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AT LARGE CANDIDATE RESPONSES TO 2007 QUESTIONNAIRE
(see links at left for other responses)
CANDIDATES (3 seats)
Republican: Clifford (Cliff) Meadows
Democrat: Tim Mayer
Democrat: Andy Ruff
Democrat: Susan Sandberg
1. Do you support the right of working people to unionize and engage in collective bargaining?
Cliff Meadows - “YES” Tim Mayer - “Yes” Andy Ruff - “Absolutely. I strongly believe it is a fundamental, basic, essential right. It is a right that is essential to human dignity and justice, and a right that is essential to the success of our democracy, our economy, our communities, and our future.” Susan Sandberg - “Absolutely, yes.”
2. In the above question, do you make a distinction between private sector and public sector workers?
Cliff Meadows - “NO” Tim Mayer - “No” Andy Ruff - “No” Susan Sandberg - “No. All workers should have the opportunity to organize and advocate for their rights as a valued labor force.”
3. What are your views on the privatization of jobs that are presently done by government employees?
Cliff Meadows - “NO JOB SHOULD BE OUTSOURCED” Tim Mayer - “City of Bloomington employees do an excellent job. I would not support privatization.” Andy Ruff - “Such jobs should as a general rule not be privatized. If it is ever done it must be conclusively shown that honest full cost accounting of all negative impacts have been measured and that the total public benefits clearly outweigh all negative impacts. “ Susan Sandberg - “I take a very dim view of privatization. Government plays a critical role in the delivery of human services. Privatization of governmental operations diminishes those services in the superficial interest of the bottom line over a dedicated and experienced workforce.”
4. Do you support binding arbitration for public employees?
Cliff Meadows - “YES” Tim Mayer - “Yes” Andy Ruff - “Yes” Susan Sandberg - “Yes”
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?
Cliff Meadows - “ONLY FOR PEOPLE WHO'S ECONOMIC NEEDS REQUIRE ASSISTANT IN THIS AREA” Tim Mayer - “Yes. Consider seed money for start-up through CDBG or city council social service funding.” Andy Ruff - “Yes. Various levels of subsidy could be calculated based on full-cost accounting of the costs and vs. benefits of different proposals. The City of Bloomington currently provides some local subsidies (MCUM for example) via social service grants.” Susan Sandberg - “Yes. Working parents face increasing challenges in finding good, affordable childcare. If we truly value our children, the government must invest in them and the working families who struggle to make ends meet. What the private sector cannot deliver, the government should help subsidize in the best interest of a healthy society.”
6. Do you support domestic partner benefits for city employees?
Cliff Meadows - “YES” Tim Mayer - “Yes” Andy Ruff - “Yes” Susan Sandberg - “Yes. As a Democrat I support the rights of all citizens in our community. It is not right to discriminate against anyone.”
7. What do you think should be city government’s role in economic development?
Cliff Meadows - “TO PROVIDE AN ATMOSHEPRE FAVORABLE TO POTENIAL EMPLOYERS” Tim Mayer - “Provide clear and simple planning and zoning for economic development. And, provide infrastructure to support business.” Andy Ruff - “Focus on creating a "people friendly" rather than "business friendly" climate. A positive people environment, with a healthy environment, attractive community, strong social service network, etc. makes a community conducive to economic development.” Susan Sandberg - “We have several incentives to use in rewarding business entities that are family- and worker-friendly. I favor those good corporate citizens who respect their workers and treat them fairly. Support for labor helps elevate the middle classes whose increased purchase power helps stimulate the economy. Government needs to attract basic sector jobs with good wages and benefits.”
8. How and when should tax abatements be used?
Cliff Meadows - “TO PROVIDE JOBS FOR A COMMUNITY” Tim Mayer - “When they benefit the public good. Through retaining jobs. Creating jobs and offering good benefits.” Andy Ruff - “Only when it can be clearly demonstrated that public benefits likely to result from the abatement outweigh the public costs associated with granting it - and that includes a requirement that the firm be worker friendly. “ Susan Sandberg - “Judiciously and sparingly! I will support business ventures that support workers and smart growth. I'll push for affordable housing and look out for the public interest in approving abatements. There must be a public good that accompanies tax breaks for corporate interests.”
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?
Cliff Meadows - “YES” Tim Mayer - “Yes” Andy Ruff - “Absolutely. I was the elected official who worked with community groups to develop the Bloomington living wage ordinance, and I was the Council member who sponsored the legislation and secured the votes to see that it passed.” Susan Sandberg - “I support the City of Bloomington for enacting the Living Wage Ordinance. If I can influence the private sector in providing for their workers through the incentive tools available to us, I certainly will.”
10. Are you in favor of tax abatement documentation being verified?
Cliff Meadows - “YES” Tim Mayer - “Yes” Andy Ruff - “Yes” Susan Sandberg - “Absolutely. We must hold businesses accountable for following the conditions of their tax abatements. If found in noncompliance, there must be consequences. The public good should always be the standard for tax incentives.”
11. Would you support a program for Single Payer/Universal Health Care?
Cliff Meadows - “NOT AS IT CURRENTLY STANDS , IT WOULD STILL MAKE HEALTH CARE UNAFFORDABLE , FOR SOME PEOPLE” Tim Mayer - “I support universal health care.” Andy Ruff - “Yes - not just any program of course, but a good one - we have to go to such a plan.” Susan Sandberg - “Absolutely! What is the hold up with reforming our broken health care system in America? This country must step it up, and it starts with all of us from the local level on up to the White House.”
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.
Cliff Meadows - “YES” Tim Mayer - “Yes” Andy Ruff - “Yes. I have already studied Illinois legislation and have met with local labor leaders to discuss such legislation for Bloomington. I have even directed current City Council staff to begin researching responsible bidder laws.” Susan Sandberg - “This sounds like a common sense requirement to me. A smart business plan includes treating workers fairly. A loyal and experienced workforce produces a quality product and good customer service. That improves the bottom line, a win-win for all. Contractors who exploit their workers should not be rewarded.” |
