Do you think it is the city's business to support good labor practices, for example by passing resolutions in support of labor and refusing to contract with companies that engage in unfair labor practices? Please explain any past record on this issue.
Yes. However, I have no past record on this issue, nor do there seem to be serious labor issues facing the Fitchburg city government at this time.
Do you support neighborhood planning that ensures economically integrated neighborhoods? Why or why not.
Yes. Economically integrated neighborhoods are those with housing that appeals to and is affordable by residents with a wide range of family incomes. High poverty neighborhoods (with 30% or more of families below the federally defined poverty level) are more likely to have high crime, substandard schools, and deteriorating municipal services. Furthermore, living in economically homogeneous neighborhoods is poor preparation for getting along with others who are not like us, be they poor or affluent. Inclusionary zoning and zoning that permits a mix of housing sizes and types are two planning techniques that promote economically integrated neighborhoods.
Would you consider creating a higher minimum wage for the City of Fitchburg? Why or why not.
Yes. Minimum and living wage ordinances reduce the income disparity between the highest and lowest wage earners, giving lower wage earners an opportunity to participate in civic life and raise their children, benefiting all in the community. If our state government continues to abdicate its responsibility in this area, I would consider a minimum wage ordinance for Fitchburg. It should match the City of Madison's ordinance, to reduce the patchwork effect that can be an additional burden to businesses.
Do you support tough penalties, including jail time, for landlords who engage in negligent and unfair practices at the expense of their tenants? Why or why not?
Yes. Negligent and unfair landlords can suck the economic life out of the community while threatening the very lives of their tenants. We need to discourage such landlords from operating in Fitchburg, and encourage those who responsibly maintain units in a wide range of price classes, including units affordable by families with incomes below the federally defined poverty level. I strongly support the City's recent efforts to cite the owners and managers of Ridgewood Country Club complex for health and fire code violations, and the proposed rent abatement ordinance. We need to remove the financial incentive to operate substandard rental housing.
Are you now, or have you ever been, a member of a labor union?
Yes: United University Professions, AFT, AFL-CIO, 1977-1981. (My wife was a member of SEIU Local 1199P, AFL-CIO, 1981-1983.)
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