Survey Responses - Warner for Mayor

Several organizations have asked me to complete their surveys about my attitudes and positions. I'm happy to do them.  My answers are honest, and I never pander.  Here are those responses.



Response to REAL (Racial Equity and Learning) Northampton--September 13

1.  What does it mean to you to work for racial equity here in Northampton? What will Northampton look like once racial equity is a reality?

Northampton has legal and moral obligations to consider and strive for racial equity in all of its programs.  Affirmative outreach and action should be an explicit goal in the hiring and advancement of city staff, and for contracting for goods and services. The city should monitor its performance in regard to this goal, and make this a part of performance evaluations of city department managers. More broadly, Northampton must have a clear and meaningful policy that it will not tolerate any discrimination or unfair treatment based on race. The city should have a channel for individuals to report any cases that they believe are violations of this policy. I would then insist on a fair follow-up of these reports, and would take disciplinary and training steps as needed.

City programs aimed at households with relatively low incomes and with educational disadvantages also aim to improve racial equity, as these groups have a disproportionately large share of racial minorities. Free breakfasts and free or reduced cost lunches in the schools are examples of this, and they do help to ensure that all kids have the energy to learn. I think Northampton did a great job by immediately arranging for meal delivery to needy kids after the schools shut down at the start of the pandemic. I believe that the city is right to focus its educational resources on helping kids in the elementary and middle schools with the most academic challenges. Preparing them for the demands of high-school and the world beyond are equity goals that should influence school policy and funding.

The city should also review its policing programs for any evidence of racial profiling or discriminatory treatment based on race. The city should quickly and effectively reform any police program that has even the slightest hint of routine and institutionalized harassment of people of color.

What will Northampton look like once racial equity is a reality? The improvements in racial equity will allow more people of color to access the educational, employment, housing, and recreational options enjoyed by everyone else.

2.  What are your thoughts and intentions with regard to policing in Northampton? What, if anything, should change and how?

George Floyd’s murder and the broader Black Lives Matter protests do highlight a need for deep police reforms. Police Chief Jody Kasper, with input from the mayor and city council, should be seriously examining the guidelines on the use of potentially deadly force, officer training, options for mental health and social service cases, the tracking and disciplining of bad officers, and the presence of any program that sure looks like routine harassment of people of color.

The City Council, however, was wrong last year to cut the police budget over the course of a single council meeting and without thoughtful consideration on how it would affect public safety and police staffing. The city was still obliged to meet its collective bargaining agreement with police labor unions, and it had no choice but to let go of the two officers of color who were then in the police academy. The action was a set-back for the racial diversity of the city force.

3.  What do you think are the strengths and limitations of the school district’s proposed “Protections from Discriminatory Bias and Symbols of Hate” policy?

The strength of the plan is in the intent. Anybody who comes to school (or appears on a remote Zoom screen) with a confederate flag, a noose, a swastika, or any other unmistakable symbol of intolerance is an obnoxious jerk, and school officials--like all decent people--are right to point this out and to make it clear that they want nothing to do with the guy. The limitation, however, is that the school district has a legal obligation to respect first amendment rights and to provide an education to even obnoxious jerks. The city then has to modify the proposed rule of any language that would not withstand court challenge, while keeping the key intent of the policy in effect.

4.  Many people spoke out against the presence of explicitly racist symbols in the district last year--but we'd like to hear your thoughts on a few ways the district might address more implicit forms of racism that are pervasive in NPS and across society.

I don't believe that racism is pervasive at NPS or across the city, even implicitly. There are still incidents of racist behavior, but I believe that the equity efforts we're undertaking and the educational emphasis on inclusion, tolerance, and racial diversity are making this less of an issue. If racist symbols or actions do show up in the schools, I would want the school to have some legal tools to discipline the offender, and would call on all decent people of Northampton to make it clear that such action is abhorrent and completely uncool.

5.  Talk about a learning experience in your personal or professional life that was important to your understanding of systemic racism and white supremacy.

I accept that there is white privilege. It allows a freedom of carefree travel, for example, that I don't think is so readily available to people of color. I think too of the time I was driving from southern Utah to Las Vegas and got stopped on a rural Arizona highway by two police officers on a trumped up charge at 1 in the morning. An officer actually pulled his gun on me when I got out of the car. I hastily got back in the car and drove off with a warning, but have wondered if I would have made it back in the car if I were Black.

Marc Warner




Response to Realtor Association of Pioneer Valley--October 14

Please give three (3) reasons why you are running:

1. The other candidates lacked the professional background that I believe is appropriate for someone serving as the mayor of a city with a $120 million budget. I have that suitable background.
2. Gina-Louise Sciarra voted to cut the police budget in response to loud voices and without a thoughtful assessment at a single City Council meeting in July 2020.  I believe this was a breach of the trust we place in our elected officials, and it called for an electoral challenge by a serious candidate.
3. I would serve the people of Northampton with reason and integrity.

Organizational/Legislative Priorities
1. What previous relationship have you had with the REALTOR® Association of Pioneer Valley and/or the Massachusetts Association of Realtors®?

None

2. Please name REALTORS® supportive of your candidacy or in your network and if they hold any official roles.

N/A

3. What is your campaign’s plan/strategy to win?

I’ve knocked on more than 2000 doors of Northampton residents who voted in the last two municipal elections.  I’ve left literature that makes my case.  I’ve also spoken at several forums including, had many interviews with local media, and have participated in four candidate debates.  Several more are scheduled in the coming two weeks.  I come across as knowledgable and sensible.  This is evident in the 100 or so lawn signs for my candidacy around town, with more requests for signs coming in every day.  The momentum is with my campaign.

[There was not question 4]

5. What types of housing do you want to see in your district? Is that any different than what you see now?

The city should have more residential growth, particularly close to the downtown and village centers.  I support greater densification and a range of housing options to meet market demands at all price points.  The city has already done a good job of attracting affordable housing developments, even beyond our state obligation.  I would continue to promote these developments.

6. What zoning changes if any would you like to see implemented to foster economic development within your district? How do you feel that the Housing Choice legislation passed in 2020 applies to the economic development of your city/town?

Zoning changes over the past ten years have promoted greater density (infill), and have allowed second structures on a lot and construction without a setback (zero-lot line) in some cases. I think these are consistent with the city’s long-term goals, although I would have also welcomed further consideration about some limits of the size of the second structure on existing lots.  A restriction, for example, maximizing the second structure as 75 percent of the size of the original structure might have supported our goals for maintaining neighborhood character and housing affordability.   

7. What role do property taxes play in the economic development and health of your city/town?

Taxes and fees do affect economic development.  My goal would be to live within our means and not seek to raise those taxes through a Proposition 2 ½ override, and to operate our enterprise funds (water, sewer, solid waste, and stormwater) efficiently, so as to avoid rate increases for those services.  I believe the common tax rate for residential and commercial properties is reasonable.  

8. Short-term rentals and accessory dwelling units are becoming more common place in every city and town. What role do you feel they play in the continued growth of the Pioneer Valley?

This is not a big issue in Northampton, and the very limited opportunities around college graduations seem unlikely to encourage the removal of housing stock for short-term rentals.  If this were to become an issue, then the city would be right to consider measures to steer available properties to long-term occupancy.

9. What implications would long-term growth in your district mean for infrastructure needs?

Northampton has adequate water and sewage facilities for any conceivable growth.  We are constrained in terms on new natural gas hook-ups, although this seems to becoming less of an issue as other fuels become more available.  Traffic also is reasonable throughout the city, although new developments beyond a certain threshold should be prepared for suitable linkages for street and bike path improvements.

10. Realtors® do not just sell homes they sell communities. What value do you place on creating a community for residents to take part in? Are you aware of the resources that RAPV has to aid in these efforts? REALTOR® Association of Pioneer Valley 2020 Candidate Questionnaire The Realtor® Association of Pioneer Valley and the Massachusetts Association of Realtors® is continually building relationships with other housing advocates to create good policies and solid research that will result in the common goal of maintaining homeownership. We believe government policies should not add barriers to homeownership.

I. Transfer Taxes: There are several opportunities for reliable funding; applying a sales tax to the sale of a home may seem like an opportunity to increase revenues, however, it is not. This measure dampens economic activity and is in no way a stable source of funding. Additionally, Massachusetts is in the midst of a housing affordability crises. A sales tax on homes further increases the price of homeownership which exacerbates the aforementioned crises, and in turn raises the barrier to families’ dream of homeownership. We are opposed to transfer taxes which impose a sales tax on homes because of the dramatic impact on the total cost and affordability of purchasing any type of real estate. We do not support the expansion of sales tax to the transfer of real property. What is your position on proposals that would expand the sales tax base to homes?

Oppose   X

Other Comments:

A key part of my platform is to run the city efficiently.  We would live within our means, and not routinely have to come hat in hand to city residents and businesses.

II. Green Initiatives and Climate Change: Pioneer Valley is opposed to a government mandates requiring mandatory energy measures related to home ownership and home construction. Though we are not opponents of green initiatives, we do oppose these initiatives that negatively affect private property rights and stifle growth. These initiatives have the potential to cause a snowball effect of unintended consequences, such as the passing of construction fees down to the consumer. What is your position on these provisions that overly burdens property owners and cause delays in adding to the needed housing stock?

Support _X__

Other Comments:

Again, I don’t want to add any costs to development or occupancy in Northampton.  Upgrading buildings to meet climate change goals, however, is inevitable.  Public policy should encourage these measures, ideally through persuasion, but also through incentives and regulations if needed.  I suspect, though, that the marketplace will seek these changes anyway, and that the public mandates will in fact be less of an issue.

III. Smart Growth: The Pioneer Valley should be focused on smart growth and planning for the residents of today and tomorrow. Smart growth is an approach to development that encourages a mix of building types and uses, diverse housing and transportation options, development within existing neighborhoods, and community engagement. Communities around the nation that have used smart growth approaches to create and maintain great neighborhoods have done so by focusing on principles such as mix land uses, compact building design and walkable neighborhoods. What is your position on establishing smart growth initiatives and do you see a future partnership between your city/town and RAPV to make this a reality?

_X_ Support

Other Comments:

Northampton is already promoting mixed use developments, but we certainly could have done a better job of attracting commercial and retail developments on Village Hill.  I would certainly welcome partnerships with RAPV, but only to the extent that this collaboration would be for the good of the city as a whole.  I would never compromise city goals for developer convenience or profits.

One other comment:

Integrity matters. My administration would tolerate no sweetheart deals or favoritism towards powerful players.  All opportunities for development of city-owned or assembled properties would be by fair and competitive bid.

Marc Warner



Response to Progressive Democrats of America--October 18

Please rank (highlight) 1 to 3 the degree of importance that each principle in your campaign is supporting the following AND your explanation and/or comments (limited to 50 words) on your plan to accomplish those principles.

#1… respectful of the rule of law

1)  Somewhat important  2) Important  3) Extremely important

Explanation/Comments:

Of course the rule of law is critical.  Society cannot function otherwise.  If there is a bad law (or a proposed bad law) then the proper recourse is through the courts, through the media, and through the voting booth.  Encouraging people to ignore or fight laws that violate their conscience is a recipe for disaster.  The municipal clerk in Kentucky followed her conscience by denying licenses for same-sex marriages; Tim McVeigh followed his warped conscience all the way to blowing up the Federal Building in Oklahoma City.  Is this what we want?  Promoting the idea of limits to the rule of law will bring anarchy, division . . . and an end to tax compliance that will fund progressive programs!

#2… committed to the universal values of human dignity, justice and respect, and stewardship of the planet

1)  Somewhat important  2) Important  3) Extremely important

Explanation/Comments:

Of course.  We are all equal before the law, and all should have the chance for the effective pursuit of happiness.  Government should always act to remove obstacles to these goals.  Good stewardship of the planet ensures that these opportunities can continue for generations to come.

#3… in opposition to militarism, corporatism, and economic and military imperialism

1)  Somewhat important  2) Important  3) Extremely important

Explanation/Comments:

Justice applies to our dealings with other countries too.  The United States should not seek to impose its interests unilaterally against other countries, and we should be fair in our trade dealings.  I’m also strongly opposed to corporatism to the extent that it refers to special interests having a dominant role in the affairs to government.  Elected officials should never yield the broad public good to a particular interest of a lobbying group.

#4… meeting the needs of our citizens for healthcare, education,    nutrition, decent housing, and jobs

1)  Somewhat important  2) Important  3) Extremely important

Explanation/Comments:

Education is the foremost of these.  This is the great leveler, and the greatest hope for anyone to overcome past disadvantages.  All communities should recognize a strong obligation to provide quality public schools.  I also believe we have a societal obligation to support health care, nutrition, and decent housing, particularly for youth.  This is part of ensuring that they can take advantage of educational opportunities.  Can we promise unlimited public support for all health care needs of all citizens? I don’t see how this is possible without committing all public funds to nothing but health care.  In that case, there’s not enough left for education, housing, job training, or anything else. Thus, while public health is a legitimate governmental pursuit, the idea of meeting all healthcare needs just does not seem realistic. We will have to impose some limits.

#5… We believe that our tax system must be based on the idea of a graduated system of payment in which the corporations and wealthy pay their fair share.  

1)  Somewhat important  2) Important  3) Extremely important

Explanation/Comments:

Yes, the income tax should of course be progressive, with those of greater incomes subject to a higher tax rate. This is a fair share, as they have the means to pay and they receive the greatest benefits of a stable society.

#6… We are in solidarity with the labor, women’s rights, civil rights, environmental and peace and justice movements of today.

1)  Somewhat important  2) Important  3) Extremely important

Explanation/Comments:

To a point.  I support any progress for greater fairness, but I’m not in solidarity with every call of all of these movements.  Support for police reform and an end to racial profiling? Of course!  Support for getting rid of cages at the US border?  Of course!  Support for eliminating all immigration law enforcement or for a rallying call that “all cops are bastards”? Of course not!  These are ridiculous assertions that give these movements a bad name.  They undermine broad support for legitimate progressive aims.

Marc Warner




Response to Mass Live / Springfield Republican--August 23

Please list all relative experience you wish to be identified by.

I started my firm, Warner Transportation Consulting, Inc. when I got my Ph.D. (in transportation systems from MIT) 29 years ago. I've since managed over 50 major projects at large transportation agencies throughout the US and internationally. I also have a MS in public policy and management. Civically, I have served on four Northampton committees, moderated the 2013 state Democratic platform hearing in Northampton, and have written dozens of op-eds and letters published in the Daily Hampshire Gazette. I am an active board member and treasurer since 2003 of Common Cause of Massachusetts, a non-partisan group dedicated to holding elected officials to the highest ethical standards.

Q1: What is the biggest issue facing the city of Northampton?

The biggest near-term issue is to make sure that the redesign of Main Street adds to the downtown's attractiveness as a place to shop, eat, and visit. There's a real risk that the various proposals could limit access to Main Street businesses while shifting traffic and congestion to surrounding streets. There are tools to forecast the impacts of the redesign options on travel demand and area traffic flow; I know this—I've been doing these studies as part of my professional work for the last 29 years. The city has to conduct this type of analysis before settling on a final plan. In the longer term, the biggest issue for city government is how to live within its means. The Covid relief money will soon dry up, the hotel and meals tax may not rebound for a while, and it seems unlikely that city voters would support another override to boost the property tax levy. We thus need to focus on city spending. Are we providing the right levels of service? Are our operations efficient? Extensive, fact-based benchmarking can show how Northampton stacks up against peer communities. This is one of several management initiatives I would implement as mayor.

Q2: With calls for police reform, what changes would you make to the city's police force?

Public safety is a basic city service, and Northampton should determine its policing needs based on standard metrics about emergency call response time, patrol officer productivity, and the distribution of emergency calls by type and time-of-day. Yielding to calls for police defunding--as Gina Louise Sciarra and others on the Northampton City Council did last year--however, is dismissive of public safety and of data and reality. The result has been a police department at the breaking point and a counter-productive loss of newly trained officers. A far more appropriate response to George Floyd's murder and the broader Black Lives Matter movement is to review and update the guidelines for the use of potentially deadly force, for officer training, for the response to mental health and social service cases, for the tracking and disciplining of bad officers, and for any program that looks even remotely like routine harassment of people of color. I would, in any case, examine the police department for possible savings. If the city is not getting fair value from police staffing levels, overtime allowances, or educational incentives, then we should use our management rights or collective bargaining to adjust them.

Q3: What is your plan for promoting economic growth in Northampton?

Here are a few things: 1) ensure that the downtown is welcoming for shoppers and diners; 2) streamline the city permitting process for opening a business or renovating commercial space; 3) work with Smith Voc to develop programs that can support local employment growth; and 4) keep the commercial property tax rate at par with the residential rate (it is a higher rate, for example, in Holyoke). Let me mention that I'm generally opposed to tax breaks for businesses as an incentive for them to move (or stay) in Northampton. I've read enough thoughtful reports by credible researchers and policy makers to conclude that this is a bad--and generally unnecessary--game for towns to play. On the other hand, the city has to recognize when its taxes, fees, or policies are approaching a tipping point. Were our water fees, for example, a factor in Coca-Cola's recent decision to close its Northampton bottling plant? If so, then was there some small capital investment the city could have made to lower the cost of the enormous amount of water delivered to the Coke plant? Was there some volume discount that we could implement that we could also justify as fair to other rate payers? We should understand these costs and opportunities before some other businesses give up on Northampton.

Marc Warner



Response to Smith College Sophian--October 2

What is your strategy going into the general election? Have the results of this preliminary election changed your strategy going into the general election?

It'll have a lot of the same elements, but on steroids. I've got five weeks to get my message to as many Northampton voters as possible. So I'll be knocking on a lot more doors, giving a lot more speeches and interviews, and showing up at a lot more events around town.  I'll probably spend more on advertising and signs. Up to now, I've run a very low-cost campaign.

What will you be campaigning on/doing in the month until the general?

My campaign will continue to emphasize two key points: 1) Northampton city government is a $120 million per year organization that calls for a mayor with strong professional skills, which I offer; and 2) the city should not act act in response to loud voices and powerful players, but in response to reasoned voices and powerful arguments.

Are there any particular policies you are promoting that you feel Northampton really needs at this moment?

My campaign and candidacy are largely about the need for good management in City Hall. Here are a couple of specific policies that I think the city should pursue:

1) We need to be more concerned about downtown. This is a big part of our employment, our tax base, and our quality of life. Thus, we need to examine carefully the accessibility impacts of the various proposals for the planned redesign of Main Street. It also means that we have to acknowledge the adverse impact of panhandling and homelessness on people's willingness to shop and dine in downtown. The city's new  Department of Community Cares will provide more outreach and services to those in need, but the city also has existing ordinances about aggressive panhandling, noise, smoking marijuana in public, littering, and trespassing that we should also be prepared to enforce.

2) We also need to be more concerned about economic development. Coca Cola announced a month ago that it will soon close its plant on Industrial Drive. This is a loss of 310 jobs. What other companies are close to the tipping point where they will leave the city?  What can the City do prevent this?  Would those actions be fair to other city taxpayers or rate payers?

You can see other programs I'd pursue at the "issues" section of my website, Warnerformayor.com.

Marc Warner



Response to Arts and Tourism group--October 21

Laurie,

Yes, I'd be delighted to meet with your group to talk about providing ARPA/CLFRF funds to support local arts and culture.  I could not agree with you more that the arts are an important element of Northampton's economy, character, and quality of life.  It is a big part of what makes us special.

This attitude is also why I'm so annoyed at the Arts Council for its last minute decision to cancel the Biennial.  That act undermined Northampton's reputation as welcoming and supportive of the arts.

So let's talk, but please be aware up front that I, if given the chance as mayor, would insist on reform of the Arts Council before I would support any further funding for the Arts in Northampton.

Sincerely,
Marc Warner