Government Affairs
2008 Election Candidates and Candidate Survey Responses back to main Candidate page
Candidate Survey Responses – On The Issues – Each Question, All Candidates
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?
Mayor Joseph Donaldson
The City of Flagstaff's role in economic development has to be one that works in harmony with the community. The City has the tools that make economic development work Instead of an outside agency working with economic development and having to run incentives and approvals through the city, economic development decisions can be made on the spot. As an example, Phoenix does its economic development within the city. They do and an outside economic agency that works on their own to develop economic opportunities. Both working separately and together has worked well for them. The city is in a prime position to assist local businesses to stay and expand in our economic market. As a Council member I have a better accounting for the citizen's tax dollars that go into economic development.
Sara Presler-Hoefle
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.
Karla Brewster
I believe their biggest role in economic development is in partnering with other agencies, such as with the non-profit Northern Arizona Center for Emerging Technologies which will operate the Northern Arizona Science, Technology and Clean Energy Center facility which partners with NACOG. Local government also has a definite role in the retention and expansion of existing businesses by making it possible for them to grow and remain viable here through the judicious interpretation of codes and policies. The city has some programs in place that are focused on economic development- the Business Attraction Program, targeting medical devices and clean energy businesses, and a potential new program, University to Business, partnering professors with students who will help existing businesses to grow. The city has a vested interest in seeing that these programs succeed and help our economic situation. Other cities have hands-on economic programs and have been successful and I don’t see problems with the city negotiating with companies that are looking to relocate in Flagstaff or in pursuing companies to locate here.
Coral Evans
I feel that it is vital to diversify the local and region economy through well-planned and sustainable economic development efforts.
I feel that as a city we need to:
1) Recruit businesses that pay higher wages and are consistent with the City’s environmental policies; and,
2) aggressively recruit businesses that pay higher wages, businesses consistent with the City’s environmental policies; offering appropriate incentives when appropriate to businesses paying higher wages (Businesses that are offered incentives must be held accountable to the established incentive guidelines [e.g. hiring local residents, paying livable wages, etc.] and incentives should also be offered to established businesses).
I feel that it is vital to invest in Workforce Development and Education as well.
I feel that as a city we need to:
1) Invest in job training programs in partnership with business and education to ensure businesses have access to a reliable workforce on-demand; and,
2) Invest in youth development programs that prepare youth for skilled trades.
Morgan Hagaman
The city should do everything in its ability to support economic development. They need help current businesses grow by keeping expansion costs at a minimum and offering incentives to keep their businesses in Flagstaff. The need to have minimal start up costs for new businesses. The need to make sure that Flagstaff is a safe desirable town to live in to make future employees excited about the opportunity of living in Flagstaff. Our businesses and economy are what drive this town, and by not looking at economic development as a priority our town won’t survive.
John McCulloch
The city can facilitate discussions with prospective employers and should have defined incentive parameters to offer. I don’t think ED should be “In house”. I support the investments for the incubator program and will work to make Flagstaff more business friendly.
Micole Shorty
The local government should spearhead economic development by actively engaging in the search for businesses that compliment our community and the environment.
Al White
I believe we must continue to be a strong ally and advocate for our tourism base. Only when they prosper can they pay better and offer benefits. To this end we support the CVB. We must invest in local start ups + established businesses that have conquered the high cost of starting an enterprise. The city can find partners and backers, grants and improvement districts to match investments. We can support N.A.C.E.T. and the science park as a means to connect capital and business ideas to begin to diversify economy. |
