AHAA Endorsement: District 15

April 1, 2013 8:32 am

Hawk Sullivan vs David Ahrens

This one was the toughest for us – but we went with Ahrens and didn’t wimp out with a dual endorsement like we did in other races.

AHRENS
1. Do we have an adequate supply of affordable housing in Madison? (“Affordable” means that the rent or mortgage does not exceed 30 percent of the household income.)
Would you advocate for increasing funding for the City Affordable Housing Trust Fund? What other ideas would you have to increase the supply?

In parts of Council District 15 one-third of the population spends more 30% of their income on their housing. (American Community Survey 2011) The “housing market” like the “health market” has failed to provide housing for the low and middle income earners. I support increasing funding for the Trust Fund as well as exploring other mechanisms to increase the supply of housing.

2. Do you support the city facilitating the use of vacant properties for affordable housing, and if so, what do you think the city’s role should be? Would you support a vacant property registration ordinance?

I don’t know what the current law is in regard to vacant housing, i.e ownership, liability, etc. I do support a property registry.

3. The rental housing market in the Madison area is very tight right now, with a 2.07 percent vacancy rate reported for the last quarter of 2012. Do you think the city should get involved in planning to make sure there is enough housing for its residents, and if so, what should its role be?

We should go beyond planning and act to expand/correct the failed housing market. Can we create small cap TIF market that helps people get into homes and refurbish them? Can the city use its leverage in the bond market to borrow for the purpose of housing construction as a revolving fund?

4. Given that both the city and county provide funding to homeless shelters, do you think the city/county should play a role in making sure the shelters are adequately operated and meet standards for service and habitability? Would you support efforts to increase transparency and accountability through an improved shelter grievance process?

The government should assure that the services it provides meet the needs of the people it seeks to serve and that it generally meets its objectives. One of many ways of evaluating the performance of a contract is through a systematic grievance/feedback process for the recipients of the service. I think a more thorough means of evaluating the service would be to survey and interview people who are receiving the assistance.

5. It is estimated that there are 300-400 unsheltered persons living in the Madison area. Shelter stays are subject to annual limits of 60-90 days, depending on the shelter. Would you support making a downtown City building available to unsheltered persons to allow them to sleep in safety and access 24 hour restrooms?

In general, yes. However, more detail on a proposal is needed. Not sure whether this is a proposal to build a downtown shelter for 300 or some other form of service-limited, time-limited operation.

6. Would you support expanding local equal opportunity ordinances to prohibit discrimination in housing and public accommodations against person who have animals which a qualified professional has recommended as providing a beneficial service or support?

I don’t know enough about the problem or the proposed solution to comment.

7. AHAA is part of a coalition that is working to advance housing as a human right. Are you aware of the Housing as a Human Right resolution that was passed by the Madison City Council? The resolution is available here: http://madison.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&ID=1775433&GUID=B82C4409-BF96-4361-A1A1-587ED424E4D6 Can we count on you to help implement the resolution? If so, what would be your priorities? Will you include implementation of the resolution in your priorities for the 2014 City Budget?

I would like to help implement the resolution. As noted in the ordinance, we have to use all available tools and modify the use of existing measures to keep people in their homes and build the base. This is a priority item

8. Our state legislature recently enacted 2011 Wisconsin Act 108, which attacks local ordinances expanding equal opportunity for lower income tenants. The law can be found here: https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2011/related/acts/108
The legislature also enacted 2011 Wisconsin Act 143, which makes changes to landlord/tenant practices. It can be found here: http://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2011/related/acts/143
If 2011 Acts 108 and/or 143 are repealed, will you support full restoration of our fair housing and tenant protection ordinances?

Yes. The new legislation is outrageous, regressive and an attack on local governance.

SULLIVAN
1. Do we have an adequate supply of affordable housing in Madison? (“Affordable” means that the rent or mortgage does not exceed 30 percent of the household income.)

Would you advocate for increasing funding for the City Affordable Housing Trust Fund? What other ideas would you have to increase the supply?

I believe access to affordable housing is a major concern in Madison. Although the city has limited resources, I support efforts to fund efficient affordable housing projects. I also support encouraging developers to build housing that both keeps up with market demand and provides additional affordable housing units.

2. Do you support the city facilitating the use of vacant properties for affordable housing, and if so, what do you think the city’s role should be? Would you support a vacant property registration ordinance?

The idea of using vacant property for affordable housing is one of many creative ideas to address the shortage. All stakeholders–from city officials to housing advocates to developers need to be a part of the conversation to determine which alternatives best address the housing needs of city residents.

We should consider using the Affordable Housing Trust Fund more effectively and continue to encourage partnerships with housing organizations at other levels of government.

I think it is important that our shelters provide dignity and safety to residents. Transparency and accountability are critical in all government functions and the same should be true for homeless shelters. The city and the county should work collaboratively to support our shelter system.

I would have to learn more about this proposal, however in general I support a more integrated affordable housing policy in the city with units scattered throughout the community. I also support efforts to increase access to job training and mental health care that can help reduce homelessness.

I think service animals enhance the quality of life for many people in our community. I support efforts to reduce barriers to access to housing for these individuals.

I support efforts to increase affordable housing for those who need it. I am interested in learning specific details of an implementation plan. The City has limited resources, and as I have stated, I support efforts to use resources to improve access to housing.

The legislature also enacted 2011 Wisconsin Act 143, which makes changes to landlord/tenant practices. It can be found here: http://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2011/related/acts/143

If 2011 Acts 108 and/or 143 are repealed, will you support full restoration of our fair housing and tenant protection ordinances?

Yes.