League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
Butte County, CA November 6, 2012 Election
	Dave Kelley Answers Questions Candidate for Member City Council; City of Chico

The questions were prepared by the League of Women Voters of Butte County and asked of all candidates for this office.
Read the answers from all candidates (who have responded).

Questions & Answers

1. In July 2012 the State Budget Act (SA 1464) suspended some sections of the 1953 Brown Act. To assure transparency in local city government, do you support a resolution reaffirming adherence to the "Brown Act" as it was prior to these suspensions?

Yes, I support a resolution to maintain the Brown Act regarding proper agenda noticing. Chico's notification requirements exceed the Brown Act minimums.

2. How can we maintain the essential safety employees (both police & fire), meet their negotiated retirement/health benefits, and protect our city from bankruptcy? What is your solution to this problem which faces so many California cities?

It is key to reform the public safety salaries and pension programs to be financially stable over the long run. I am on record in favor of a 2-tier system for new hires that substantially reduces the costs to the city.

The second part of the solution is to focus on local economic growth.

3. What is your position on maintaining the green belt around Chico?

Do not move the green line.

4. What is your position on in-fill building within the city limits of Chico?

I support in-fill development that is compatible with the neighborhood surroundings. One of my first acts would be to develop in-fill design guidelines. With my 8 years of planning commission experience I know that I can contribute greatly to the dialogue.

5. Butte County has become a haven for the arts and music. How can, and should, the City Council help promote this asset?

Most people can agree that a community with public art is a better place to live. We should actively promote tourism and art. However, given the poor economy, public art should be encouraged on a voluntary basis.

The city needs to restore the Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) portion that historically has gone to support the arts.

6. . With the demise of redevelopment funding, how can the City address future development needs, especially in blighted areas of the community?

I favor promoting private-public partnerships with local developers/builders. The city should explore the implementation of Mello Roos districts to finance infrastructure, roads, parks and open space.

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Responses to questions asked of each candidate are reproduced as submitted to the League.  Candidates' statements are presented as submitted. References to opponents are not permitted.

Read the answers from all candidates (who have responded).

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Created from information supplied by the candidate: October 25, 2012 08:45
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