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DISTRICT 6 CANDIDATE RESPONSES TO 2007 QUESTIONNAIRE
(see links at left for other responses)
CANDIDATES
Republican: Marjorie Hudgins
Democrat: Steve Volan (no response received)
1. Do you support the right of working people to unionize and engage in collective bargaining?
Marjorie Hudgins - “Yes, for business employing a certain number of people as well as those engaged in dangerous occupations.”
2. In the above question, do you make a distinction between private sector and public sector workers?
Marjorie Hudgins - “No, because many public sector jobs are more dangerous and more subject to unequal treatment than private sector jobs.”
3. What are your views on the privatization of jobs that are presently done by government employees?
Marjorie Hudgins - “In a few cases privatization might work, but most of the time critical work needs to be done by skilled government employees.”
4. Do you support binding arbitration for public employees?
Marjorie Hudgins - “Yes, because public employees for the most part are engaged in vital public services such as police, fire, ambulance, emergency and postal services.”
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?
Marjorie Hudgins - “Probably government should have a role in day care. It has been a long time since I have thought about day care. My understanding is good day care is hard to find, very expensive, and available primarily 8-5 while good jobs may require odd hours.”
6. Do you support domestic partner benefits for city employees?
Marjorie Hudgins - “Yes, I support benefits for those who are truly domestic partners and not for those who scam the system.”
7. What do you think should be city government’s role in economic development?
Marjorie Hudgins - “City government should allow the private sector to afford citizens good jobs with good benefits. Government should not stand in the way of good development and profitable companies who pay taxes.”
8. How and when should tax abatements be used?
Marjorie Hudgins - “Tax abatements should be used only to create jobs and to allow land parcels to be developed which could not otherwise be developed profitably.”
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?
Marjorie Hudgins - “Absolutely. If special considerations are given to a business then that business should be generous to the community members subsidizing it.”
10. Are you in favor of tax abatement documentation being verified?
Marjorie Hudgins - “Absolutely, yes. Some companies have taken advantage of the system and have never been held accountable and the rest of us taxpayers bore the brunt of their irresponsibility.”
11. Would you support a program for Single Payer/Universal Health Care?
Marjorie Hudgins - “No yet. There are too many unanswered questions. Single payer without tight rules and restrictions could bankrupt the country.”
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.
Marjorie Hudgins - “Absolutely, yes. Most of us in the private sector are careful to ask for this type of information. I would expect no less of government.” |
