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Chamber of Commerce Candidate Information Form – Bloomington City Council Name: Susan Sandberg Preferred Mailing Address: 2201 N. Fritz Drive, Bloomington, 47408 Background (education, degrees, work experience, government offices) Education: Indiana University, BA in Psychology Why are you seeking public office and what are your qualifications? It is a privilege to represent Bloomington, a diverse and vibrant city that I love. As an incumbent I bring experience and a proven commitment to public service. I have a background in social services and the arts along with an avid interest in public policy and urban planning. My interests in city issues are broad, and I base decisions on the long-term best interest of Bloomington. I have the ability to make tough decisions with respect to the rights and responsibilities of all citizens. I’m eager to do my share in maintaining a prosperous and inclusive Bloomington. CANDIDATE QUESTIONS How would you support a vibrant downtown (transportation initiatives, parking, etc. I support a thriving, interactive downtown and look forward to an ongoing discussion in choosing the best direction for improvements. The discussion involves members of the public, the business sector, churches, the arts and social service communities and city planners making recommendations to city government. I welcome input from the garage management firm, REI, in crafting efficient parking solutions and fair pricing. I support the public investment of a downtown trolley to transport visitors, shoppers and employees who make downtown an energetic hub of commerce and social activity. I encourage the development of the Bloomington Entertainment and Arts District and the B-Line Trail in support of public attractions to keep Bloomington on the cutting edge of smart urban planning. All modes of energy efficient transportation and parking options should be considered to meet the needs of pedestrians, individuals with physical challenges, cyclists, and drivers with respect to the environment. Are you in favor of committing city resources in the downtown? If so, specifically what would you support? Yes. Public investment in a people-moving trolley is sound, and I approve of selective subsidies for parking solutions and amenities that promote an economically thriving downtown. However, I will be judicious about approving incentives and tax abatements. I will not always support public subsidy for a specific business or private interest, but will favor investment in projects that benefit all citizens who live, work, and shop in our downtown and surrounding neighborhoods. President Lincoln said, “Government should do for the people what they cannot do so well for themselves.” I carefully consider where assistance is required for the public benefit. Maintaining a dynamic, mixed-use downtown begins with a comprehensive community plan to guide public investments that are mindful of that collective vision. Providing incentives for infrastructure projects our community needs and values are solid investments in Bloomington’s future, and I will approve those investments wisely. Would you support a CBU proposal for a second water line (36”) from the Monroe Plant along with associated pumping and storage facilities? Yes. As a former member of the Utilities Service Board, I am aware of the need to plan ahead to ensure water quality and availability for our community. It is simply the most essential service we provide for our citizens, and one we must never take for granted. I support this redundant water line as a prudent back up to our existing infrastructure. Failure to address this issue will place increasing burdens on future decision-makers. It is incumbent upon us now to move forward with this second line needed to protect our water supply. Would you support funding to increase the capacity of our water treatment facility? Yes, with evidence of need. One of our highest priorities is to provide an adequate supply of clean water. There are high costs involved in running water utilities, and Bloomington is fortunate to have a well-managed operation. The cost of the City of Bloomington Utilities is incurred by rate-payers, and with new developments come new costs for providing services. Service expansions must be approved cautiously with respect to current rate-payers. As need for increased capacity is proven, resources should be provided for the CBU to meet that need. Good stewardship includes plans for conservation and secondary water sources. Would you support allocating city resources for infrastructure improvements on east-west thoroughfares, namely the Second and Third street corridors? I look forward to working with professionals in the Planning Department, Public Works, neighborhood associations, business entities, and all interested parties in making sound decisions about Bloomington streets, sidewalks and landscapes. Traffic control becomes increasingly difficult as the city expands. Infrastructure decisions will be made in accordance with our Growth Policies Plan and shaped by the input of neighborhoods and businesses impacted by various changes and improvements. Our shared goals for energy efficiency, public safety, and quality of life will guide these decisions. Streets and intersections should be designed for safety and efficiency over speed, and bigger isn’t necessarily better for core neighborhoods. I urge citizens to take part in public hearings about street corridor proposals. The McDoel Gardens and Prospect Hill neighborhoods and Bloomington Hospital will be important stakeholders in the outcome of these corridor proposals. Planning decisions must take existing road capacity into account for future development. Do you support funding of infrastructure improvements that provide a good foundation to develop key areas in the community for new business recruitment? Bloomington is a diverse and comfortable place to live and work. We must evaluate infrastructure already in place for new ventures and ensure that existing businesses thrive. I strongly support small and sustainable business initiatives in addition to recruitment in the basic sector. Bio-technology and life sciences pave the way for growth opportunities, and job training for the new economy is critical for displaced Bloomington workers. Attracting new jobs that pay well is important, as is supporting all commerce that strengthens our economy. While expansion is often desirable, we must balance new infrastructure with resulting costs to the community. What are your views on the government’s role in supporting economic vitality (i.e. TIFs, incentives, abatements, etc.) to promote new and expanded business in the community? The government has many obligations in meeting the needs of all its citizens. As a city official I take that responsibility seriously in allocating resources for the common good. Where public assistance is absolutely required, I generally approve incentives as an investment in a better Bloomington. TIFs and abatements are useful tools in the government toolbox that help us build a thriving community. Fortunately, many private entities in Bloomington are robust and self-sufficient allowing public subsidies to be allocated for those with greater need for assistance. There are growing needs in many segments of our community with ever-shrinking resources to meet them. As responsible public, private and corporate citizens, we need to give equal consideration to a host of civil interests and human services. As a member of the City Council, I enjoy partnering with the business community to meet shared goals for economic vitality as public resources allow. Please list any additional information or comments here: I’m an approachable Councilmember who likes hearing from constituents and meeting with community groups. I have the temperament to deal with pressures of competing interests and conflicting opinions. I listen to different viewpoints before casting my votes, and I urge citizens to contact me to share their ideas for a better Bloomington. It takes all of us looking forward and giving back that makes Bloomington the dynamic city I am proud to call home. Thanks to the Chamber of Commerce for giving City Council candidates this opportunity to express our views. Susan Sandberg
Please email responses by noon on Tuesday, July 31 to Samantha Spiro at sspiro@ChamberBloomington.org.
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PAID FOR BY SANDBERG FOR CITY COUNCIL, CHARLOTTE ZIETLOW, TREASURER |