Government Affairs
2008 Election Candidates and Candidate Survey Responses back to main Candidate page
Candidate Survey Responses – On The Issues – Each Question, All Candidates
15. What are your specific thoughts about residential and commercial development in Flagstaff?
Mayor Joseph Donaldson
My specific thoughts about residential and commercial development in Flagstaff is that I view this development as a capital investment in Flagstaff and welcome it. However, it must meet and conform to the community's vision as set forth in Vision 2020 and must conform to the community developed Regional Transportation and Land Use Plan as well as the design standards. Residential and commercial development must be done in balance with the community standards of preserving and protecting both character of the community and the environment.
Sara Presler-Hoefle
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.
Karla Brewster
I am for both residential and commercial development, both in a sustainable way. In order to compete with other cities (sales tax revenue) Flagstaff must have tourism and more sustainable economic development in order to fund basic services. Residential development needs to be planned, smart growth that reduces the carbon footprint as much as possible, such as the traditional neighborhood districts being planned and implemented. Neighborhoods need to have character to them, not just haphazard growth. Commercially, we need to have businesses that don’t suck us dry of our natural resources, and are energy efficient which will help their bottom line of expenses. The incubator on the USGS mesa should be a great force in helping start-up innovative businesses.
Coral Evans
Residential and commercial development is vital to the long-term sustainability of our City. I support mixed-use types of development that allow businesses and residents/customers to interact at a higher frequency.
Morgan Hagaman
I welcome positive residential and commercial growth to Flagstaff. I look forward to our current businesses being able to expand and grow. I look forward to new businesses coming to town and being successful. With economic growth, we will also have positive growth residentially which will help with our housing affordability. The City needs to keep the start up costs of these new developments at a minimum to ensure that these positive developments can happen.
John McCulloch
I am not afraid of Flagstaff’s future. Development and growth will continue, with proper infrastructure investments we should be able to plan for where it is appropriate for that growth to occur. We are currently behind that planning curve and we must move forward with transportation improvements ASAP.
Micole Shorty
Although due process is very important in our community’s development (residential and commercial) there comes a point where we get a diminishing return. Facts need to be acquired in a situation followed up by implementation of an action. Development is far too slow.
Al White
It is an important segment of our economy. Obviously it is where we work and live! If we can help it prosper there is a return to the community. Our economic development efforts are aimed at this. An emphasis on traditional neighborhood design and densities that support mixed use, shored up with green building to recover operating costs should bolster the mix of businesses and customers. |
