The questions are already coming in about whether "I'll allow" or "I'll prevent" all manner of things in the city if elected as Mayor. I'll need to manage expectations a bit -- I'll articulate positions on a variety of topics during the campaign season, with a first post on the Public Safety Officer model this weekend (don't expect any surprises, as I've written & talked about it in past months). I'll be releasing positions gradually, likely up to July (in time for the August filing deadline).
Do you have a question about a position (aside from PSO's, which I'm already writing up)? Feel free to ask it confidentially via my Google Form.
Keep in mind, the power to "allow" or "prevent" something largely rests with the City Council (and rightly so)...though the Mayor does have veto power....which can be still be overruled by a two-thirds majority of council (so, 5 of 7). Per Section 2-155 of the City Code, the Mayor is the chief executive officer of the city and is responsible for ensuring the city's laws are enforced, as well as setting the City Council agenda and presiding over the City Council meetings (but not voting). It's the City Council that largely decides what's allowed or prevented (again, rightly so), and so if that's your focus, pay close attention to the seats on council which are up for election this year (At Large: Dave Wieland, Ward 3: Susan DeBuhr, and Ward 4: Tom Blanford) and support the candidates who best match your views.
I'm looking forward to hearing your questions about my positions on various topics, and answering them as best as I can. I'll also let you know if I don't have a position -- either because it's not something in the city's jurisdiction (like school board issues) or there's not enough information available on a topic.
Thanks in advance for letting me know what matters to you in Cedar Falls.
POSTSCRIPT:
Here are the position requests I've gotten so far:
- The Public Safety Officer (PSO) Model
- Parking Ramp/Garage Downtown
- Overall Downtown Development
- Use of Parking Variances (and generally the debate on Commercial/Residential Buildings)
- Appropriate Use of the Mayoral Veto
- Roundabouts
Keep 'em coming! ~Rob