Government Affairs
2008 Election Candidates and Candidate Survey Responses back to main Candidate page
MAYORAL Candidate
Sara Presler-Hoefle
A former Student Body President at ASNAU, Sara has an undergrad degree from NAU and a law degree from Michigan State University College of Law. Sara moved to Flagstaff in 1997 from rural Arizona. She’s currently a teacher at NAU and an attorney.
Candidate Survey Responses – On The Issues
1. Please list and briefly describe the three most important issues you intend to address if elected in May.
1. Investing in children and youth programs.
2. Supporting an economic environment that fosters job retention and creation.
3. Affordable housing plan and implementation.
2. Describe your commitment to solutions related to the growing homeless problem in Flagstaff.
Homelessness affects working families in northern Arizona. Zoning solutions for shelter space are important. Also, many of the people that are homeless in Flagstaff are not outsiders. Instead, they live and work in our community. The first step toward a solution is to understand how very local the issue really is in our community. The next step is to facilitate, as a city, a coordination of resources. Mental health, housing, jobs, schools, faith based opportunities, and justice system resources (victim witness, probation, and rehabilitation) are necessary components. The third step is compassion. We must, at every opportunity, offer compassion.
In February 2005, 166 people were surveyed as homeless in Flagstaff. 46% of those persons were unsheltered. We had 13 available beds and needed 133 beds. Homeless families had zero beds and needed 60 potential beds. These numbers do not reflect the impacts of the no camping ordinance because the studies were conducted before actual implementation. Our needs for homeless include job training, case management, substance abuse treatment, mental health care, placement into housing, life skills, food and nutrition, and interim services (runs of bad luck assistance).
46% of the 166 persons were victims of domestic violence. 7 of them were categorized as chronic substance abusers. The remaining are either dually diagnosed, veterans, have HIV/AIDS, and are under age 18.
The average wage in the homelessness studies is somewhere around $26,500. Rent on that income is around $591 a month. The fair value of a studio is $653. The studies suggest we offer a livable wage or a higher household income. Final options are more HUD homes and affordable housing.
HALO House had to turn away 500 families in 2005 due to lack of space. Permanent mental health housing opportunities are also needed in our community. We have a serious and very local need for housing in our community, alongside a comprehensive approach to services.
3. Outline your opinion of the Flagstaff housing market and what role you feel local government should play in attempting to influence that market. How specifically would you use local government to affect our housing market?
I propose the City
1. Invest in partnerships with organizations such as Habitat for Humanity. Offering land for affordable housing is a good first step. The City should share the investment in the required infrastructure to make building these homes a reality. Using energy efficient materials and reducing red tape for planning costs are important.
2. An important component of affordable housing is a rental housing plan and policy. We may be able to generate modest revenue through the licensing of rental properties, and at the same time monitor landlord-tenant relationships. The Landlord Tenant Act provides some guidance, but we need a local approach to this emerging issue so that we can encourage people to rent in Flagstaff. With the apartment to condo conversion trend in Flagstaff, we have a significant need for rental housing. Also, a rent-to-own program might work in Flagstaff, and could be worth considering.
3. The land Trust is one tool to keep the cost of housing down in Flagstaff and I support this initiative. Through the use of a 99 year lease, the cost of land can be subtracted from the price of the home.
4. We must make a choice as a community as to design. I propose that we build up and in rather than single level and out. Single family homes are not the only option for affordable housing, but they are the most desirable. We know this because there are affordable units in condo conversion from down the street from my house and there remains a great supply of these units. It really breaks down to supply and demand, alongside a community education and choice that dictates community priorities.
5. The process to build affordable housing in Flagstaff has to be easier. There is quite a bit of red tape at the City and I would hope we could streamline the processes we use to make government more accountable, transparent, and accessible for taxpayers.
6. The City may be in a reasonable position to use CDBG dollars or other dollars to facilitate senior citizen affordable housing opportunities. There are also existing HUD programs. Yes, we will compete against other Arizona cities for these HUD dollars, but we should try to assist our seniors in obtaining affordable housing opportunities. People who work hard for their entire lives should be commended and receive our care. We should, as a government, create opportunities for those that work hard in our community.
4. What is your position regarding Development or “Impact” Fees in Flagstaff?
Development paying for its impacts it has upon the community is an important value. I support impact fees and believe this concept is one tool in the tool box. Development should pay for itself. $7,100 could be sensible for second homes, and maybe more than $7,100 is sensible. However, under current market conditions, it may or may not be sensible for affordable/workforce housing. Since the State of Arizona doesn’t allow for the City to assess an impact fee upon only second homeowners, I propose the following to build consensus between those that want impact fees and those that do not want impact fees:
I am willing to agree that police, fire, and other essential services are a priority. I think a step-up approach could apply to impact fees based on updated studies and community needs. This will provide predictability for developers and home buyers, as well as accessibility for affordable housing market in the immediate future. A step-up approach where impact fees are limited to essential services for 2008 to 2010 would keep an immediate open market to foster affordable housing development. From 2010 to 2012, impact fees would step up, across the board for new development projects. Then, 2012 to 2014 implement another step up increase for new development projects. We could cap the fees at the proposed $7,100.
Impact fees are directly tied to the rate of growth. A sensible, balanced approach is needed. This plan could facilitate the immediate need for affordable housing and create long term accountability for growth and development. This may be a better solution than no impact fees and charging all citizens for the consequences of growth caused by a few. This may not be the solution, but it is an approach to building consensus in this process. Another solution is to lobby the legislature to modify the policy and allow local government to have more local control. If we can’t do something now, let’s find out how we can do it, together, and ask the legislature to respond to our needs as a community.
The median home price is 10.7 times greater than the median wage and 8 times the median household income. Teachers in Flagstaff make around the same as Phoenix, yet homes are $100,000 more in Flagstaff. Police and nurses generally make less money than their counterparts in Phoenix. Employers are experiencing recruitment and retention issues- maybe the employer would contribute the value of the impact fee to their employee for retention purposes, participate in down payment assistance, or help with closing costs. Some employers could even offer rental housing opportunities for employees to save and move into home ownership in our community.
5. The City of Flagstaff’s Historic Overlay Zoning District has generated a high profile lawsuit on behalf of citizens who seek to improve their properties, but are not restricted by the Overlay Zoning. What is your opinion of the Overlay Zoning? Would you have voted for/against this zoning change?
This was a community based initiative, driven by the community itself. Certainly, homeowners should be able to improve their property and this issue has created conflict within the district. I probably would have voted for the zoning change because of the increased value to the entire community. Infill and building up rather than out is a community priority. Therefore, we should balance the amount of overlay districts in our community.
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6. What role do you feel the City of Flagstaff should play with respect to economic development? Specifically, what should local government do or not do to influence economic development?
In the City’s 2007-2008 Budget, one of the Council priorities is “COLLABORATION.” The objective under that priority is to work collaboratively with GFEC to develop policies and procedures to administer economic incentives. Yet, the City moved economic development in house. A regional construct to facilitate and enable economic development makes a lot of sense. We also have tremendous intellectual property in Flagstaff with the local educational institutions. There are small business opportunities with the Center for Emerging Technology. Maybe we should explore offering free enterprise zones for sustainable companies to start up in Flagstaff.
WalMart or Home Depot can hinder small businesses because those companies can often purchase on a different market. Should we force the middle and lower class to pay higher prices for all goods and services? No. We accepted Sam’s Club as a big business a long time ago in Flagstaff. Should the entire market be Sam’s Club? No. There must be some options though. A balance is needed between big and small business.
7. Do you support/oppose the adopted Downtown Management Plan? Why or Why not?
Parking is not solved with meters. A comprehensive approach would include a concurrent downtown employee parking plan or private-public parking garage. The County, for example, operates at a parking deficit. This needs a solution before the implementation of meters. This plan does not do that in a concurrent way. A park and ride program or carpool program is one solution to the congestion issues for downtown Flagstaff.
8. Describe your level of commitment to our City’s airport and its needed improvements beyond the airport runway extension.
The expansion and redevelopment of Flagstaff Pulliam Airport allows the accommodation of jets and increased transportation opportunities. I certainly hope the significant revenue guarantee provided to Horizon Air improves transportation into and around Flagstaff. I am hopeful that this investment will pass along revenue to local businesses, and I expect that it will. I signed up for the Horizon Air frequent flyer program.
9. What opinion do you have of the City’s approved plan to end train horn noise downtown and mitigate noise on the east side of town?
Quality of life, property value, and business productivity are affected by noise. We should treat the citizens on the east side of Flagstaff as equals to the downtown and west side of Flagstaff with respect to noise.
10. Would you support/oppose the City offering financial incentives, including infrastructure improvements that may assist in attracting new employers to Flagstaff? Why or Why not?
I support financial incentives to assist in attracting new businesses to Flagstaff. The City has a real opportunity to partner with the Chamber of Commerce rather than compete with it. I think the City should invite the Chamber to the table, early in the collaborative process, to find mutually agreeable solutions to economic development.
It generally takes two-income families to purchase a home in Flagstaff. I know the Chamber of Commerce has an online job bank with local employers. We should expand upon this good idea. It could be possible to create a job bank in the greater Flagstaff area among local employers that would solve some of the trailing spousal issues. If the first member of the household obtained a position with an employer in the job bank, the partner/spouse could obtain a unique password into the job bank database. When logging in under this password, job bank employers are alerted that this applicant is participating in the program. In return, the employer could agree to interview the candidate. Preference in hiring is not required- just creating an opportunity for dual income households to handle the trailing spouse issues. Employers receive a long term benefit due to increased employee retention and the potential for home ownership. It is not a promise to hire, it is just an interview. The cost could be minimal because this could be an online resource, password protected, and potentially supply employers with a valuable tool in evaluating interview opportunities. The point is that there must be two approaches: offering affordable housing and assisting families with increasing wages.
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11. What are your priorities to improve transportation in, around, to, and from Flagstaff?
I support the 2008 transit tax, especially 401. I am unsure if I support a sales tax for the impact of new development on roads and highways. I would support bonding for future roads and highways. Some projects we should immediately consider are the realignment of Lonetree and the JW Powell project.
One way to raise some revenue for transportation would be to sell private advertisements on City buses. Another way to fund projects is to bond. A third way to raise revenue is to lobby the legislature to adequately share revenue.
One idea that I propose to solve the traffic issues is to implement a carpool program or park and ride program for employees to take the bus or carpool to work. Reducing congestion is a key to a good transportation policy.
12. What is your position regarding the City’s new energy-efficient building codes? Specifically, do you understand the codes? Do you feel they are overreaching and unnecessary or a necessity for development in our community?
Yes, but I would implement the codes slower than the current policy. You ask if I understand the codes: I do understand what they are designed to do and I have read them. However, I think they are confusing and, implemented all at the same time, create a regulatory burden.
I do think that environmental sustainability is an important value and priority. Green living roofs on new City buildings, wind turbines and wind power, and LEEDS standards for government buildings and some commercial buildings are some ideas we should explore. True environmental sustainability is a long term necessity. There are many approaches we can take to becoming more environmentally efficient. I am excited to lead us toward this direction.
13. What is your opinion of local government competing with local, state or national businesses for services in our community?
Local Government should not compete at the expense of local, state, or national businesses.
14. Do you have an opinion on storage boxes and their use in our community?
Storage boxes for a limited purpose, in a limited place, and for a limited time are appropriate. The neighborhood and the neighbors generally can set acceptable standards for storage boxes.
15. What are your specific thoughts about residential and commercial development in Flagstaff?
The role of City government should be to protect our precious resources and balance that need with economic development opportunities. That being said, we must streamline city processes so that government works for the people.
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16. How would you address commercial redevelopment opportunities in areas like Fourth Street/Sunnyside and Southside/Downtown?
Fourth Street/Sunnyside and Southside/Downtown are two examples of our community that need commercial redevelopment and revitalization. A third area is along historic Route 66. First, we have to make sure that there is adequate infrastructure in the area. This includes caring for our City streets, focusing on neighborhood watch and police partnerships, and supporting the neighborhood association efforts. Second, we should work to focus on opportunities for children and youth in these community neighborhoods. Third, we should encourage local businesses to expand. When we do bring in outside businesses, we should encourage them to relocate to those areas in Flagstaff. Commercial development is the driving force of our economy.
17. Are you committed to maintaining the Arizona Cardinals summer training camp in Flagstaff? Do you view the partnership with the Chamber and NAU on this issue as a priority or not a priority?
Yes, I am committed to maintaining the training camp in Flagstaff. I used to work conferences at Northern Arizona University with the Arizona Cardinals as residents in my building. I think that the training camp boosts our local economy and promotes jobs, tourism, and community activities. Hosting the Arizona Cardinals is a tradition we should continue to celebrate in Flagstaff. We have to make sure that we maintain a good relationship with the Arizona Cardinals, because this tradition has a positive economic effect on our City. And, it is a lot of fun!
18. Do you support the City’s contract with the Arizona Snowbowl to sell Snowbowl reclaimed water for snowmaking? Why or why not?
I would honor the City’s contract with Arizona Snowbowl to sell reclaimed water. We should consider who will pay for building and burying the pipeline.
19. What are your specific thoughts on the City’s Public Works yard? How would you work to improve the current Public Works yard? Do you support relocating the yard?
The City has other locations and property to relocate the yard. Assuming the yard is a healthy place to build and has no outstanding environmental issues, the City should utilize this property for affordable housing or to generate revenue. If it is unhealthy, we should clean it up.
20. What major capital projects does our City need? How would you propose funding these projects?
Transportation and roads are a priority. I support the 2008 transit tax, especially 401. I am unsure if I support a sales tax for the impact of new development on roads and highways. I would support bonding for future roads and highways. Some projects we should immediately consider are the realignment of Lonetree and the JW Powell project.
One way to raise some revenue for transportation would be to sell private advertisements on City buses. Another way to fund projects is to bond, but this may require taxing to guarantee revenue. This is an idea that could be explored. A third way to raise revenue is to lobby the legislature to adequately share revenue.
One idea that I propose to solve the traffic issues is to implement a carpool program or park and ride program for employees to take the bus or carpool to work. Reducing congestion is key to a good transportation policy.
21. How do you feel about the size of Flagstaff’s government? Do we need more employees/departments? Less employees/departments? Just right? What do you feel we need to add/subtract?
Transparency is essential. We should internally assess whether we are operating at our most efficient capacity as a City. I am not interested in cutting staff. I am interested in seeing the City function in a healthy and efficient manner. Fair leadership is important, and clear direction to staff is a priority. It is the role of the Council to set good, community policy. It is the role of staff to implement that policy. I would not advocate for hiring additional staff persons.
22. Would you support/oppose adopting the attached “Small Business Bill of Rights” three page document attached with this survey? Why or why not?
I would not adopt this proposal at this time. My role as Mayor is to represent the needs of all Flagstaff citizens, including, for example, teachers, firefighters, police officers, working-class folks, business leaders, and children. When we work together, our community will strengthen and positively improve. There are some very good ideas in the Bill of Rights. I see the Chamber’s request to adopt the Bill of Rights as representative of a larger community issue- the need for the City and Council to reach out to the business community and cooperatively work together. |
