility. Not the citizens. We could however have a better resource to address concerns and answer questions. One source
3) Lobbyist Funding
Lobbyists are O.K. as long as they produce.
4) Oak Ridge Mall
The mall is a mess. The only thing I see the city can do, is make them keep the entire property in top shape.
We can try to find someone else to come in and buy it or we as a city can buy it. Do you think we could get support for that?
The real solution to the mall and all the rest of the vacant retail spots in this city is our attitiude towards business. Business owners are scared to death to come here because it is so hard to get any cooperation. This means leadership, staff, and citizens. We think that all businesses are trying to use us to make a buck. We’ve just about been totally successful in running everyone out of this town. Our sign policy needs to be evaluated. Abatements need to remain on the table. And we need to sell the fact, we will help them be successful. When these businesses make money, the city makes money. I would love to have a partner that wanted to take all the risk, do all the work, and then pay me my cut, for just giving moral support. It’s a no brainer. Why can’t we see that.
Oak Ridgers seem to think this city can be run like the plants, with a big budget. That is not the case. We need to generate our own money or we will be out of business.
5) Oak Ridge Marina
The marina is one of the biggest assets we have. We need to use it to make Oak Ridge a destination spot for all, not just for the rowers.
We need make sure it’s “best use” is in the plan.
6) Street Cameras
Street cameras are a sore subject for many people. I’ll be one of the first to get a ticket. And I hate big government. But the cameras address two problems. Speeding in unwanted areas and revenue. We had to have a policeman parked by Robertsville to slow the traffic down. What did that cost? Well now he is free to chase real criminals and the traffic has slowed. And as far as revenue, I’d rather get money from a speeder, than from a little old lady, who is on a fixed income, by raising her taxes. The reality is that the city need funds and we kill the ideas and businesses that can generate it.
7) Taxpayer Funding of Private Businesses
Taxes that can help businesses get started in this town need to always be considered. We need to negotiate with businesses like we were partners, not the heavy handed law. Most every deal can become good for both parties. Isn’t that what we want?
Final/Open Question – Since I will send this to other Oak Ridge Voters that I have e-mail addresses for……..
Is there any statement or subject(s) you would like to discuss that I did not inquire about in the above seven subjects ?
To sum it all up. Whether I am voted in or not. This city needs to change it’s thought process. Be pro-active for real change. Not just talk or slogans. Invite and welcome businesses. Help them with their sign issues or start up costs. Then when their successful, reap the reward.
Eric Tobler
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Tony Turner
Jeff, here are my answers.
Tony Turner
1) Centennial Golf Course
When The Oak Ridger use to publish the quarterly statement, the city owned golf course was not making a profit. (I’ve not seen this statement in the Oak Ridger for sometime now)
Are you in favor or opposed to the city continuing to own the Centennial golf course ?
I am opposed to the city owning an unprofitable business.
I favor selling or leasing it to a private business.
If in favor, what plans or ideas do you have to make the golf course profitable ?
If your opposed, will you work to sell the course to a private firm ?
2) City of Oak Ridge Web site
Would you favor or oppose increasing the amount of information on the City of Oak Ridge web site ?
I am in favor of placing as much information on the city website as is feasible, legal and practical.
There is a lot of information on the city site but it could be structured better.
Information items that could be on the web site:
1) Documents for major City contracts
Bidding documents
Contractual documents with major suppliers
The actual document that gives WalMart its right to deny certain businesses at The Oak Ridge Mall
2) Organizational charts for all City departments (school, police, fire, electrical, etcetera)
3) IDB and other City related organization documents
4) Monthly income statements showing the flow of funds
3) Lobbyist Funding
Are you in favor or opposed to funding of lobbyists with Oak Ridge City funds at either the Federal or State level?
In order to answer this I need to see the return on investment.
My uninformed answer is that I do not understand why we need a lobbyist at state or federal level.
If the lobbyist cannot provide concrete evidence of value, I favor cutting these costs.
4) Oak Ridge Mall
Do you have any ideas on how to encourage Mr. Arnsdorf and his investors to finally getting around to remodeling and reopening The Oak Ridge Mall? (I have my own idea and will share it with the winners if they would e-mail me after the election)
I cannot think of anything that the city council has not already tried.
This is private property and as long as it meets safety and occupancy codes, we cannot force them to do anything.
5) Oak Ridge Marina
Are you in favor or opposed to further development of the “rowing area”?
If opposed, why ?
If in favor, what ideas do you have ?
I am in favor of developing the waterfront.
With slight modifications, the plan that R&R Properties submitted is the plan I would use.
6) Street Cameras
(Note: The original cameras were to be red light cameras but instead the first cameras installed are speed cameras and have no attachment whatsoever to a traffic light)
Are you in favor or opposed to the using street cameras for law enforcement (ticketing and fines) purposes ?
Should some signage be erected to “inform” motorists that they are about to come upon a street camera ?
If you are in favor, how many street corners and how many roadways do you think should get a camera ?
If you are in favor, are there any type of street camera that you would oppose (there are more camera types than just red light and speed)
If you are opposed to street cameras, will you work to have the contract terminated and the existing cameras removed, as soon as contractually feasible ?
I am opposed to red light cameras and will try to have the contract terminated.
I support speeding cameras in school zones or neighborhoods with known problems with speeders.
7) Taxpayer Funding of Private Businesses
When do you feel it is appropriate to subsidize new retail development with taxpayer funding ?
I favor tax abatement when it will make a real and decisive impact on Oak Ridge and its tax rates.
Bringing in over a hundred new jobs or lowering our property tax rate by 2 or more cents would fit my definition of decisive.
Is it appropriate to use taxpayer money to bring in a store that directly competes with existing retail, such as another jewelry store or another real estate office ?
As a rule I do not favor these types of abatements.
Final/Open Question – Since I will send this to other Oak Ridge Voters that I have e-mail addresses for……..
Is there any statement or subject(s) you would like to discuss that I did not inquire about in the above seven subjects ?
No.
