WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 29, 2003
NEWS
THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN = 5A
City commission candidates share concerns for Lawrence
By JJ Hensley
jhensley@kansan.com
kansan staff writer
Editor's Note: The University Daily Kansan will run a series of candidate profiles before the primary elections.
Three political novices from three generations all have similar concerns for the city's future but they have distinct ideas on how to get there. All three city commission candidates agree that the Lawrence economy should be driven by the University of Kansas.
Zachary Bassin
Bassin, 23, moved to Lawrence almost five years ago and decided to call the city his permanent home a few years later. Bassin graduated from the University in Spring 2002 with a degree in political science and
now attends the Washburn University School of Law.
Some of Bassin's main concerns:
Protecting Lawrence tax dollars
Streamlining resource overlap between the University, the school board and the city
- Creating a land-use tax to charge builders and developers for new infrastructure, instead of paying with tax dollars
Redirecting the alcohol tax to improve public space and infrastructure
What's the biggest city issue facing the University and its students?
"I think how the University portrays itself to the community especially with the rec. center and the houses on Ohio. They pretty much did what they wanted without consulting the community.I think not only do the city and the University need
to get a board together to try to work these things out, but they should also have student input on those kind of boards."
Lee Gerhard
Gerhard, 65, retired from the Kansas Geological Survey and decided to run for city commission to give back to the community he has called home with his wife for the past 16 years. Some of Gerhard's main concerns:
In four words: vision, civilitv. equity and fairness
- Increasing the viability of downtown as a place where everyone will want to live
- Increasing economic cooperation between the city and the University
the University and its students?
- Developing a vision of what Lawrence wants to be — not a document set in stone but a continuing dialogue
What's the biggest city issue facing
"When I left in 1964, the University hadn't yet started to develop any of the research and development potential and the industry that would surround it. If we can work a partnership for the University to do that, then the potential to use tax increment financing with the University to create jobs, at all income levels, then we have a great potential.
"This is one of the things that can really enhance this University. We are a state-supported institution, but the state support has been variable. I see this moving in the realm of many other state universities, that is, being state-assisted.
As other demands hit the state, I would think it's really a good time for this University to enhance its own financial future."
Greenvorv DiVilbiss
Some of DiVibiss' main concerns:
DIVibiss,42,has been in sales most of his life and is a partner of a local real estate investment firm. He was raised in the Kansas City area and moved to Wichita for four years before relocating to Lawrence with his wife and three children in 2001. Source of DIVibiss data.
Bridging the gaps between different interest groups such as the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce, Haskell Indian Nations University and the University.
- Keeping the Lawrence population working in Lawrence, not commuting
Providing adequate, affordable housing
"I think finding ways to commercialize the research that is
- Solving the budget crisis in the public schools
What's the biggest issue facing the University and its students?
coming out of the University is important to the city of Lawrence and the University. If viable companies can be created locally, it will be a great way to increase our tax base and at the same time provide jobs to graduates of KU and the people of Lawrence.
"With the Midwest's highest educated population and with 22% of the work force commuting to other communities to work, we know we have a great potential work force. We now need to continue the business of providing jobs.
"The Centers for Excellence at the University and the Lawrence Regional Technology Center, our local business incubator, can help create a better Lawrence for the students and the community."
Edited by Julie Jantzer
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