While the DBA does not endorse candidates, the DBA invited all City Council candidates to meet with our leadership to discuss the future of the Downtown.  Most of them were eager to meet, and also submitted written responses to our six questions that we discussed with them.  We saw our discussions with them as an opportunity to educate them about our concerns and priorities, and then see their verbal and written responses an opportunity to help educate the DBA, Downtown stakeholders, and the Berkeley electorate about the candidate's positions on the Downtown and city-wide issues particularly relevant to the Downtown.

 

The six same questions were asked of all candidates:

1. What is your vision for the Downtown and its role in the City?
2. What is your position on the Downtown Initiative?
3. What is your perception regarding parking in the Downtown?  And how would this impact your opinion on land use issues in the Downtown (e.g., Berkeley Way lot, new development)?
4. What are your thoughts regarding the persistent street behavior challenges in the Downtown, Telegraph and other areas in the City?
5. What are your ideas for making Berkeley more welcoming environment for new businesses, particularly for retail and office space in the Downtown?
6. What do you see as the critical management and financial issues facing the City over the next several years?

 

Met with the following candidates and received written responses:

District 1        Linda Maio,

District 7        Sean Barry

District 8        George Beier, Michael Cohen, Lori Droste, and Jacquelyn McCormick

Met with but did not receive written response:

District 4        Jesse Arreguin

Did not respond to requests to meet:

District 1        Alejandro Soto-Vigil, Merilee Mitchell

District 7        Kriss Worthington

 

Please visit our website at http://downtownberkeley.com/downloads/2014_City_Council_Candidate_Responses_to_DBA_Questions.pdf

 to read all the responses.

And do not hesitate to call or email if you have any questions or comments.