City Commission candidate questionnaire: David Crawford

The Journal-World sent a 16-question survey to each candidate running for three at-large seats on the City Commission. Fourteen people filed for those seats. The March 3 primary election will whittle the field of candidates down to six for the April 7 general election. These answers are presented as they were received from the candidates.

65 years old, a retired boilermaker and union instructor who has led a grass-roots group to bring a grocery store to downtown Lawrence

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Do you believe a new police headquarters facility is needed, and if so, are you open to considering a property tax or sales tax increase to fund the facility?

Yes, I believe that Lawrence needs improved police facilities. However, any proposed solution should be the result of thorough and thoughtful study, based on community needs and proven principles free of special-interest influence. Lawrence does not need a military-base-style police headquarters. Police facilities should promote nationally proven methods of community policing and should discourage Ferguson-style police militarization. Ever-increasing sales taxes assessed on essential goods, including food, place an unfair burden on low- and moderate-income residents. As such, these taxes impact local businesses and encourage shopping outside of Lawrence. Property taxes are a more equitable way to fund essential services.

The city in 2014 approved a new registration and licensing program for apartments and other rental units in the city. It is set to begin inspections in July. Do you support the program as approved?

Yes, I believe the program represents a good start toward ensuring safe and decent housing for all Lawrence residents who rent, while maintaining affordability in housing. It should be thoroughly reviewed and strengthened, based on successful programs in other cities and particularly in other cities with large universities.

As part of the Rock Chalk Park sports complex, the city entered into a public-private partnership with Kansas University Endowment and a private development group. As part of that agreement, the city is paying for about $12 million worth of infrastructure that was exempted from the citys standard bidding process. Do you support public-private partnerships that involve the city paying for work that was not bid?

No. I oppose special-interest no-bid contracts. These are clearly not in the best interest of local taxpayers, and sweetheart deals like this undermine competition. As a city commissioner, I will be an independent voice, free of influence by special interests, and will fight every day against the sort of backroom deals that have tainted city government in recent years.

In 2014 the city approved tax rebates for projects in East Lawrence, downtown and near the KU campus that were either wholly or largely for apartment development. Do you support providing tax incentives for apartment development?

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City Commission candidate questionnaire: David Crawford