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MAYORAL CANDIDATE RESPONSES TO 2007 QUESTIONNAIRE
(see links at left for other responses)
CANDIDATES
Republican: David Sabbagh
Democrat: Mark Kruzan
1. Do you support the right of working people to unionize and engage in collective bargaining?
David Sabbagh - “In general, yes. There are exceptions.” Mark Kruzan - “Yes. As member of the Indiana General Assembly, I voted for this right for 16 years.”
2. In the above question, do you make a distinction between private sector and public sector workers?
David Sabbagh - “In general, no. There are exceptions.” Mark Kruzan - “No”
3. What are your views on the privatization of jobs that are presently done by government employees?
David Sabbagh - “There are some of jobs that should be retained within the structure of government. For these, it is important that the people delivering the service be government employees under the direct control of elected officials. On the other hand, there are many jobs for which the private sector can be more efficient and more effective, costing less while delivering more.
Examples of jobs to be retained: police, fire, emergency services
Examples of City jobs already outsourced, and being effectively handled: managing BT” Mark Kruzan - “Privatization on large scales has proven not to live up to its billing. I take a default position in opposition to privatization.”
4. Do you support binding arbitration for public employees?
David Sabbagh - “Clearly, public safety is very important to all of us, and requires there be no interruption of services. So, I certainly am in favor of binding arbitration for our public safety workers, policemen and firemen. For most union workers in government, my administration would stress open discussions and serious negotiation. I would expect resolution to come from this process. So, I would not need or be in favor of binding arbitration.” Mark Kruzan - “I can see cases where it would be appropriate. In my 4 years as mayor, the city has successfully worked to settle differences.”
5. Should government have a role in the availability and affordability of daycare?
(a) If no, why not? (b) If yes, what should that role be?
David Sabbagh - “Government has an obligation to support the community’s children. First, as a major employer, City government should provide employees with tax-leveraged plans covering dependent care. Second, as an entity granting funds, the City should put a high priority on supporting existing daycare provided for working parents of limited means. Finally, as Mayor, I will personally advocate for children, for the protection of children and the education of children.” Mark Kruzan - “Yes. Childcare is a very real economic development tool that government can promote to empower people to sustain a family. ED incentives can include daycare provisions.”
6. Do you support domestic partner benefits for city employees?
David Sabbagh - “Of course” Mark Kruzan - “Yes”
7. What do you think should be city government’s role in economic development?
David Sabbagh - “Government creates the environment for people and business to create jobs. - One of the first steps needed to correct the current adversarial approach to economic development is to reduce the time and energy required for business to move through necessary processes. Secondly, City government has to set a high priority on retaining and growing local business. This requires a willingness to listen and to understand business problems, and an ability to work with the business owners and employees in an open and transparent fashion.” Mark Kruzan - “Gov’t can promote economic growth by incentivizing job creation and assisting in workforce preparation.”
8. How and when should tax abatements be used?
David Sabbagh - “I believe tax abatements are an easy and cost effective mechanism for this city to encourage job growth. I would tie approval to a plan to increase jobs in a meaningful manner. Further, I would be willing to rescind the incentive if plans aren’t carried out as planned.” Mark Kruzan - “To encourage investment that provides a public benefit.”
9. Are you willing to tie the payment of a living wage, full time work, and employer provided health care as conditions to granting tax incentives to businesses?
David Sabbagh - Living wage, full time, health care- I think tax incentives should be tied to the growth of good jobs. Good jobs require what I call a living wage, but I recognize that the definition of a ‘living wage’ can vary with different people. I am comfortable with the definition currently in use locally. Full time work and healthcare are good metrics by which to evaluate the worthiness of a tax incentive granted to business. Mark Kruzan - “Yes”
10. Are you in favor of tax abatement documentation being verified?
David Sabbagh - “I am in favor of all government processes being reviewed, verified and documented.” Mark Kruzan - “Yes. I support clawback provisions, as well.”
11. Would you support a program for Single Payer/Universal Health Care?
David Sabbagh - “I am not in favor of Single Payor health care. This is an enormously complicated issue, and certainly there are advantages to Single Payor approach. However, reviewing the systems in place abroad, disadvantages are also very clear. In general, government decides on the level of care allowed. For some, it will improve. However, medical research and new technologies can be held back. Mark Kruzan - “Yes”
12. Would you support a requirement that contractors meet minimum criteria defining a “responsible contractor” in order to be considered for municipal contracts? Criteria could include past performance, having proper insurance coverage, adherence to safety and labor laws, and other employee standards.
David Sabbagh - “I think there are already criteria required for contracting with the City. It is better for the contractors and for the city for these criteria to be clearly defined. The goal is to make the process efficient, and to allow the contractor and the city to work together to deliver a high level of service. Mark Kruzan - “Yes. We are currently working on that proposal.” |
