Peg Hamlett |
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(candidate for 2005 Mayor) |
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1. Moscow’s police officers recently approached the city with a request to form a union. The city refused. Was that the right choice – why or why not? What should the city do now?
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I support unions and the right to unionize, but I believe before the city recognizes the union there should be some candid and open conversations about what the concerns and issues would it serve the department better to resolve them without unionizing. Additionally when looking at one segment of the city workforce going union, I think we should have a more comprehensive look and conversation about whether all city staff should be unionized. So as Mayor I would look forward to talking with the Moscow Police to see how best to resolve their concerns and if after discussions they feel it in their best interest to unionize I would support that decision.
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2. Which schools, if any, (K-12, colleges/universities, commercial schools) should Moscow's zoning code allow downtown in the central business district, and under what conditions, if any? Explain why. |
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Moscow has a vibrant downtown with some thing around 55 non-profits located here. We have downtown schools, performing arts venues, wonderful galleries, unique retail establishments, downtown residences and professional offices. I believe this diversity kept in balance is part of what makes our downtown a wonderful space. The key word is balance, so I support having the University of Idaho Prichard Gallery downtown, and can’t imagine downtown without it. I think that what NSA has done in remodeling the old Verizon building is positive for our community. I support the location of the Palouse Creek Regional High School and Moscow High School all of which add different and unique elements to our city. I think having size limits, whether it is for colleges, schools or residences in our Central Business District is important as to not overwhelm our downtown area. Additionally while parking is always a discussion in our downtown area, I think we need to look at it as a whole not for just one entity. Just requiring parking places I do not believe solves the issue, we should look at more public transportation, bike racks, walking programs rather than just do what is easy and put in more pavement.
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3. Please list the changes in city regulations or policy, if any, that you favor to lessen the depletion of our aquifer: for example, a stronger tiered rate structure, required use of treated effluent water for irrigation in parks, required installation of water-conserving designs in new structures, limitations on building permits, or any other changes? |
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I think increasing the use of our effluent is very important. We need to continue our cooperation with the University of Idaho and create more joint projects for running lines to water the UI Campus, Arboretum, and the city parks. I would also like to see if there are ways we can make use of home gray water systems more safe and affordable. The city has done a good job and making available for free water conservation devices and we could look to expand on this by looking programs that reward those who conserve. Rewards could be given for xeriscaping, installing low water usage appliances, rain water collection systems used to help water gardens and yards. I think we are on the right track but education, reuse and cooperation with our neighbors is a key component in creating a better tomorrow.
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4. Should a bridge be built over Paradise Creek to connect Third Street between Hayes and Mountainview Road? If no, why not? If yes, should that bridge be built for use only by bicycles and pedestrians or should the bridge be designed for motor vehicles? Are there ways to improve the city’s approach to planning and maintaining our transportation needs? |
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The city will be holding a workshop on this issue October 25 at the Moscow City Hall Council Chambers. This issue has not been presented to the Council yet and we have not had a public hearing to hear all the views. Though, at this time I lean in favor of a bridge for cars, bicycles and pedestrians. I believe that a bridge can be installed without widening the street, or losing any trees. I do believe the city does need to first look at the need for 4 way stop signs on Third and Hayes and along Mt. View. Additionally, before putting in a bridge sidewalks need to be installed. Though, as I mentioned this issue has not been fully presented and I have heard some but not all public testimony so at this time I am keeping my mind open to change.
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5. What are your views about the proposed city ballfields on Palouse River Drive? To ensure that neighborhood parks are created in new subdivisions, should development of dedicated parkland there occur simultaneously with the initial development of the subdivision? Are there ways to improve the city’s approach to planning and maintaining city parks? |
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I believe we are in need of more youth sized ballfields in our town and I support using some of the Hamilton Funds, grants and local volunteers to make this a reality. I am not wedded to the current location though I think it does have many advantages, such as the future use of effluent to water the fields, which I think can be a reality in the next couple of years with a joint city/university project. I think many of the concerns of local residents can be addressed some as lighting. Moscow last year after 7 years working on it, put in place a “Night Sky Ordinance.” I think there is some concern about a mega stadium which I do not support. I support fields and bleachers, a place for our youth to play. I think putting restrictions on times is another important issue that needs to be addressed. The street of course would need to be improved which is an integral part of the project. Though if another piece of property is available that offers easier connection with effluent, is a good location and similar size then I would be amenable to looking at it instead.
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6. Please include biographical information about yourself and any other message or contact information you want to share with Moscow voters. |
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Thank you for the opportunity to tell you a bit about myself and why I want to be the next Mayor of Moscow. First I will tell you about some of my experience. I am a current Moscow City Council member on my 2nd term. I have served as Council President and Council Vice-President and I am appointed to Association of Idaho Cities Legislative Committee. My experience includes: Administrative Committee; Parks & Recreation; Palouse Basin Aquifer Committee; Planning and Zoning; Fire Department; Board of Adjustment; Historical Preservation Commission; Paradise Path; AIC Human Rights Task Force; UI Alcohol Task Force; Moscow Arts Committee; College of Art and Architecture Advisory Board; Women in Municipal Government; Inland Oasis Advisory Board; Chair Prichard Art Gallery; Latah Community Foundation; Moscow Tree Committee, chair and liaison.
I believe a Mayor should represent the whole community. I will work to improve community-government relations, and make public processes more accessible to the public. Increased accessibility can only lead to greater accountability. Many of the challenges we face are not defined by city limits. Smart solutions require a regional perspective with input and commitment from our neighbors throughout the region. Having played a leadership role in numerous organizations over the past decade, I have experience building consensus and encouraging communication from diverse interests. I believe it will be critical for me, in my role as Mayor, to foster better relationships with leaders of the counties and other cities of our region. This spirit of cooperation will begin with the Mayor’s office.
I would appreciate your vote.
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