This race still upsets me that two good candidates were kicked off the ballot. We dual endorsed Ledell Zellers and Bryan Post. I missed Bryan’s interview so I don’t have much to add about why except to note that there was some concern that he might believe the market will just take care of the problem.
OTHER ENDORSEMENTS
Progressive Dane, the Green Party and I also endorsed Ledell Zellers. Hands down the best candidate for the job! Most prepared, most informed, most engaged. Tho I am mighty tempted to write in Art Kohl-Riggs or Colin Bowden in protest of them being kicked off the ballot! It was an embarrassment of riches over here in District 2!
ANSWERS
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?
DENNIS AMADEUS DENURE: No answer.
BRYAN POST: In my opinion, we do not have an adequate supply of affordable housing in Madison. The vacancy rate in Madison is among the lowest in the nation, and rent prices have increased steadily over the last several years (17% in 2010-2011 and over 20% from 2011-2012). I would advocate for increasing funds allotted to the City Affordable Housing Trust Fund, and for increasing the supply of affordable housing. I believe new developments should try to use WHEDA financing, as well as any available federal funds to ensure that some units are reserved for moderate to low income families. I also believe a push to increase the housing supply in general will help stem the rise of rental costs, and allow more people to afford a place to live in Madison.
LEDELL ZELLERS: The housing market in Madison is currently very tight which, along with other factors, tends to limit the availability of affordable housing. In recent years there has been growth in housing stock focused on new multifamily housing. Unfortunately most of this new “market rate” rental housing does not meet the definition of affordable.
The Affordable Housing Trust Fund can help to support more housing, specifically for low-income residents in the bottom tier, but is limited in the funds available for disbursement. There is also a great need for affordable housing for those with somewhat higher incomes. For both of these groups a focus on rehabilitating existing housing stock is likely to result in a greater expansion of supply than will a strategy of building new.
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?
DENNIS AMADEUS DENURE: No answer.
BRYAN POST: I would support the city converting vacant properties into dense, affordable housing. The city should identify such locations, and facilitate a committee between the neighborhood, alder, potential developers and city staff to get the project done. I would support a vacant property registration to help identify possible redevelopment opportunities, although as the AHAA has previously noted high vacancy is not a serious issue in Madison at this time.
LEDELL ZELLERS: The city should aim to facilitate affordable housing wherever the opportunity presents itself. Some vacant properties may present such opportunities depending on a variety of considerations including whether the current owner is interested. The city should help to insure that information is readily available on city and other programs that can be used to further investment in affordable housing. In certain instances the city should be proactive in contacting owners of vacant property that would be suitable for housing.
The city currently has property maintenance standards that address many of the issues associated with vacant properties. Fortunately Madison has not been overwhelmed with vacant properties as have cities such as Milwaukee and Detroit. That said, it may be worthwhile to explore whether an ordinance like Milwaukee’s vacant building code might have some benefits for Madison.
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?
DENNIS AMADEUS DENURE: No answer.
BRYAN POST: I absolutely think the city needs to do more to address the current housing situation. The city does not as of this time have an active Housing committee, which is unusual for a city of this size. Besides a proactive Housing Committee, the city needs to adopt a data-driven approach to monitoring and projecting the housing situation, to better inform development decisions and needs. If elected this would be one of my highest priorities. Ensuring that development discussions are part of a broader picture, and understanding the effects of current neighborhood plans, adopted downtown and gateway plans, and other restrictions on the housing market is a critical service the city must provide.
LEDELL ZELLERS: The city, through its role in land use planning, facilitates opportunities for expanding the housing stock. Both in developing area plans and in the review and approval of new developments the city can and should encourage the expansion of diverse housing stock. Not all of the expansion will occur within the city itself. The broader region presents opportunities, some of which are likely to be more affordable. These opportunities have the potential to alleviate some of the affordable housing shortage, but only if the city and region ensure that there are reasonable transportation options providing connections between home, work and services. While these outlying neighborhoods can provide solutions, developing and maintaining diverse neighborhoods should be a city goal, regardless of their location.
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?
DENNIS AMADEUS DENURE: No answer.
BRYAN POST: Yes, I believe the city and county need to be held accountable when it comes to the quality of service provided by Madison’s homeless shelters. Monthly reviews of service quality, and an increased tracking of visitor outcomes would help keep the focus on improving the lives of those affected, not just operating at a bare minimum. I believe an improved shelter grievance process would be useful in understanding the issues faced by those using the facilities, and I would support it.
LEDELL ZELLERS: Public funding should require accountability in terms of operation and habitability. Part of that accountability must be an open process to consider the concerns of those who are residing in these facilities. The populations who are served by any city and county systems should have representation in the processes.
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?
DENNIS AMADEUS DENURE: No answer.
BRYAN POST: I would. Previously the City County Building and Madison Municipal Building have been mentioned as potential sites, as well as the Madison Central Library once renovations are complete. At lot of attention has been given lately to the issues f homelessness, and I think it the city needs to have a place where people can be warm and have access to restrooms 24 hours a day.
LEDELL ZELLERS: There is certainly a need to provide additional shelter options. The goal needs to be establishing sufficient permanent facilities and boosting efforts to support transition to sustainable life situations. In the short term there may be possibilities within city buildings. The choice of a building to provide these services should be based on being able to adequately provide facilities and services. Depending upon the site selected it may be possible to meet these needs in one or more buildings. As the day warming shelter has exhibited, providing appropriate, professional and consistent staffing is a crucial consideration.
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?
DENNIS AMADEUS DENURE: No answer.
BRYAN POST: Yes. If an individual needs an assistance dog, for example, that individual should not be denied housing because of a “No Dogs” policy. If a qualified professional has identified that an animal provides support to an individual with a disability, they should be protected by equal opportunity ordinances, and I would support such legislation.
LEDELL ZELLERS: Supporting equal opportunity for all is important to me. With this particular question there is the concern that animals can have positive or negative effects on different people. The concerns of all need to be considered. The vagueness of ‘a qualified professional’ and ‘providing a beneficial service or support’ make it difficult to discern what the standard might be. However, if these issues are resolved, an ordinance provision may be needed.
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://legistar.cityofmadison.com/detailreport/Reports/Temp/2720127421.pdf 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?
DENNIS AMADEUS DENURE: No answer.
BRYAN POST: I am familiar with the resolution authored by Alder Bidar-Sielaff. I have spoken to her about the resolution, and my support of it’s objectives. My desire for a Housing Plan that I reference above, is also outlined in the Housing as a Human Right resolution. Unfortunately, the resolution was passed in September of 2011 and it does not appear that much progress on the Housing Plan has been made. If elected the Housing Plan, as well as the other aspects of the Housing as a Human Right resolution, would be a priority for me. I would include implementation of the resolution in my priorities for the 2014 City Budget.
LEDELL ZELLERS: I believe that the city should foster policies that support this resolution and policies that work to ensure that safe, affordable and accessible housing is available to all. I believe this should be a priority for the city. The key first step in developing a housing plan is to get the newly revamped Housing Strategy Committee up and running. The role of this committee is directly aligned with implementing many of the steps set forth in the resolution. A functioning committee does not require specific budget items.
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?
DENNIS AMADEUS DENURE: No answer.
BRYAN POST: I would, and I believe that Acts 108 and 143 do great damage to tenants and anyone who is seeking affordable housing. The restoration of fair housing and tenant protection ordinances would have my full support.
LEDELL ZELLERS: Absolutely.
