Government Affairs
2008 Election Candidates and Candidate Survey Responses back to main Candidate page
Candidate Survey Responses – On The Issues – Each Question, All Candidates
22. Would you support/oppose adopting the attached “Small Business Bill of Rights” three page document attached with this survey? Why or why not?
Mayor Joseph Donaldson
I have reviewed the “Small Business Bill of Rights” and glean from it that the Chamber would like for the Mayor and Council to run City operations through them first before any Council action. I have been asked to adopt a Small Business Bill of Rights through a resolution. I see this as a beginning point of discussion. From here we might be able to reach a resolution that does not usurp the governing authority of the Mayor and Council. As I recall it is illegal for the Mayor and Council to give up any of its authority as provided in the Arizona State Statutes. I have submitted the document to our City Attorney and the City Manager for their review. It will take its place behind other Council directed ordinances and resolutions that enable workforce development, affordable housing development, education initiatives and partnerships, Flagstaff Mall development, securing water acquisition and negotiations with partners, airport renovation and securing funding, Fourth Street property development, Arizona Cardinals negotiations, property acquisitions and exchanges, budget establishment, new Council training, Impact Fee discussions and possible adoption, and more including litigating law suits.
Sara Presler-Hoefle
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.
Karla Brewster
No, I can’t support the total document. Much of it I do support such as the city being overall more business friendly and open. I don’t think government exists because of business, I believe government exists because of people, regardless whether they have a business or not. Once you have a group of people, there must be some form of organization and rules, otherwise, it is chaos.
Coral Evans
At first review I believe that this is a good starting point to further the discussion of business at the local level. I believe that prior to any type of adoption this document should be reviewed by local small businesses and their input consolidated into a final draft.
Morgan Hagaman
I do support these “Bill of Rights”. The City needs to do everything in its power to help its businesses. Without our businesses, there will be no Flagstaff. I think that these “Small Business Bill of Rights” will be a valuable resource when looking at public policy.
John McCulloch
I can support it. Why wouldn’t someone support it?
Micole Shorty
We must do everything possible to support small business, (it is the single most important thing that drives our economy). When they flourish our community as a whole benefits. I agree whole heartedly that we need to encourage business enterprise to take risks.
Al White
Some of it makes sense- it is a good Chamber of Commerce credo- should it be City policy? Not as is- while I have- by record- always supported small business my loyalty cannot be sworn to one above all other entities- I have questions on some items and objections to some and support for others. Let’s talk! |
