Council Votes

This is a compilation of important votes during my first term if service, 2010-2017. Behind many of these, I provide in-depth analysis of facts and decision factors to arrive at my vote. Just check out my 50+ blogs! Communication and transparency, always.

Key City Council Votes

• Yes on Complete Streets Resolution - directed staff to consider pedestrian, bicycle, connectivity and context in transportation design
• No on Hudson Annexation - avoided shifting city boundary at neighboring city’s expense. In retrospect, I would reconsider this decision.
• Yes on Neighborhood Speed Calming - supported design features to calm traffic versus control features (stop and speed signs)
• No on SW Public Works Complex - considered unnecessary facility expansion on economic development property at state taxpayer expense. Note: city has taken extraordinary measures to utilize facility to support departmental efficiencies and share services.
• Yes on Energy Efficiency - supported task force to evaluate cost control through energy efficiency investments
• Yes to digitized council and P&Z packets, available electronically
• Yes to televised council committee meetings
• No on Employee Loans - opposed loan to ex-Fire Chief, total mis-use of taxpayer dollars. Chief is no longer with the City.
• Yes on Cedar Valley Alliance - minimal, performance-based investment to support regional economic development programs
• Yes on Comprehensive Plan Update - critical update to old comprehensive plan
• No on Speed Traps - consistently voted against entrapment
• Yes on Hudson/1st Street - a study to improve design and function to serve transportation interests
• Yes on Pubs - opposed gov’t intervention on licenses
• No on Lock Boxes - opposed gov’t mandate to require keys on front porch of commercial and multi-unit structures.
• Yes on North Cedar Confluence Plan - comprehensive redevelopment vision for flood-impacted North Cedar, much of which is underway.
• Yes on Efficient Government - supported budget task force creation to save more than 1.5MM/year in annual operating costs
• Yes on Code Cleanse - improve code integrity
• Yes on Pet Freedom - opposed arbitrary limits to pet ownership. Nuisance ordinances are sufficient.
• Yes on Historic Preservation - created commission support architectural and cultural preservation
• Yes on Cooperative Government - supported intergovernmental task force to support service and infrastructure cooperation
• Yes on Mixed-Use Development - supported more flexible land-use to support mixed use reflecting historical development patterns and new residential demands
• Yes on Balanced Budget - always endeavored to balance budget within means of city providing for necessary service and investment levels
• Yes on Reducing City Debt - continue debt replacement policy which reduces debt as a percentage of ceiling year-over-year
• No on Dog Bans - advocate for owner responsibility, not breed control
• Yes on Managing Benefit Costs - advocated for greater cost share for increased benefit costs
• No on Expanded Alcohol Establishment Regulations - opposed to market interventions
• No on Dog Bans at Festivals - support owner responsibility versus prohibiting social behaviors
• No to Added Housing Regulations (limiting cooperative development) - opposed barriers to affordable housing
• Yes on Long-term Financial Plan - support long-term finanical planning including segregated accounts for funding larger projects
• No on Militarization of our Police Force - opposed arming police with surplus military weapons
• Yes to Part-time Mayor and City Manager Structure - support for reorganization
• Yes to Public-Private-Partnership for refuse management - support regionalization of solid waste.
• Yes to modern management and the Council Scorecard - support operational modernization and reporting effectiveness.
• Yes to Sunday boating on the Cedar River - support recreation at all time
• Yes to more public forum - supported greater time allowance for council address
• No on multi-unit conversion bans - support property owner rights
• No on applying rental codes to homeowners - support property owner rights
• No on massive golf subsidies - supported deficit reduction and user-based fees to cover cost of unique service
• Yes on metro cooperation - supported joint task force for efficiency among metro municipalities
• Yes on public art - supported public-private partnership for art
• Yes on city reorganization - supported streamlined departments and director reduction
• Yes on Public Safety department - supported unified, aligned public safety vision
• No on rental moratorium - opposed free-market intervention
• Yes on sidewalk cafes - supported place-making and revenue enhancement
• Yes on decriminalization - supported civil liberties and individual liberty and personal responsibility
• No on more rental regs - supported reduced regulation and free market enterprise
• Yes on refuse collection efficiencies - supported single-sided refuse collection to save expense, reduce environmental impact and enhance route safety
• Yes to recycling center enhancements - supported infrastructure to handle recylcing volume
• Yes on whitewater - support quality of life amenity and Cedar River connections
• Yes on University Avenue - support accommodating, value-enhancing transportation infrastructure
• No on naming obsessions - opposed to naming except for limited memorials after historical assessment of impact
• No on crazy nuisance ordinances - opposed to expanded nuisances ordinances
• Yes on backyard freedom and urban chickens - support rights of property owner so long neighbor right to peaceful enjoyment is not impaired
• No on local police for federal drug war - opposed to mandated local cooperation with thoughtless social warrior policy
• No on landscaping restrictions - support yard freedom
• Yes on upzoning supporting bold projects - support expanded property rights
• Yes on accommodating, feasible parking strategies - support strategy first, infrastructure 2nd.
• Yes on allowing fireworks with reasonable restrictions - support discharge freedom
• Yes on eliminating mayoral duty conflict and defining expectations - support sustainable mayoral office
• Yes on my gratitude and thanks for allowing me to dutifully serve the great citizens of Cedar Falls