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J. William ReynoldsGadfly statements for May 2019 primary1) What uniquely qualifies you to serve (or to continue to serve) on Bethlehem City Council?During my time on City Council, policy initiatives have often been proposed or suggested by members of Council. These policy recommendations and their goals have been met with positive, unanimous consensus among Council members as to the value of the proposal. Many of these worthwhile ideas, however, ultimately have fallen short of their initial goal for various reasons. I believe that during my time on City Council that I have proven my ability to propose and implement policy initiatives that reflect the priorities of the people of Bethlehem.Two years ago, I proposed Bethlehem 2017, a collection of policy initiatives designed to make Bethlehem a more progressive city. Bethlehem 2017 was built on not just an ideological vision but also a strategy of mobilizing many organizations and citizens in our city who wished to positively contribute to their community. Creating permanent groups of engaged citizens to work on these initiatives is vital in creating real change on the issues that matter to the people of our city. These partnerships are more valuable than passing a piece of legislation that can be well meaning but ultimately limited in scope and effectiveness.I am proud of how much of Bethlehem 2017 has been accomplished and implemented over the past two years. Working with the Administration and City Council, we have made great progress on municipal climate action, NorthSide 2027, open data, transparency and accountability in economic development incentive reporting (Financial Accountability Incentive Reporting), and improving governmental communication (Connecting Bethlehem Communications survey launching this week!). I am especially proud that each of these initiatives required collaboration with governmental and community partners including (but not limited to) the Mayor’s Administration, the Bethlehem Area School District, Moravian College, Bethlehem’s Environmental Advisory Council, small businesses, and citizens throughout our city.These relationships form the backbone of successful service on a legislative body.? If re-elected, I will continue to focus on building the community partnerships necessary to create and successfully implement policies that reflect the priorities of our citizens.2) What goals, proposals, ideas, issues, problems, or concerns motivate you to serve or continue to serve on City Council?Bethlehem’s Climate Action Plan – Since being elected to City Council, I have worked to support the City of Bethlehem’s commitment to maintaining and protecting our environment. In 2017, I was proud to propose Bethlehem’s first climate action plan. ?Utilizing the expertise of citizens, local environment groups, our Environmental Advisory Council, and city employees, we are building a climate action plan that includes citywide energy reduction goals, internal governmental reduction goals, legislative policy recommendations, and mitigation strategies for vulnerable areas of our city. Our climate action plan also is creating a permanent structure of citizens and local environmental groups that will remain engaged and able to advocate for environmental responsibility going forward.NorthSide 2027 - Our neighborhoods are our most valuable asset as a community. ?When I proposed Northside 2027 a few years ago, the goal was to invest in our north side neighborhoods that surround William Penn and Thomas Jefferson Elementary schools. Working with the Bethlehem Area School District, Moravian College, residents, and small businesses, significant work has been completed in 2018 and 2019 to design and implement improvements in these neighborhoods by focusing on the issues facing our families and residents related to housing, recreation opportunities, transportation, and commercial corridors. I am looking forward to the release of the plan shortly and getting to work on the priorities of the neighborhoods as determined by the residents.Technology – Bethlehem’s current technology initiatives have the ability to transform the way things are done in our city. I am proud to be working with the Administration on our open data portal, improving our social media and communication channels, digital equity, and developing a Bethlehem app.? Our technology initiatives are a vital component in creating opportunities for everyone in our community as well as keep Bethlehem at the forefront of innovation in the region.3) Please expand on one of the points that you listed in response to question #2.NorthSide 2027 is an initiative that encompasses the work that we need to continue to pursue in Bethlehem. Bringing together the Bethlehem Area School District, Moravian College, citizens, small businesses, and City Hall, we are trying to invest in and revitalize our neighborhoods with a comprehensive approach to community development. In the past year, we have brought together neighborhood stakeholders, hired a consultant, held public meetings, and gathered ideas relating to the strengths and weaknesses of our north side neighborhoods. As the initial plan nears completion, the implementation of the neighborhood strategies will be one of my priorities if elected to another term.Different priorities for different neighbors have emerged during the planning process for NS2027. While that can be a challenge, it also holds the potential for the initiative to bring together neighbors for a shared, unique purpose. Projects such as the Bethlehem Food Co-op give us the opportunity to make structural investments that can positively impact the future of our city’s families.Improving our community’s connections with our neighborhood elementary schools,making our neighborhoods more walkable, and improving opportunities for our families are all priorities that will be important tenets of the NS2027 plan moving forward. As important as the priorities of the “plan” are, however, I am hoping that the legacy of the plan will be the permanent structure of interested community stakeholders that has been created, engaged, and empowered.Bethlehem families’ lives are often intertwined between our school district, city government, the physical space of their neighborhoods, and the businesses/services that are within walking distance of their home. As a city, we owe it to our neighborhoods to look through that interconnected lens if we are going to maintain and improve the quality of life that has always made Bethlehem special.4) Talk about budgets and the budgeting process, arguably the most important power and responsibility that City Council has.The following facts about the budget cannot really be disputed.Most of the budget is fixed due to union contracts and obligations (such as debt relating to capital investments)The vast majority of the budget is personnel (over 80 percent)The majority of the budget is public safety (important when considering the service impact of any spending cuts)Legitimate meaningful cuts cannot be made without touching personnel (which generally Councilmembers do not want to do)With those four points in mind, it is very difficult to make substantial cuts during budget time. So, what is City Council’s role in the budget?Determine, follow, monitor the long-term financial health of the city by understanding the budget revenue and expenditure driversHave an in-depth understanding of the direction of departments and the short- and long-term financial implications of annual proposed changesMonitor and follow revenue and expenditure estimates throughout the yearEducate the public about the aforementioned structural limitations of our budgetSupport initiatives that assist the city financially and do not sacrifice the effectiveness and efficiency of city servicesThe single most impactful thing that Council members can do as it pertains to the budget is to keep open communication with the Administration and department heads about their short- and long-term financial plans for their departments throughout the year.?? The budget is passed in December, but important financial questions are being asked and answered every day in City Hall.? What is our pension obligation for next year? A few people retired, are those positions being filled? Would a change in departmental structure save money over the long run without sacrificing service? If we have a year with many winter storms, where are we moving money from to pay for snow removal?City Councilmembers who wish to fund new initiatives also must work with the Administration and Department heads throughout the year (rather than during budget time) to understand where new initiatives work with the larger plans/strategies for the departments.? It is often a long and tedious process to build support and the necessary financial budgetary flexibility for even minor additions to the budget throughout the year. Working slowly is, however, necessary to not only fund new initiatives but also to make sure the implementation process is clear moving forward.? During my time on City Council, most Councilmembers have approached the budget process with the above information in mind and, as a result, the current and future financial position of the City is stable and growing stronger by the year.5) On March 24, The Brown and White, the Lehigh University student newspaper, reported that Lehigh was exploring a pedestrian walkway on Packer Avenue, presumably between Brodhead and Webster Streets. Such a street “vacation” – should it ever be formally and officially proposed – would ultimately come before City Council for final disposition. Without prejudging how you would vote on such a now hypothetical proposal, describe what factors you would need to consider before reaching a decision.Let me start by saying that this is a great question. Most important decisions should be made using a rational, deliberate process. In no particular order, here is a look at some of the questions that I consider as I am formulating a decision.1) What are the short and term long benefits/potential negative consequences for theproposal?2) Who are the important stakeholders, and how do they feel about the proposal?3) What (if any) are the legal questions surrounding the proposal?4) What is going to happen if the proposal does not go through?5) Who are the internal city staff/professionals that I should be speak to, and how do they feel about the proposal?6) And, yes, how does the proposal “feel”? (Our “feeling” shouldn’t be the only factor butoften reflects our comprehensive experience making similar decisions in the past.)As important as those questions are, it is vital on significant questions of policy to be able to explain your decision-making process publicly. I, personally, like to respond to certain arguments made by the side that I disagree with as a way to show that I have considered the major opposing points in a policy discussion.It is usually impossible to make everyone happy when policy decisions are made. The goal, however, is to come to conclusions that balance as many of the communal interests as possible while also building faith in the process you undertook to come to your policy position.6.1) Climate changeThere is an urgency among Gadfly followers over the destructive forces of climate change. Other cities have legislated as part of their planning codes mandatory “green” initiatives such as green roofs where feasible. What changes in the existing City of Bethlehem zoning, planning, building codes, etc. are you willing to propose and support to more effectively battle climate change on a local level?When I proposed Bethlehem’s first Climate Action Plan, I did so because I realized howimportant creating a sustainable Bethlehem was to the citizens of our city. Bethlehem needed to become a more sustainable city and we needed a permanent structure of citizens and environmental organizations ready to implement our Climate Action Plan’s recommendations into the future. Our Climate Action Plan is in the process of becoming expansive in scope and depth. Internal municipal reduction goals, citywide energy reduction goals, alternative energy investment strategies, and short and long-term potential policy recommendations will all be included. Adjusting and changing planning and building codes will certainly be included in that discussion.Several years ago, I investigated the potential to mandate new construction (over a certain amount of square feet) be Leaders in Engineering and Environmental Design (LEED) certified. I discovered the Pennsylvania State Uniform Construction Code (UCC) prohibited certain mandates as it pertains to building codes. What other municipalities have done, however, is offer certain “bonuses” if a project is LEED (or equivalent) certification. Some of these bonuses, however, that building developers are looking for can become controversial (such as an increase in the allowable density of the project). It becomes an in-depth, nuanced conversation between Administration staff and developers about the inclusion of green initiatives.So what can we do? When it comes to important projects in the city, the City Administration can absolutely hold out their support for projects that don’t fit our vision of what a sustainable community can be. Administration support at Planning and Zoning hearings for example is often vital in determining the success or failure of a project. So it might not be a conversation of “mandating” as much as “How do we use the planning structures we have to get the best projects for the city?”.6.2) DevelopmentDevelopment is a major source of tension and controversy among Gadfly followers, many of whom are professionally knowledgeable, interested in preserving the historical nature of the City, and disturbed by poor and subjective decisions. What is your view of recent and current development projects in Bethlehem? Possible foci include the rapid neighborhood change in South Bethlehem, the Martin Tower site, the need for affordable housing, the role played by City Administration, the role played by Council, the role of citizen input, adherence to Historical District codes.Over the past 20 years, Bethlehem has recovered from the decline of Bethlehem Steelbecause of the impressive economic redevelopment and revitalization that our community continues to experience. We are a city with an economy that is growing rapidly from year to year and with that growth has come thousands of new jobs for our citizens. We cannot become hostile to development if we want to continue to be a financially thriving city that produces enough tax revenue to pay our hard working employees who keep our streets safe and deliver our basic city services.With that being said, the real question is “How do we create the BEST developmentprojects for our City?” By structure, the City Administration, with the full time professional staff, has the responsibility to carry a substantial portion of the burden in asking and answering (privately and publicly) the questions/concerns that arise in our community, from our citizens, and City Council. Above all else, the City Administration must effectively relay THEIR process and involvement in major development projects. What did they push for internally? What couldn’t they push for? Why has the process played out the way it has?The world of development is not simple. Projects often need some approvals, don’t need other approvals, don’t come up for any City Council votes, etc. Government also does not, despite our wishes at certain points, have the ability to control every aspect of what someone does with their private property. It is a balancing act. I have supported Administrations who I feel have carried out their mission effectively in getting the best possible project for our community and I have taken Administrations to task for failing to live up to that responsibility.As we move forward with more development in the coming years, it is imperative that we as a community continue to ask and push for the best possible development projects while also realizing that economic revitalization and redevelopment will continue to be vital to the future of our city.7.1) ParticipationGadfly followers want to be involved, want to be heard, do not see themselves as CAVE people (citizens against virtually everything). How can Council foster increased citizen participation with and trust in City government? Possible foci include increased interactive technology, increased public inclusion, office hours, different kinds of Council meetings, a different format for the current Council meetings, a stronger ethics ordinance, term limits.When I launched Bethlehem 2017, I did so partly as a way to mobilize the people in our community who are passionate, committed, and want to be involved on a local level. Our Climate Action Plan, NorthSide2027, and Open Data projects all were designed to create permanent structures of citizens to help plan and implement the initiatives. Creating positive opportunities for citizens to be informed and involved in the issues they care about is vital in creating meaningful opportunities for citizen engagement.There are thousands of people in Bethlehem who want to be involved in giving back toour city. They are often very busy helping their children with homework, volunteeringat their church, or running a small business. These responsibilities often prevent themfrom committing to standard meeting schedules or attending City Council meetings.Finding flexible, meaningful, engagement opportunities for our citizens is very important in creating citizen engagement moving forward. This idea was the genesis behind the structure of our planning strategy for our Bethlehem 2017 initiatives and has proven to be effective in engaging citizens on a city-wide level.7.2) A Vision of/for the CityThe job of a leader is to have a vision that inspires citizens, that connects with citizens, that engages citizens. Sometimes that vision is capsuled in a slogan. What is your vision of/for Bethlehem? What is your vision of Bethlehem past, or Bethlehem present, or Bethlehem future? How is Bethlehem unique – in a positive, negative, or potential way? Are there best practices from other cities you would you like to see implemented in Bethlehem??Does a pedestrian/bicycle bridge that would connect the north and south sides fit into that vision?During my time on City Council, I have tried to lay out a vision for what ourcommunity needs to be moving forward. I included my vision for our city in my Bethlehem 2017 initiative when I proposed making our city more progressive and investing in several areas in which I felt we could do more. We needed to focus on the issues that will determine our success in the 21 st century and do so by creating opportunities for our citizens to be involved in helping to create the solutions to the problems of the 21st century.We need to focus on the issues that matter to our residents – climate, neighborhoodreinvestment, technology, the efficiency of government. That focus starts with planningthat includes creating long-term strategies for our community and our city. Thatplanning isn’t just elected officials sitting around talking. It involves governmentleveraging the best asset we have – the passion of our citizens.Our community is at its best when we have everyone working in the same direction onan issue. Our NorthSide2027 neighborhood meetings are a great example of that.Families, long-time residents, small business owners, community groups comingtogether to work on planning what the future of their neighborhood can be. This is thevision that I have always had for our city – our neighbors coming together to positivelytalk about what we are as a community and what we can be. We are going to needmore of that to make sure Bethlehem never loses what makes our city what it is.8) The last wordThank you for giving us a space to share our ideas and thoughts on the future of our great city. Bethlehem is a special place because we have people who care about their community and that is a beautiful thing. Hopefully, our citizens have been able to learn over the past few months about all of the candidates for City Council and their visions for Bethlehem.??See you at the polls on Tuesday! ................
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