The BBA and AARP were excited to once again host city council candidates for a forum on livability issues in Burlington. These events help inform voters about key issues  like housing affordability.

Town Meeting Day is Tuesday, March 3rd this year and participation in our local elections is very important. Be sure to get out and vote. Burlington has same day voter registration. Voter Information.

 

BBA/AARP Question

Question #1: “Like the rest of the state, Burlington’s population is aging.  According to the US Census Bureau, over the next decade and beyond, the percentage of people 65 and older will grow more than any other age demographic. Right behind older adults are people in their twenties.  

How can our city grow, develop, and redevelop in a way that addresses the needs and desires of these two demographics? Name two changes you would support to address their needs?”

Ward 8 candidates Adam Roof and Jane Stromberg’s answer:

 

Ward 1 candidates Jillian Scannell, Zoraya Hightower, and Sharon Bushor’s answer:

 

Ryan Nick, Max Tracy, and Brian Pine’s answer:

 

Ericka Redic, Sarah Carpenter, and Ali Dieng’s answer:

Question #2: “Are there policy changes that you feel are necessary to address the downtown Mall Project to ensure completion?”

 

Ward 8 candidates Adam Roof and Jane Stromberg’s answer:

 

Ward 1 candidates Jillian Scannell, Zoraya Hightower, and Sharon Bushor’s answer:

 

Ryan Nick, Max Tracy, and Brian Pine’s answer:

 

Ericka Redic, Sarah Carpenter, and Ali Dieng’s answer:

 

Question #3: “On this year’s Town Meeting Day ballot voters will see two questions asking for their approval to increase taxes. These are a proposed increase of the Housing Trust Fund assessment to a full penny as well as a $.03 increase in the Public Safety Tax Rate. 

What are your views on these tax increases, which are likely to result in higher housing costs?  How could you address the concerns of our older and younger citizens who already say they cannot afford living costs in Burlington?”

 

Ward 8 candidates Adam Roof and Jane Stromberg’s answer:

 

Ward 1 candidates Jillian Scannell, Zoraya Hightower, and Sharon Bushor’s answer:

 

Ryan Nick, Max Tracy, and Brian Pine’s answer:

 

Ericka Redic, Sarah Carpenter, and Ali Dieng’s answer:

 

Question #4: “What is your strategy to make transit a practical daily option for a wide range of Burlingtonians and to assure it will be accessible for everyone?”

 

Ward 8 candidates Adam Roof and Jane Stromberg’s answer:

 

Ward 1 candidates Jillian Scannell, Zoraya Hightower, and Sharon Bushor’s:

 

Ward 2 candidates Ryan Nick and Max Tracy and Ward 3 candidate Brian Pine:

 

Ward 4 candidates Ericka Redic and Sarah Carpenter and Ward 7 candidate Ali Dieng:

Question #5: How would you balance the needs of all users, residents and businesses of the Winooski Ave Corridor?

 

Ward 2 candidates Ryan Nick and Max Tracy and Ward 3 candidate Brian Pine:

Question #6: The city is currently proposing removing the minimum parking requirement for new development in the downtown and transit corridors. What are your views on how this  change will help promote affordable housing stock?

(Follow-up)  Would you support further expanding this to residential and lower density areas?

 

Ward 2 candidates Ryan Nick and Max Tracy and Ward 3 candidate Brian Pine:

 

Ward 4 candidates Ericka Redic and Sarah Carpenter and Ward 7 candidate Ali Dieng:

 

Audience Questions

Question: This audience member says they believe Burlington has a very large pension liability. How may we address this liability should the money from the sale of Burlington telecom be applied towards this?

 

Ward 8 candidates Adam Roof and Jane Stromberg’s answer:

 

Ward 1 candidates Jillian Scannell, Zoraya Hightower, and Sharon Bushor’s answer:

 

Question: Last night the Burlington City Council voted not to invest in Burlington Telecom. What is your opinion on this and why?

 

Ward 4 candidates Ericka Redic and Sarah Carpenter and Ward 7 candidate Ali Dieng:

Closing Statements

 

Ward 8 candidates Adam Roof and Jane Stromberg:

 

Ward 1 candidates Jillian Scannell, Zoraya Hightower, and Sharon Bushor

 

Ward 2 candidates Ryan Nick and Max Tracy and Ward 3 candidate Brian Pine:

 

Ward 4 candidates Ericka Redic and Sarah Carpenter and Ward 7 candidate Ali Dieng: