At a Candidate forum held by Grand Valley State University’s (GVSU) Public Policy Institute, candidates for the 1st and 2nd Ward Grand Rapids City Commission race responded to twenty two questions posed by a panel and the audience. The panel consisted of Bruce Hawley of the West Michigan Friends of Labor Committee, Don Stypula of the Grand Valley Metro Council, Dean Pacific of the Friends of West Michigan Business, and GVSU student Melissa Ware. It should be noted that the “special interest” representatives asked the majority of questions with student Melissa Ware asking only a few token questions about “youth” issues. As would be expected with the lack of substantive media coverage of local elections (1, 2, 3), WZZM 13 did a 26 second story essentially stating that the forum happened and containing little other information.
A summary of questions and candidate responses follows:
Considering the budget problems that the City has what would you recommend to cut in the area of services?
James Jendrasiak, 1st Ward: He stated that the City has already made cuts and cited specific examples and called for more co-operation with County government. Money in the “rainy day” fund may need to be used.
David Shaffer, 1st Ward: He cited an example of Fort Wayne’s city government as an example but gave no specific details and stated that cuts should be top-down and that the City must be open to all ideas. He also stated that current cuts have not gone far enough.
Rosalynn Bliss, 2nd Ward: Cuts need to me made, but first they must be examined and prioritized accordingly. She talked about the importance of private/public relationships and cited Rosa Parks Circle as an example. Decisions must be made as a community and more education on the topic needs to be done.
Shaula Johnston, 2nd Ward: We need to prioritize cuts first and there is a need for more co-operation with the County government. Health care costs are a burden.
Would you support raising property taxes?
James Jendrasiak, 1st Ward: No, cut top-level managers. Tax-free and Renaissance Zones will soon start to pay taxes.
David Shaffer, 1st Ward: Look at Budget, if property taxes go up there should be a referendum. City government needs to be more efficient.
Rosalynn Bliss, 2nd Ward: Before considering tax cut, look at cuts. Voters need to make decision, look to what the Budget Advisory committee proposes. There is a need to build more trust with residents and the City government.
Shaula Johnston, 2nd Ward: No. No on any tax increases. Cut budget before taxes.
Do you support or oppose Educational Renewal Zones (ERZ)?
James Jendrasiak, 1st Ward: No on ERZ – maybe we could build homes on school property to generate money.
David Shaffer, 1st Ward: City Hall first, not public schools.
Rosalynn Bliss, 2nd Ward: No on ERZ, no on any bill that would divert money from City.
Shaula Johnston, 2nd Ward: Against ERZ.
What budget alternatives would you offer in light of the fact that state revenue sharing will not change?
James Jendrasiak, 1st Ward: Streamline the budget, work with State Representatives, encourage state to tax internet sales, grow the local economy, and develop joint Grand Rapids/Wyoming sewer sludge sales.
David Shaffer, 1st Ward: Go after state dollars with citizens and increase our tax base.
Rosalynn Bliss, 2nd Ward: Fight for every dollar of Revenue Sharing and look at other ways to generate revenue. Build the local economy and work on neighborhood business development. Build a strong local relationship with the states.
Shaula Johnston, 2nd Ward: Lobby the state and encourage the City to become more self-reliant. She said she has a strong relationship with State Representatives but there is a need to look inward.
Michigan graduates in the state often leave after completing college, how would you keep them here and attract graduates from elsewhere?
James Jendrasiak, 1st Ward: Increase employment, have jobs available in fields such as biotech and engineering while diversifying the economy. Move from factory-based economy to a “cool cities” model; build a vibrant entertainment district. He also pledged support for improving the schools and cited his anti-truancy plan as a way of improving the schools.
David Shaffer, 1st Ward: He proposed more development that would be attractive to youth, especially with regard to creating a strong local economy based in the health sciences. He said would improve the schools.
Rosalynn Bliss, 2nd Ward: Grand Rapids is an exciting place to live, but make it more exciting for graduates. She would concentrate on job creation (there is a need for good paying jobs) and improving services in downtown including a grocery store. Also wants to foster safe neighborhoods, create walkable communities, and encourage support for local businesses.
Shaula Johnston, 2nd Ward: She mentioned that she convinced two of her own kids to come back to Grand Rapids after college, described the importance of making an “attractive picture” for “the young people.” She said this could be done by having more jobs, supporting life sciences, and supporting the schools.
In light of rising retirement benefit costs, would you support moving City employees towards a 401k?
James Jendrasiak, 1st Ward: City already has retirement options and currently does not pay in but would with a 401k system.
David Shaffer, 1st Ward: He supports the idea and says that 401ks are better for many.
Rosalynn Bliss, 2nd Ward: She wants to know if it will benefit the City in the long run but stressed that all options are on the table.
Shaula Johnston, 2nd Ward: Retirement and health care are the most expensive costs the City has. He supports the exploration of all options and suggested learning from the County.
With extra security costs for events held at Downtown Development Authority (DDA) properties (e.g. VanAndel Arena), should the DDA change their budget to pay for costs currently paid by the City?
James Jendrasiak, 1st Ward: No, there should be a surcharge on tickets that would cover police and fire costs. Instead of having the City or DDA pay the users should have to pay.
David Shaffer, 1st Ward: Agrees with Jendrasiak’s proposal – users should pay.
Rosalynn Bliss, 2nd Ward: Supports looking at it, especially if the DDA has excess funding.
Shaula Johnston, 2nd Ward: Not in favor, does not want to hurt businesses and likes to spread costs around; likes Jendrasiak’s proposal.
What are your long-term goals for the City?
James Jendrasiak, 1st Ward: Having jobs, parks, vibrant downtown, high quality of life, and good schools. Need to have new long-term jobs to replace manufacturing.
David Shaffer, 1st Ward: He said he wants Grand Rapids to become more of a “world class city” and wants to attract biotech and reengineer the local economy.
Rosalynn Bliss, 2nd Ward: She wants to work on quality of life issues, schools, making neighborhoods safe, and getting people connected to local politics so that their voices are heard and so that they are active and engaged in the community. Also wants to support education so that people can get better jobs.
Shaula Johnston, 2nd Ward: Supporting the schools is essential; wants more jobs here. She would work to promote schools, jobs, and neighborhoods.
Do you support giving bonus points to contractors with the highest wages and benefits when awarding City contracts?
James Jendrasiak, 1st Ward: He favors it and the money comes back into the community. This creates additional income for people.
David Shaffer, 1st Ward: If the costs are close to contractors that do not have higher wages he would go with them, but conserving tax dollars would be his number one priority. He also said that supporting business in the City could create higher wages.
Rosalynn Bliss, 2nd Ward: Bliss is in support of this—she called it a “family living wage.” She support incentives for diversity as well and believes that the money would stay in the community. She described the payment of higher wages as a way of valuing families and said that you cannot balance the City budget on the backs of the working class.
Shaula Johnston, 2nd Ward: No, she will not promote a living wage at this time. Her goal is to save money and not spend it.
What are your long-term goals for the City?
James Jendrasiak, 1st Ward: Having jobs, parks, vibrant downtown, high quality of life, and good schools. Need to have new long-term jobs to replace manufacturing.
David Shaffer, 1st Ward: He said he wants Grand Rapids to become more of a “world class city” and wants to attract biotech and reengineer the local economy.
Rosalynn Bliss, 2nd Ward: She wants to work on quality of life issues, schools, making neighborhoods safe, and getting people connected to local politics so that their voices are heard and so that they are active and engaged in the community. Also wants to support education so that people can get better jobs.
Shaula Johnston, 2nd Ward: Supporting the schools is essential; wants more jobs here. She would work to promote schools, jobs, and neighborhoods.
In light of the struggling Grand Rapids Public Schools, would you like to see the Grand Rapids City Commission have more of a leadership role in improving them?
James Jendrasiak, 1st Ward: The Commission has a School Liaison Committee and would support continued work through that. He would also like to work on getting parents more active and his new truancy initiative.
David Shaffer, 1st Ward: He would like to take a leadership role in improving the schools. He would encourage partnering with business and encourage volunteering.
Rosalynn Bliss, 2nd Ward: The health of the schools is directly related to the health of the City. She has worked closely with schools already, has done trainings and is aware of the needs. The Commission has a responsibility to the schools and would work to improve them.
Shaula Johnston, 2nd Ward: She said that she has promoted education her whole life. She would work with the schools and expand programs; parents’ role is critical.
What is the greatest environmental threat to Grand Rapids and what is your solution?
James Jendrasiak, 1st Ward: The area has an urban sprawl problem. As a way of addressing sprawl, he would support mass transit, walkable communities, and cutting emissions. The greatest environmental threat is the possibility of the gypsum mines collapsing which would divert the Grand River.
David Shaffer, 1st Ward: Advocated for sustainable business and keeping the Grand River clean.
Rosalynn Bliss, 2nd Ward: Likes Grand Rapids’ initiative on renewable energy and supports continued efforts to promote sustainability. Grand Rapids has the greatest number of LEED certified buildings in Michigan.
Shaula Johnston, 2nd Ward: Wants to work on transportation issues and sustainable building.
How can Grand Valley State University students have an impact on City government?
James Jendrasiak, 1st Ward: He said that there are numerous efforts underway to increase their participation including the City’s use of the Internet, holding more meetings at night, and the Mayor’s Youth Council.
David Shaffer, 1st Ward: He said he would involve them via a town hall process.
Rosalynn Bliss, 2nd Ward: She has reached out to young people and would stay connected to her base by doing Internet outreach (setting up a listserv) and doing outreach in neighborhood newsletters.
Shaula Johnston, 2nd Ward: Would be willing to partner with GVSU and use Internet technology to reach out to young people.
What can the City do to improve race relations?
James Jendrasiak, 1st Ward: He would like to see more Institute for Healing Racism trainings and more education for City employees. He would also like to start with young people on this issue.
David Shaffer, 1st Ward: The City needs to have its Community Relations Committee, supports community policing, and would work so that people can relate to the Commission.
Rosalynn Bliss, 2nd Ward: She said that there are “significant tensions” in the city and that efforts are being made to address them—building a police and community relationship—encourage continued use of citizen police academy.
Shaula Johnston, 2nd Ward: She cited the fact that she has worked in the Baxter neighborhood and knows “those people.” She said the City government has a responsibility to communicate.
Would you support a city resolution on Tibet ?
James Jendrasiak, 1st Ward: He supports resolutions when they offer an opportunity to comment on important issues. Expressed his opposition to the Iraq war.
David Shaffer, 1st Ward: He supports freedom of religion and human rights, but needs more information on this issue.
Rosalynn Bliss, 2nd Ward: Supportive.
Shaula Johnston, 2nd Ward: Supports human rights but needs to do more homework and research on the issue. There is a question of the resolution’s local benefit.
Would you support the elimination of the city manager position as a way of reducing costs? What about moving towards a strong mayor model?
James Jendrasiak, 1st Ward: The city manager position is stipulated in the city charter which is over 100 years old. He would support a charter commission to examine changing the charter and would let citizens vote on any charter changes.
David Shaffer, 1st Ward: There are benefits to having a city manager but is also supportive of the strong mayor form.
Rosalynn Bliss, 2nd Ward: Would like to get citizens involved and would like to have “fair” cost cuts at all levels of city government.
Shaula Johnston, 2nd Ward: Supports strong mayor government, would like to make budget reductions at every level. There is a need to do more with less at the administrative level.
Who is your political role model?
James Jendrasiak, 1st Ward: Lech Walesa, the first freely elected president of Poland. Also John F. Kennedy.
David Shaffer, 1st Ward: John F. Kennedy for the energy he brought to the task of getting people involved in politics.
Rosalynn Bliss, 2nd Ward: Abraham Lincoln, both because of his personal traits (example his being a “bookworm”) and for the great things he brought to the nation.
Shaula Johnston, 2nd Ward: Teddy Roosevelt and Franklin D. Roosevelt (for his concern for everyone).
How have you reached out to neighborhood organizations?
James Jendrasiak, 1st Ward: Talks to neighbors at association meetings and attends business association meetings.
David Shaffer, 1st Ward: Has attended association meetings and would work to protect funding for neighborhood organizations.
Rosalynn Bliss, 2nd Ward: She would be actively involved by attending association meetings, support local businesses, create walkable communities, and attend neighborhood events.
Shaula Johnston, 2nd Ward: She is a member of neighborhood organizations in her neighborhood, has a role on the planning commission where she has listened to neighborhood associations.
What would you do provide convenient and affordable public transit?
James Jendrasiak, 1st Ward: He is in favor of light rail and would find more partners to help fund it.
David Shaffer, 1st Ward: Favors light rail.
Rosalynn Bliss, 2nd Ward: Transit system is important for the environment and families—good for business—would move towards creating a regional system.
Shaula Johnston, 2nd Ward: Supports light rail and would encourage Congress to look at funding it. Also would increase bus routes.
Would you support converting portions of the City’s vehicle fleet to hybrid vehicles?
James Jendrasiak, 1st Ward: Not for police but for other cars. The City has begun using biodisel in some of its large trucks.
David Shaffer, 1st Ward: Would look into it for vehicles outside the public safety system but would like to do more research to make sure the technology is ready.
Rosalynn Bliss, 2nd Ward: Yes, it is a way to save money.
Shaula Johnston, 2nd Ward: Hybrid vehicles are critical for the environment and cost saving.
Would you be in favor of trying to recover money from corporations given tax breaks and incentives if they leave the city?
James Jendrasiak, 1st Ward: You can get the money back if a company leaves, must development agreements have this stipulation.
David Shaffer, 1st Ward: If you give a tax break the money should be returned.
Rosalynn Bliss, 2nd Ward: Tax incentives are a tool and must be used to support both large and small businesses.
Shaula Johnston, 2nd Ward: Would go get the money back from Steelcase, wants a refund.
Are we losing too much money in Renaissance Zones when people sell condos later for a profit?
James Jendrasiak, 1st Ward: The DDA has created renaissance zones for condos that are selling for $1.8 million—that is overboard. If you can afford that, you should pay taxes.
David Shaffer, 1st Ward: Renaissance Zones are tools to create a vibrant city and they are good for building a strong urban core.
Rosalynn Bliss, 2nd Ward: The give properties an opportunity for growth. She has seen the positive impacts that they have and they have a long-term economic benefit.
Shaula Johnston, 2nd Ward: They are great for redevelopment and a worthwhile program. Properties go back on the tax rolls.
Do you support giving locally owned businesses preferences when awarding contracts?
James Jendrasiak, 1st Ward: He said that the City is already doing it when feasible.
David Shaffer, 1st Ward: He would support local companies and give incentives.
Rosalynn Bliss, 2nd Ward: She would support small and local businesses and work on the difficulties the companies have when communicating with the City’s bureaucracy.
Shaula Johnston, 2nd Ward: She would support it if it were not too difficult and expensive. She also said that there are excessive regulations for businesses.
How do you differ from your opponent?
James Jendrasiak, 1st Ward: He said he has experience, wisdom, and knowledge and is already working on everything that his opponent wants to do.
David Shaffer, 1st Ward: He would offer new programs for long-term economic expansion.
Rosalynn Bliss, 2nd Ward: She said that throughout her campaign she has talked about her issues not her opponent.
Shaula Johnston, 2nd Ward: She has lived here for over 37 years and has experience and knowledge.
The election will take place on November 8, 2005 and the forum will be broadcast on public access television four times before the election.
