Candidate Survey: Michael Marquardt

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Candidate Survey: Michael Marquardt

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Michael Marquardt
Candidate’s Name: Michael Marquardt
Candidate for DeKalb Ward 3
Contact Email

Response to the budget crunch (candidates were given a selection of multiple choice answers to choose, from Strongly Agree to Strongly Disagree)

Unfortunately taxes and fees must be increased to meet expenditures. Disagree
Lower the expenditures to meet the revenue. It’s that simple. Strongly Agree
Taxes are high enough so let’s raise fees. Disagree
This is a time to lean on staff for their recommendations. Uncertain
Let’s do what the citizen advisory committee recommends. Uncertain
Hold the line on taxes. Use the rainy day fund to cover expenses. Things have got to get better. Strongly Disagree

What type of taxes/fees/fines would you increase if you must? (candidates were given a selection of multiple choice answers to choose from)

Property taxes I will not increase this tax/fee/fine for FY 7/1/2015 – June 30, 2016
Retail sales tax I will not increase this tax/fee/fine for FY 7/1/2015 – June 30, 2016
Gasoline tax I will not increase this tax/fee/fine for FY 7/1/2015 – June 30, 2016
Utility tax I will not increase this tax/fee/fine for FY 7/1/2015 – June 30, 2016
Water usage fees I will not increase this tax/fee/fine for FY 7/1/2015 – June 30, 2016
Building permit fees I will not increase this tax/fee/fine for FY 7/1/2015 – June 30, 2016
Business/Building registration/license fees I will not increase this tax/fee/fine for FY 7/1/2015 – June 30, 2016
Fines for city ordinance violations I will not increase this tax/fee/fine for FY 7/1/2015 – June 30, 2016
Fines for traffic violations I will not increase this tax/fee/fine for FY 7/1/2015 – June 30, 2016
New tax, fee or fine proposed (use explain) I will not increase this tax/fee/fine during my term in office

Where would you cut expenditures if necessary to balance the budget? (candidates were given a selection of multiple choice answers to choose from)

Senior administration Only if absolutely necessary
Administrative support Only if absolutely necessary
Police department Only if absolutely necessary
Fire department Only if absolutely necessary
Planning department Only if absolutely necessary
DeKalb Taylor Municipal Airport Highest priority to balance the budget
Public works department Only if absolutely necessary
Streets department Only if absolutely necessary
Water department Only if absolutely necessary
Professional consultants Highest priority to balance the budget
Social services Only if absolutely necessary
Economic development (DCEDC) Only if absolutely necessary
Tourism department (DeKalb County CVB) Only if absolutely necessary
DeKalb Chamber of Commerce Only if absolutely necessary
Downtown DeKalb promotion Highest priority to balance the budget
Across the board cuts to meet to balance the budget Only if absolutely necessary
Hold the line use rainy day fund to balance the budget N/A
Instruct senior staff to recommend precision cuts to balance the budget Highest priority to balance the budget

Tax Increment Financing (TIF) districts in DeKalb are expiring. Should it be extended or expanded or replaced by the Enterprize Zone program? (candidates were given a selection of multiple choice answers to choose from)

It’s time to end the TIF program. Return all TIF funds to the local government units. Undecided
The TIF program should be extended for the DeKalb City Center/Communiversity plan. Strongly Disagree
The old Greek Row and University Village area should be a new TIF District and revitalized. Undecided
Replace TIF with the Enterprise Zone Agree
Let TIF expire but employ a pay-as-you-go (no debt) plan for the remaining term. Agree
There’s a better idea for TIF (explain) Undecided

Do you support the DeKalb City Center/Communiversity plan?

Should the Office of City Clerk be fully restored as independent of the city manager, mayor and city council?

Yes

How would you rate the job performance of the current incumbent serving as alderman in your ward?

Good

How can you improve the ward you are seeking to represent?

I seek to improve Ward 3 by retaining the businesses we have and working to bring new businesses to replace those that have closed. There is room to expand our manufacturing base in the ward.