The Daily News sent candidates for Bowling Green City Commission identical questionnaires; their answers follow, edited slightly for space and clarity.

— *denotes incumbent

Robin Baldwin

Please provide a brief personal and political biography.

I’m 54 years old, and I was born and raised in Bowling Green. I attended high school in Missouri for two years, then attended Warren Central High. I lived six years in Los Angeles, while studying Media Arts, (film & television) and theater. My other educational background includes Western Kentucky University - Bankers Institute of Continuing Education, and Bowling Green Technical College for banking, business and financial planning. I am a graduate of CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) and Citizens Police Academy. I serve my community as co-founder of Standing Stone Ministries Inc., and I’m a member of Living Hope Baptist Church. My husband, Bobby, and I own a local small business.

I stand for freedom of speech, free enterprise, and free market. You could consider me an advocate and a lobbyist for people’s rights. I believe we should do everything possible to help others, and not for gain or at another person’s expense. My style of leadership is friendly, personable, humorous, respectful, action-oriented, practical, straightforward, assertive and logical. For a full view, go to my Web site, www.RobinBaldwin.org.

What is your position on the downtown redevelopment effort now under way? Would you support any further expansion of the district, inclusion of any new projects, or any additional public funding? At what point, to you, would the city’s commitment be too great to be worthwhile?

My position is the same as a taxpayer. I favor no more city-backed bonds to be used for private development. We have the potential to lose 80 percent of the tax revenue in the TIF district, which would be paid to bond holders for the next 30 years, pending state approval. This is for new business or potential existing businesses that move into the TIF district. I encourage development, and new business that brings jobs to our community, but not at the expense of the taxpayer. I do not see it as a winning proposition for the city, but rather a huge gamble of taxpayers’ money that could be better spent elsewhere. The ballpark project alone demands $25 million of city-backed bonds. Over the next 30 years when paid back, this could cost taxpayers up to $48 million. These dollars could have been used to install bike lanes, Greenways, sidewalks, or repair city streets. If the developers and investors want to spend their money, and not the city or state taxpayers’ money, I have no problem with that, but I don’t agree that the city should back projects that can leave us holding the bag to repay the loan. According to some views and mine, it’s not a good deal! To answer the question, at what point do I think the commitment is too great to be worthwhile? I think we are there now!

Given the city’s much tighter budget this year and the continuing nationwide economic downturn, what are your top funding priorities as city commissioner, and what would you consider cutting if necessary to support those priorities?

I would make sure our first responders; fire, police, emergency medical and city infrastructure maintenance would be funded appropriately. I would consider cutting the nonessentials and unfunded expansions. At the same time, I would seek out every federal, state and private grant-funding source with an eye toward funding any area of the budget by any alternative means in order to redistribute minimal resources. We need also to seek every volunteer.

What is your position on a citywide smoking ban in places of public business? If such ban were passed, would you allow any opt-out provision or provide exceptions for any type of workplace?

If elected, it will be my responsibility to listen to the community. In a survey in 2006, 72 percent of the community said they wanted a smoke-free workplace. As an elected official, my responsibility is to listen to the community as a whole, and if necessary pass a clean air ordinance for the workplace. It’s a health issue, not a freedom issue. The U.S surgeon general and countless doctors and experts have concluded that there is polonium, (a radioactive element), 60 cancer causing agents and 4,000 chemicals in tobacco and the toxic gases it releases in secondhand smoke. It is a responsibility of the business owner to provide a safe and healthy place to work. It’s when that is not accomplished that ordinances are passed to protect the people. Considerations for opt-out provisions would be on a case-by-case basis before consideration is granted.

Would you support passage of the Uniform Residential Landlord & Tenant Act in Bowling Green? If not, would you support any changes to local laws and enforcement capabilities regarding housing conditions? Please describe:

I am in the process of reviewing the Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act. I have not made a final decision on it, but believe in landlord rights as well as tenant rights, and I understand there are laws now in place that deal with these issues they both face. Both sides have concerns, and this is not a decision I would enter into lightly.

I do believe we need to consider updating our local Fair Housing laws, by considering the “Substantial Equivalency” certification to ensure discrimination is handled here locally, and in a timely manner. As I understand it, there is no federal funding available locally without updating our current Fair Housing Law.

My job is to listen to the voice of the people, and if I don’t, I have failed in my job as a candidate, and if elected, as a city commissioner.

Mark Bradford

Please provide a brief personal and political biography.

I have lived in Bowling Green most of my life. I am a graduate of WKU and the University of Kentucky School of Law. I practiced law in Bowling Green for a few years. I have been working mostly in the media and government since.

What is your position on the downtown redevelopment effort now under way? Would you support any further expansion of the district, inclusion of any new projects, or any additional public funding? At what point, to you, would the city’s commitment be too great to be worthwhile.

I am a strong supporter of downtown redevelopment. I think it will be successful, including in competing for white collar jobs. A reason for this is the opposition one runs into in trying to build roads and interchanges and putting development in other parts of the county. Another is traffic congestion on Scottsville Road. A vibrant downtown should alleviate this problem.

It has been said that Bowling Green would need $500 million to fix its Scottsville Road traffic problems. There should be solutions that cost far less. One may be building a mall north at Exit 28 and establishing a TIF district there. This is across the Barren River at Cemetery Road. A bridge across the river at Ewing Ford would be needed for this, but there could be opposition on the Cemetery Road side based on traffic concerns.

To build a mall at Exit 28, the railroad would have to be moved away from the exit or tunneled under it, and this exit would have to be reconfigured. This would include building a railroad tunnel under Exit 28. This plan would likely require relocating Bada, Cello Bag, and Williamette. Such a relocation would create the space for a lot of retail development.

I would also like to see Bowling Green Municipal Utilities relocate to the old Bowling Green Junior High School property between Center and Kentucky Streets. BGMU could then move its maintenance facility, now located across Main Avenue from the police department, to the block across Kentucky Street from the new BGMU. This would allow Kentucky and Adams streets to be joined between Main and Sixth avenues and moved farther away from the new baseball stadium. More room would be created by this for parking, restaurants or other stadium-related activities, and the new road would improve traffic flow.

Given the city’s much tighter budget this year and the continuing nationwide economic downturn, what are your top funding priorities as city commissioner, and what would you consider cutting if necessary to support those priorities?

I think the city’s spending priorities should be on infrastructure such as widening Smallhouse Road. I put projects such as Greenways in a recreational/park/ leisure category. I don’t think the city should concentrate so much on this recreational category to the exclusion of infrastructure. Otherwise, I would put health care and funding clinics at the top of the list of priorities.

What is your position on a citywide smoking ban in places of public business? If such ban were passed, would you allow any opt-out provision or provide exceptions for any type of workplace?

I would only consider a smoking ban limited to restaurants.

Would you support passage of the Uniform Residential Landlord & Tenant Act in Bowling Green? If not, would you support any changes to local laws and enforcement capabilities regarding housing conditions? Please describe.

I would not support passage of the URLT Act. I don’t think it is the answer the city is looking for at this time, although I acknowledge issues surrounding it have dominated city government for some time.

I think the city should encourage the addition of more residential units in the downtown area. I think apartments and two- or three-story buildings are what is needed rather than single-family houses. Space can be at a premium. The city should try to concentrate more units in the downtown area. Most cities have thought in terms of vertical growth in this situation. An apartment complex at a location across the railroad tracks like the old stockyards would be a good idea. An increase of housing units should make the issues surrounding the URLT Act and substandard housing in downtown Bowling Green not be so dominant in city government.

I also think building housing units at locations like the old stockyards, the block formerly occupied by the old Wheat’s Liquors and Phelps Garage, and the block in the 11th Avenue area where Ford’s Furniture has a warehouse could open the door for one day relocating the railroad out of downtown Bowling Green. This could increase the feasibility of one day rerouting the railroad through the housing project on Gordon Avenue and along Veterans Memorial Lane/ Ky. 880. This would allow much industry to locate on Ky. 880. Relocating the railroad out of downtown Bowling Green would be about the best thing that could be done both for the downtown area and WKU. Probably the only route that one could hope to get the railroad’s approval for would be going through the Gordon Avenue housing project. An alternate plan starting north of Exit 28 wouldn’t require tunneling under this exit but would add several more miles to the route.

Bill Carter

Please provide a brief personal and political biography.

I was born and reared in Bowling Green, growing up on Church Street in the St. Joseph area. I am proud of my background, learning the work ethic at an early age from my parents, who were blue-collar workers. I believe it truly has shaped my entire life for the better. I have been an elected official, with five terms as PVA and chairman of the Board of Trustees of Plum Springs; owned a small business, held management positions and been a blue-collar worker. Regardless of what position a citizen of Bowling Green is, I believe I can identify with that person.

My wife, Shirley, and I have three children, Kimberly Estes and her husband Jeff, Kelly Carter, Kristi Miller and her husband Daniel, and six grandchildren.

I went to St. Joseph Parochial School grades 1-10, and graduated from Bowling Green High School. I attended Western Kentucky University, received a real estate license and attained the Senior Kentucky Assessor certificate after continuing classes on property assessment.

I was named Kentucky PVA of the Year in 2002, received the PVA Association’s 2006 Gold Service Award for outstanding achievements in office, served as president of the Kentucky PVA association and the Bowling Green Noon Lions Club and am a member of the Bowling Green High School Hall of Honor. I am a former Jaycee and Little League coach, a 20-year member of the Noon Lions Club and a volunteer for St. Vincent de Paul.

I served 21 years as Warren County Property Valuation Administrator; worked as a United Parcel Service driver; owned a small business; worked in sales, service and management for Sears Roebuck and Co.; and was a right-of-way agent for the Kentucky Department of Transportation.

What is your position on the downtown redevelopment effort now under way? Would you support any further expansion of the district, inclusion of any new projects, or any additional public funding? At what point, to you, would the city’s commitment be too great to be worthwhile?

At the present time, city commission has approved expanding the original 106-acre downtown redevelopment district to 383 acres. I believe any further expansion of this district would diminish the city’s revenue for the general fund. I would like to see future development be privately funded at this time.

Given the city’s much tighter budget this year and the continuing nationwide economic downturn, what are your top funding priorities as city commissioner, and what would you consider cutting if necessary to support those priorities?

As a city commissioner, my top priority would be funding existing public health and safety services; i.e., police, fire, public works (streets/sidewalks/biking trails/traffic congestion). I also consider Parks and Recreation to be important, as it provides activities and programs that enhance the quality of life and health of all citizens, children to senior citizens. If it is necessary to make budget cuts, I would look first at the agencies that provide duplicate services. If I am elected, when my term is over I want the citizens of Bowling Green to be able to say I was a good steward of the taxpayers’ dollars.

What is your position on a city-wide smoking ban in places of public business? If such a ban is passed, would you allow and opt-out provision or provide exceptions for any type of workplace?

The present city commission held a public forum pertaining to a city-wide smoking ban and made their decision at that time. I would like the newly elected city commissioners to also hold a public forum to hear comments from the public. My personal opinion is that I would not object to a smoking ban in restaurants, as you are talking about eating a meal in approximately one hour or less, and I believe that it is not unreasonable to request a person to refrain from smoking for that length of time for the health issues of everyone. I also think restaurant owners would like to turn over their tables more often, and that it would be profitable for them to have people eat and leave. However, the owners of restaurants and businesses need the opportunity to express how a city-wide smoking ban would affect their establishments. I have heard from veterans, and they have informed me that they want to make smoking or no-smoking rules for their own lodges without government interference. They have fought, and some have given their lives, for that right; and I will not deny them that. If elected, it is my intention that the citizens of Bowling Green have a voice in city government. That is why I want to hear everyone’s concerns first, making no definite decision prior to a public hearing.

Would you support passage of the Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act in Bowling Green? If not, would you support any changes to local laws and enforcement capabilities regarding housing conditions? Please describe.

I have read this act and it is 21 pages long. KRS 383.500 states, “If adopted, these provisions shall be adopted in their entirety and without amendment. No other ordinance shall be enacted by a city, county or urban-county government which relates to the subjects embraced in KRS 383.505 to 383.705.”

If this act is adopted, Bowling Green would not be able to address any specific concerns relative to tenants and/or landlords in Bowling Green. It is my understanding the mayor is going to appoint a committee comprised of tenants and landlords to study this issue and I totally agree with that recommendation. After the committee reports on its findings, a public hearing with tenants and landlords should be held to consider the adoption of any regulations needed to address our own specific needs in Bowling Green.

Joe Denning*

Please provide a brief personal and political biography.

I am single with three grown daughters, seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild. I am a 1970 graduate of Kentucky State Police Academy.

I served 18 years on the Bowling Green City Schools board, and 14 consecutive years as a city commissioner. After losing in 2002, I was re-elected in 2006.

What is your position on the downtown redevelopment effort now under way? Would you support any further expansion of the district, inclusion of any new projects, or any additional public funding? At what point, to you, would the city’s commitment be too great to be worthwhile?

I’m for downtown redevelopment, Circus Square and all of the other projects that the city of Bowling Green has implemented. As long as developers choose to build or renovate the downtown, then I will support their efforts. But let me make it as clear as possible: I’m opposed to developers’ request that the city government expend city revenues to support their projects, with all of the liability being the responsibility of the taxpayers.

I was opposed to the selling of bonds to construct the ballpark, $25 million to be paid back by the citizens of Bowling Green at a rate of $1.6 million per year for the next 30 years.

I was similarly opposed to the expansion of the TIF district, including the Graves-Gilbert Clinic, The Medical Center and WKU nursing and business schools being a part of this district, where the city of Bowling Green is going to give 80 percent of its occupational tax for the next 30 years on any future growth on this major tax that we have coming into the city budget.

The 20 percent that we will receive may not be enough to assist in paying for future services to you, the citizens of our city, for the years to come! The TIF was implemented in order to bring new jobs to the community, not move jobs already existing in the city.

This city commission was told on day one that this TIF would not require the city to expend any funds, ever. The city commission voted 3-2 on the initial bond, and 3-1-1 on the expanded TIF. We can’t continue to expend money from the general budget, acting as a banker to leverage private developers.

Given the city’s much tighter budget this year and the continuing nationwide economic downturn, what are your top funding priorities as city commissioner, and what would you consider cutting if necessary to support those priorities?

My funding priorities are those projects that we have already set in budget. Example: Old Morgantown Road, sidewalks and basic mandated services to the citizens of our city.

Based on prior obligations, the city may have to look at other areas in next year’s budget to cut in order to provide services. We can’t take on any long-term debt.

What is your position on a city-wide smoking ban in places of public business? If such a ban is passed, would you allow and opt-out provision or provide exceptions for any type of workplace?

I have and will continue to be against a city-wide smoking ban in public businesses. I feel that it’s the owner’s choice if they want to ban smoking in their place of business, not the city commission. I would suggest that supporters go before the governor, or the state legislature, and get their support for a statewide ban.

This worked in the state of Tennessee. It’s not the responsibility of a city commissioner to implement this ban on smoking in public places.

Would you support passage of the Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act in Bowling Green? If not, would you support any changes to local laws and enforcement capabilities regarding housing conditions? Please describe.

I will not support a passage of the Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act here in Bowling Green. I’ve been opposed to this in the past. The Kentucky laws, in my opinion, protect landlords and tenants. Sound code enforcement is the guiding force in protecting both parties.

I will not include excellent landlords in with others, who do not keep their property in good condition. No one should live in properties where state and city codes are not being complied with. Our code enforcement department will go and research any complaint made by a tenant and follow through in making sure that any complaint is disposed of in a proper manner, including going to the courts with jurisdiction.

I feel that KRS 383.500 presently provides the necessary legal protection for both landlord and tenant without city commission intervention or implementing any new law pertaining to this concern.

Catherine Hamilton

Please provide a brief personal and political biography.

I am a third-generation Bowling Green native. I graduated from Drury College in Springfield, Mo., with a bachelor of arts degree in elementary education. I returned to Bowling Green in 2001, and currently work as the vice president of marketing for Citizens First Bank. I have been married to Scott Hamilton for nine years. I decided to run for city commissioner to give back to my community. I am a young professional who cares about our community very much, and I will bring a fresh business perspective to city government. While this is my first foray into politics, I feel my banking career has prepared me to be responsive to my customers - you, the voters. I work with multiple budgets at once, which is a key to fiscal responsibility in government. I also thrive as a member of a cross-functional team, which is crucial to productive activity in city government.

What is your position on the downtown redevelopment effort now under way? Would you support any further expansion of the district, inclusion of any new projects, or any additional public funding? At what point, to you, would the city’s commitment be too great to be worthwhile?

This project is moving forward due to our current elected officials. Anyone that travels downtown can already see the revitalization efforts in process. I want to make sure that downtown is a success and I will maintain fiscal responsibility overseeing this project and the taxpayers’ money. A project of this commitment by the city needs to focus on a few key strategies. First, city government should remain fiscally responsible. In a time of economic uncertainty, we need to make sure that this project does not become a large financial burden to the city of Bowling Green. We want to make sure we focus on smart growth, so that we are attracting new, quality, higher paying jobs. We want the city to embrace the activities that will be available to all organizations and citizens. In order to remain consistent with the increase in activity downtown, we need to provide the appropriate infrastructure both downtown and in surrounding areas. Any future city funds invested in the downtown should be limited to ordinary maintenance and improvements of infrastructure, and in the planning and remediation of traffic congestion. We want all the citizens of Bowling Green to provide leadership roles within this development and benefit from the increase in consumer activity and work to make sure that visitors have a positive experience. The city needs to follow a strategic marketing plan to maintain a consistent and professional image when showcasing the revitalization efforts to local citizens and outside communities. Consistency with this project will show private investors that the city of Bowling Green does have confidence in the success of the TIF district. The TIF district will provide Bowling Green citizens and business owners an opportunity to participate in the next phase of our city’s future.

Given the city’s much tighter budget this year and the continuing nationwide economic downturn, what are your top funding priorities as city commissioner, and what would you consider cutting if necessary to support those priorities?

The citizens of our community are the best resource in order for our community to thrive. As a city government, we need to provide public protection through an experienced, educated police force and fire department. I want to make sure the first responders have the proper training and equipment to provide protection to the citizens, while at the same time remaining safe in their pursuits. We want to continue to examine infrastructure projects. As a city, we want to work with developers and engineers to build and design roadways that welcome all citizens. This will help identify traffic solutions as well as recognizing the need for flexibility with our designs because all streets are different and user needs should be identified and prioritized. Traffic planning and congestion solutions should be one of our top priorities. Anytime a business or government is faced with making cuts to a budget, we need to prioritize projects that make sense. As a city commissioner, I will conduct the proper due diligence to support projects or organizations that fit within the budget constraints.

What is your position on a city-wide smoking ban in places of public business? If such a ban is passed, would you allow and opt-out provision or provide exceptions for any type of workplace?

Every day, citizens are faced with health issues from smoking, obesity, addictions and more. It is something we can all relate to. As a city, Bowling Green wants its residents and visitors to have pleasant experiences and positive memories of their activities. As a city commissioner, I want to make sure we are working to the best of our ability to support positive actions in Bowling Green. I personally wish that no one smoked in any public places. This is a delicate balancing act with an ordinance trying to protect private property rights while trying to champion public health. While I do not smoke, that is my right to choose. I am open to discussing this issue and listening to the citizens and business owners. We should consider such exemptions as hotel smoking rooms, stage performers if smoking is part of a show, private residences or those individuals who fought for their country should be allowed to smoke at a Veterans of Foreign Wars post or similar organization, as well as nonprofit organizations that are helping to work with individuals faced with addictions. Until we find the appropriate balance, I think we should let people vote with their feet.

Would you support passage of the Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act in Bowling Green? If not, would you support any changes to local laws and enforcement capabilities regarding housing conditions? Please describe.

The landlord-tenant act has some merit. However, there are some concerns that need to be addressed. We need to be mindful of all renters and property owners, ranging from small scale investors who have established properties for retirement to large scale investors who are investing in our community. Renters and landlords need to work together in order to achieve safe, respectable housing for living. The city currently has regulations in place to provide guidance for landlords and tenants to make sure housing is suitable and maintained. I will work diligently to maintain or bridge lines of communication between landlords and renters to ensure current city ordinances are enforced. If we want to continue to be a thriving community, we should always look at how we can improve our current processes to make them more efficient and effective for all taxpayers. The current URLTA is written such that I do not support the all-or-nothing requirement.

Brian “Slim” Nash*

Please provide a brief personal and political biography.

It has been my pleasure to serve as a Bowling Green city commissioner for the past three and a half years. I want to thank every citizen for providing me such an awesome and humbling opportunity. I also thank my family for sacrificing so that I may serve.

During my time on the commission, I have witnessed this city continue to grow and be a leader in the region. I am very proud of many initiatives. I pride myself on resisting the temptation to be “self important” and work hard at never compromising my integrity in the face of adversity. I have never forgotten that no one member of the commission can get anything done on their own. It always takes a majority, and I pride myself on being able to build a consensus around a number of different issues. Among the many initiatives for which I am proud, the building and success of the skatepark stands out among all the others. The skatepark was not without its controversial moments. But we as a community weathered them all together and in doing so built a park for which we can all be proud. In April of 2008, during the one-year celebration of the skatepark’s opening, the Daily News printed an article titled “Skatepark defying expectations - Use high, problems few,” which was followed by an editorial titled “Skatepark has been a huge success.” Despite the controversy, we should all be proud of what this park represents about this great community.

What is your position on the downtown redevelopment effort now under way? Would you support any further expansion of the district, inclusion of any new projects, or any additional public funding? At what point, to you, would the city’s commitment be too great to be worthwhile?

I am proud to have been one of three votes in support of the downtown redevelopment project. For many years we, the citizens of Bowling Green, have heard various proposals about whom or how we should redevelop our blighted downtown. Many of those offering the proposals were doing little more than talking. I believe there is a time for talk but I also believe that eventually the talk must give way to action. I am truly committed to this redevelopment effort. I believe that this project is our best opportunity to redevelop this blighted area. I, like many other residents, wish that taxpayer dollars did not have to be used as the catalyst for the private investment monies, but the economic conditions changed and I felt and continue to feel that despite the investment of city money this project is how we, as a community, maximize our gain while minimizing our risk.

I think it vitally important that we view this project not just as the building of a baseball field; in my opinion, this project is much more about economic development than it is baseball. I do, however, concede that the baseball field and team are a vitally important component, but despite its importance, I think it most accurate if this project is viewed as the largest economic development venture in the history of the city, county or even the region. There is a reason that Bowling Green continues to be the regional hub and I believe that it is because of our commitment to economic development. The downtown redevelopment project is just one part, albeit a large part, of that economic development commitment.

Given the city’s much tighter budget this year and the continuing nationwide economic downturn, what are your top funding priorities as mayor, and what would you consider cutting if necessary to support those priorities?

My top funding priorities have always been and continue to be public safety, economic development, infrastructure improvements and quality of life projects. One must recognize that the city’s ability to provide adequate services to its citizens is based upon incoming revenue. This city’s revenue is based nearly entirely on the occupational tax, which I am proud to say has been lowered during my tenure on the city commission. Due to this dependence on the occupational tax as a way to provide services, it is extremely important that we continue to recruit new businesses to town, encourage and promote existing businesses who want to expand and above all else keep our citizens who choose to be employed with ample opportunities to have quality employment.

The city’s tighter budget, while often viewed as a negative, can also be seen as a positive. I doubt that many would argue that government at times does not run at optimal efficiently. This was true of the occupational tax, which I believe was too much of a burden on the workers. During my tenure on the commission, I came to understand that there were numerous ways that the city could continue to offer the best possible services while at the same time reducing the cost of those services. In an effort to increase efficiency, I have supported numerous efforts to tighten the city’s budget. I believe this tightening is a positive rather than a negative.

Regardless of any upturns or downturns in the local or national economy, I will continue to look for ways to reduce costs while maintaining services and improving efficiency. If necessary, I would first look to reduce the amount of money that the city allocates to “competitive agencies” in an effort to fund public safety, economic development, infrastructure improvements and quality of life projects.

What is your position on a city-wide smoking ban in places of public business? If such a ban is passed, would you allow an opt-out provision or provide exceptions for any type of workplace?

I continue to be in favor of a comprehensive city-wide smoking ban. While initially opposed to the idea, I came to understand the science regarding the harmful effects of secondhand smoke as presented by the United States surgeon general. The federal government’s lengthy report detailing the damaging effects of secondhand smoke is why I reconsidered my earlier position and eventually drafted and supported the clean indoor air ordinance.

Never let it be said that I am opposed to tobacco. I on occasion chew tobacco. But I do not believe that my use of tobacco should be allowed to interfere with the health and safety of those around me.

While I would never attempt to stifle discussion of opt-out provisions or exceptions, I would argue that doing so would create an unlevel playing field and make enforcement of such an ordinance much more difficult. I believe that we all win if we all follow the same rules. Opt-out provisions and exceptions create different rules for different entities, which allows for discrimination.

I understand the slippery slope that some may argue I am stepping on in supporting this type of legislation, but I think government in limited situations has a responsibility to protect its citizens. One only needs to look at the current economic state of affairs to have a convincing example of what happens when government fails to regulate on behalf of its citizens. I understand that a clean indoor air ordinance and the economy are two entirely different beasts; I only make the comparison with regard to government intervention and or regulation.

Would you support passage of the Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act in Bowling Green? If not, would you support any changes to local laws and enforcement capabilities regarding housing conditions? Please describe?

As associate director of Western Kentucky Community Based Services for Bellewood Presbyterian Home for Children, I routinely have occasion to rent apartments for young adults who are aging out of foster care. In this capacity, I have seen the negative attitudes and/or prejudice of some local landlords. Based upon this experience and feedback from local citizens, I do believe that the city should ensure that the housing its citizens are renting is safe and adequate and that the tenants are without fear of reprisal for reporting obvious deficiencies or poor performance. However, I am unsure if URLTA is the answer. There are many provisions of URLTA that I support but there are others that seem cumbersome and bureaucratic. Because of state law, local municipalities cannot pick and choose provisions within URLTA; it is an Act that must be implemented in its entirety or not at all.

I am not closing the door on URLTA in the future, but prior to discussing and possibly enacting URLTA I would rather see the city explore the Residential Rental Licensing ordinance that has been drafted by the Housing and Community Development Department. This draft ordinance would create a proactive approach by placing all rental housing on a regular inspection timetable. This regular inspection would decrease the tenant’s fear of reprisal as they would not have to report substandard conditions because the city would be routinely inspecting the properties of its own volition. In addition, the landlords would have little to fear because the city would ensure that all landlords are educated regarding the International Property Maintenance Code and therefore could ensure that their rental units were kept in compliance.

Bruce Wilkerson*

Please provide a brief personal and political biography.

My wife, Kim, and I have been married for 30 years. Kim teaches first grade at Bowling Green Christian Academy. We have two grown sons. Jonathan is a physician in Louisville and Paul works as a musician/producer in Portland, Ore.

I completed a 20-year career at the Bowling Green Police Department, retiring in 1996 after working as a police officer, drug enforcement supervisor, shift commander, and professional standards commander. My responsibilities included hiring, training, budgeting, equipment and many other administrative tasks for the agency.

After retirement, I began working with S T Sheldon Enterprises, the corporate entity whose flagship business was Nation’s Medicines (now Sheldon’s Express Pharmacy). I gained tremendous business insight working with individuals who possessed strong business skills like Steve Sheldon, owner of S T Sheldon Enterprises. I left Sheldon Enterprises a few months after the election to devote more time to the needs of the citizens of Bowling Green. I also continue to work on commercial property ventures.

I am a 1993 graduate of the FBI National Academy, and hold a bachelor of science degree from Murray State University, 1977.

My wife and I are active members of Living Hope Baptist Church, where I serve as a small group leader. Community boards and commissions on which I serve include the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce (board of directors, Ambassadors Group), Builders Association of South Central Kentucky (board of directors), Southern Kentucky Basketball Officials Association, officiating basketball games for the Kentucky High School Athletic Association in the 4th Region, Housing and Neighborhood Development Services (board of directors), Downtown Redevelopment Authority (board of directors), Fairview Community Health Care Center (board of directors), Job Development Incentive Committee, Leadership Bowling Green Class of 1995, co-chair of Law & Justice Day 1996 & 1997.

What is your position on the downtown redevelopment effort now under way? Would you support any further expansion of the district, inclusion of any new projects, or any additional public funding? At what point, to you, would the city’s commitment be too great to be worthwhile?

I look at the downtown redevelopment project in the same manner I look at other economic development projects, such as bringing a new industry into the city. In some instances, it is necessary to provide an incentive, in the form of returning a portion of new taxes generated by the business, to help offset their new investment. I support the effort to redevelop the downtown area and I voted to initiate the TIF project. However, I did not support changes in the original financing program. The developers felt it was necessary for the city to issue $25 million in bonds to build the baseball park, and be responsible for payment from the city’s general fund. That was beyond the incentives the city had provided for other projects and violated a promise not to obligate the city’s taxpayers for the project. Issuing additional bonds, which would cause further indebtedness for the city’s budget, is not something I would support. Now that the project is under way, I will work tirelessly to help make it successful.

Given the city’s much tighter budget this year and the continuing nationwide economic downturn, what are your top funding priorities as city commissioner, and what would you consider cutting if necessary to support those priorities?

In times of tighter budgets, the city’s basic services are its core responsibilities. Public safety (police and fire) come first, followed closely by Public Works in the form of maintaining the infrastructure necessary to keep the community growing (roads, storm water management, etc.). Next in line are parks. Keeping the community’s recreational opportunities operational provides a needed relief for citizens and makes Bowling Green a great place to live. After those basic services, difficult decisions will have to be made about where to cut. It will require community input and due deliberation.

What is your position on a city-wide smoking ban in places of public business? If such a ban is passed, would you allow an opt-out provision or provide exceptions for any type of workplace?

I generally have a high threshold for enactment of any new legislation. It appears most people would prefer to dine in a smoke-free environment. The desire to meet that public demand seems to be why most restaurants are going smoke-free of their own volition even without a new ordinance. I believe a stronger argument is in the area of worker safety and health. Although it may be inconvenient to give up a meal to avoid smoke, it is much more difficult to give up a job. The problem is the city does not have a department of occupational safety and health, and I am unwilling to expand the role of city government into an area traditionally reserved for federal and state agencies. I was still willing to consider the legislation and asked the groups which approached the commission about imposing a smoking ban if they could show strong public support in three ways: 1. Having a packed room of supporters; 2. Support from groups which would be affected by a smoking ban (such as the restaurant association, lodging association, chamber of commerce and convention/visitors bureau); and 3. Support from those civic groups and clubs which provide leadership in the community. Only the first marker was met and, in fact, the majority of those who expressed an opinion to me said they wished places were smoke-free, but they did not feel it was appropriate for city government to mandate it. I will continue to reflect that position.

Would you support passage of the Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act in Bowling Green? If not, would you support any changes to local laws and enforcement capabilities regarding housing conditions? Please describe.

Currently, landlords and tenants operate under longstanding laws found in Chapter 383 of the Kentucky Revised Statutes. The laws permit a landlord and tenant to come to a mutually beneficial rental agreement which best suit their needs. The Uniform Landlord-Tenant Act imposes restrictions on that agreement. At first blush, legislation titled, “The Uniform Residential Landlord-Tenant Act” would seem to be a fair approach to this issue. Some of those provisions are appropriate and good for both parties. However, some of those provisions are simply bad law. In fact, the law acknowledges those bad provisions when it requires acceptance of the act in its “entirety and without amendment.” In other words, it is an all-or-nothing deal. The state has backed us into a one-size-fits-all situation and does not permit modification for specific local needs. Since we may not select only those good provisions, I am not convinced the bad provisions which would be required to be accepted are worth exchange for the good provisions which are included. We do need to recognize that Bowling Green has a strong code enforcement program available to deal with health and safety issues in rental housing.