Government Affairs
2008 Election Candidates and Candidate Survey Responses back to main Candidate page
Candidate Survey Responses – On The Issues – Each Question, All Candidates
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?
Mayor Joseph Donaldson
My position on new energy codes is that while the International codes were much more comprehensive in maximizing energy use by utilizing products and methods to provide energy and resource efficiency, I chose to modify the codes to fit our community and to begin implementation of energy codes that while providing energy efficiency still kept the home building costs down. Our national plan to extract us as far from oil dependency as possible does include our efforts. While we are not a national energy code leader we are indeed a player within our means.
Sara Presler-Hoefle
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.
Karla Brewster
I am for the new energy-efficient codes. Yes, I believe that I do understand them as I am most of the council and study sessions. I don’t feel that they are overreaching and unnecessary. In fact, they are not as comprehensive as the county energy codes of the International community. They might not be a “necessity” for development but are progressive for the homeowner who will start to see the benefits as soon as the occupation of their home. What they will save in energy costs could be put toward their mortgage. Will you want a non-energy efficient house 15 years from now and pay the huge energy costs that will come with it?
Coral Evans
At this time I feel that I would need to review the completed set of code(s) before stating a position. I am looking forward to reviewing complete set of code(s) and hearing more about what the community feels are the code(s) strengths and weaknesses.
Morgan Hagaman
The new energy codes are another way that the cost of a new construction increases and makes housing less affordable. Adding $10,000 to the cost a house with these new codes to save $50 a year does not make sense to me. I applaud the people that choose to build their homes in a greener manor, but they should not have to build them that way if they can’t afford it. The City should not try and completely change these codes. The savings do not justify the cost.
John McCulloch
I sat through much of the council discussions over the last year. Some were reasonable and some seemed unduly restrictive and irrelevant. I am open to review any and all codes for their potential to be abused and maliciously imposed by city staff.
Micole Shorty
We have come to a fork in the road to choose sustainability. I’m sure the code entails more than I know but from what I understand these codes will be the framework to make all buildings that are constructed in the future more sustainability compliant.. Nothing that is worthwhile is ever easy and it will take sweet & sacrifice to help bring it to fruition but it is the only way to ensure a future for our children.
Al White
I support our codes and would add a few more. If you believe global warming is a threat to us now and even more to our children, if you believe that energy will only go up and your customers deserve more affordable living, then mandatory sustainability codes are the most efficient means to that end. A deciding factor should be cost as a function of payback. Today sustainability is good business, for businesses who are the tenants in their own buildings, saving utility costs is huge. Codes get materials on the shelves to be used with future energy savings in mind. |
