2007 Candidates Survey

As a means to help inform the public where our elected officials stand on bicycle and pedestrian policy issues, CP Safe Pathways mailed out a survey in 2007 which asked six important questions based on our group's mission (the Clerk-Treasurer was not included).  These six questions included:

1) The Erie-Lackawanna Trail has remained incomplete at 93rd Avenue for nearly a decade, even though federal funding was secured to complete this route to Summit Street in 2001.  How important is the completion of this trail to you, and why? (please visit our website for more information including a site map)

2) The Courthouse Square is our city’s proud attraction, but it still remains largely pedestrian and bicycle unfriendly.  Would you support the immediate implementation of curb extensions, improved crossing signalization and bike racks on the Square? (please visit our website to view the Historic District 2003 Plans detailing these concepts)

3) Capital Improvement Plans (CIP) are essential towards proper maintenance planning for vital city infrastructure needs typically over a 5-year period.  Would you support the development of a CIP which incorporates a regular schedule of sidewalk repair and maintenance?

4) In 2005, Crown Point adopted a new Comprehensive Plan.  Many of the proposed goals and objectives in the plan point directly to solutions of which we seek implementation - those that help foster increased pedestrian and bicycle access in the city, and the preservation of existing systems.  Would you hold new development to these goals and objectives, such as writing ordinances mandating trails (or their preservation) in new subdivisions and sidewalks along the arterial roadways leading into them? (a complete listing of these goals and objectives can be viewed on our website)

5) Impact fees have been gaining new popularity in the State of Indiana (Indiana Code 36-7-4-1300) by helping to offset the burden from taxpayers to developers to help improve infrastructure and provide amenities, like parks and trails.  The impact fee in Valparaiso now stands at $930 per lot.  Based on approx. 300 permits a year in CP, that would equate to $300K for parks per year.  Being said, would you support the enactment of development impact fees to aid in the creation of more trails and sidewalks? 

6) Throughout the country, Safe Routes to Schools (SRTS) programs are emerging to increase the number of children who walk or bike to school.  Would you support a policy of working alongside the Crown Point School Corporation to improve the walking and biking environment around all CP schools?

The following responses are from those who were duly elected to their positions as of January 1, 2008:

R = Republican   D = Democrat

Council Members:

Robert Corbin:  3rd District (R)   PAGE 1   PAGE 2

Carol Drasga:  At-Large (R)  PAGE 1

Andrew Kyres:  5th District (D)  PAGE 1

Laura Sauerman: 4th District (R)  PAGE 1

Mark Schweitzer:  At-Large (R)  PAGE 1

Mayor:

David Uran: (D)  PAGE 1