Primary Series 2019 Candidate Survey

Candidates for Mayor

Candidates

Terry Whitt Bailey

Andrew Dale

Saul Riley

Dave Smith

Kenneth Davenport

Responses included within; attending panel discussion

Responses included within; attending panel discussion

Responses included within; attending panel discussion

Responses included within; attending panel discussion

Did not respond to survey; not attending panel discussion

What is your professional experience and your qualifications for this office?Terry Whitt Bailey

Andrew Dale From a young age I was active in the Westside Neighborhood Association organizing neighborhood clean-ups and monthly meetings of the association, and advocating for enforcement of zoning regulations within the neighborhood. It was a good experience for me and it was the spark that ignited my interest to serve my neighbors and become civically active in com-munity through servant-leadership.

I have been a city leader, community activist, arts administrator and college advocate in Muncie since 1988. I was appointed Director of Community Development for the City of Muncie in 2012, overseeing a $1.7 million budget that provides funding to organizations benefiting low- to moderate-income individuals and families in our community. Prior to this appointment, I had a successful career as an arts administrator, serving as President & Chief Executive Officer of the Historic Madame Walker Theatre Center in Indianapolis and Cornerstone Center for the Arts in Muncie, Indiana. In both organizations, I was instrumental in creating arts and community partnerships, increasing grants and donations, and developing arts education opportunities for children and youth. I previously held positions with Ball State University, most notably as the Director of Executive Staff & Administrative Affairs (Chief of Staff) for the Office of the President. I also was an Assistant Professor at Ball State in the College of Applied Sciences & Technology. I also taught at Chicago State University where I founded CSU Danceworks, Chicago State’s pre-mier dance company. I have been actively involved in local, state and national organizations. I am Past- President of the Indiana Coalition for the Arts, was recognized by the National Dance Association for achievement in Arts Education, and recently served as a Creative Placemaking Consultant for the Indiana Arts Commission. I have received two Mayor’s Community Service Awards, the Indiana Community Arts Leadership Award, the Arts Achievement Award from Center for Leadership Devel-opment, the Very Important Volunteer Award (V!VA), the Merrill Greene Service Award from Muncie Rotary and the presti-gious Athena Award from Women in Business Unlimited (WIBU), Inc. I currently serve on the following Boards: IU Health-Ball Memorial Hospital, Girl Scouts of Central Indiana, Muncie Action Plan, Muncie Industrial Revolving Loan Fund, Delaware Advancement Corporation, Community Foundation of Mun-cie-Delaware County (Advisory Board) and Prosperity Indiana (formerly Indiana Association for Community & Economic Development). In addition, I am an active Rotarian, immediate past-President of the Anderson-Muncie Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and a founding member of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Dream Team. I have earned two Bachelors degrees from Rutgers University in Communication Studies and Dance, and a Masters degree in Dance Education from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). I completed post-graduate work in Man-agement Development at Harvard University, and earned a Doctor of Ministry Degree (D.Min) from Newburgh Theological Seminary. I believe that my education, my experiences and my commitment to the people of Muncie have prepared me to lead our community to a better and brighter future. My ability to encourage collaborations and partnerships will further en-hance the quality of life and heighten my commitment to quality of place for all Munsonians. I am a transformative leader who values the intentional and structural distribution of power that values community buy-in instead of a transactional, hierarchical approach. Transformative leadership goes beyond servant leadership in that it focuses on multi-dimensional relationships and flexibility in order to make decisions that are collaborative and that empower people rather than com-partmentalize or control them.

BS degree US History from Ball State. Worked in the community for over 20 years. I worked at the Crisis Center, home health care agency, Salvation Army, Assisted living

Saul Riley

I am certified through the U S Department of Homeland Security, National Incident Management System – which requires all governmental agencies throughout the US to be in compliance with Emergency Disaster Planning, Management and Recovery; I served on the training committee for the Indiana Department Of Homeland for two years; I am also certified in Continuity of Operations Planning (COOP) – which is also another mandate for all governmental agencies throughout the United States; I am a retired Indiana State Police Officer who has received specialized training in identifying and investigat-ing political corruption, fraud, embezzlement, etc.

David Smith

I am a self-employed business development, design and project management consultant specializing in educational, healthcare, corporate, hospitality and civic environments. On a daily basis I provide direction to my clients relative the process, budgeting, planning and execution of projects that impact both the built-environment and how organizations and people function. One of the projects I’m most proud of is the design, planning and project management that I personally oversaw for the Open Door Health Services health clinic located in downtown Muncie. The health clinic property is one of the most envi-ronmentally sustainable properties in Indiana with geothermal wells that support an advanced multiple-unit heat pump system, French drains around the perimeter of the property (thus not contributing more storm water run-off than neces-sary into the combined sanitary-storm sewer), green roof, both interior and exterior LED lighting, select interior architec-tural finishes made from recycled content and the demolition and removal of all existing building materials sympathetically. As a former municipal community and economic development director serving both the City of Muncie (by appointment of both mayor David Dominick and mayor Dan Canan) and the City of York, Pennsylvania (Robertson administration), I have a steep understanding of what it takes to approach, plan and execute efforts that positively impact the lives of people. I’ve administered Federal (HUD, HUD-Section 108 Loan Guarantee, DHHS, and DOJ) and State grant funding and I’ve had the responsibility to plan and oversee large mixed-use and housing development projects impacting multiple neighborhoods. I’ve lead municipal strategic planning processes and the creation of planning documents, action plans and municipal design guidelines, as well as the updating and writing of municipal zoning and life-safety codes, coordinating the work of multiple city agencies and community partners. Other examples of leadership tasking include the expansion of an historic district, development of a traffic calming program and the creation of a neighborhood resource institute. During my tenure as Community Development director for the the City of Muncie I helped lead efforts that resulted in the national award winning Blaine School Project, the concept and eventual conversion of Munciana Homes to Millennium Place and the saving and adaptive reuse of the historic Wilson Middle School (now used for housing and the Maring Hunt Library). I am the co-founder and director emeritus of the Shafer Leadership Academy and currently serve on the board of both the Whitely Community Council and Masterworks Chorale board.

Ball State has identified community engagement as one of its key priorities in its new strategic plan. What are your ideas and goals concerning this relationship?

Terry Whitt Bailey

I plan on using any experts that I can. I don’t pretend to know everything that’s why I plan on using experts. I will continue to support the Ball State engagement initiative.

Saul Riley

Ball State is already an integral part of Muncie with its financial investments and its strong educational presence. Ball State’s 2040 goals, specifically goal #3 - which involves community engagement and its imperative (B), basically talks about creating a pipeline of talent that feeds from our local school system directly into Ball State and its local community part-ners to foster economic growth, overall health and wellness and to enrich the arts. I am on board with the theory of this plan, and I will be active with a committee to see how the plan can actually be carried out in practical terms.

Andrew Dale Ball State is a key community partner; same goes for Ivy Tech. I would also like to add IU Health to my comments. We have and we must continue to nurture and grow the relationship between Ball State University, Ivy Tech and IU Health for the benefit of our citizens and the goals which all three organizations exist to fulfill. As a lifelong learner, I fully embrace their priorities and will seek ways to enhance our mutual interests for the benefit of our community. While there are numerous examples of current and ongoing partnerships between Ball State University, Ivy Tech and IU Health, I will dedicate far greater attention to address strategic planning and acute concerns around addictions and com-munity health, the mobilizing of a more participatory democracy structure, and efforts to reconcile and gather data that will equip my administration to confront concerns relative to population loss, how best to nurture existing assets and grow our local and regional economy. The City’s planning efforts must be taken far more seriously and I believe that our commu-nity will benefit from a far more proactive relationship with those noted above.

David Smith

I was very fortunate to work in the BSU President’s Office when the Building Better Communities initiative was launched. It initially was created to get the president and key university officials to different parts of the state of Indiana to share Ball State information and initiatives. After a couple of years, it became apparent that the university needed to spend more resources on its relationship within the Muncie community, launching what is now the Office of Community Engagement. As a person who has worked at Ball State and now for the City of Muncie, I understand the need to stay connected to one another. The Mayor’s Office should have a direct connection to the Community Engagement Office with monthly commu-nication. In addition, the President and the Mayor should have standing meetings to talk about current projects, events and/or programs that the other should attend, platforms in which they should be aligned with and partnerships which show the intentional relationship between town and gown.

Do you support city-run EMS? If so, why? If not, why not?

How would you support Muncie’s residents who are food insecure?

Terry Whitt Bailey

Saul Riley

Andrew Dale

David Smith

In Community Forums that occurred in February 2019, we were told by some specific neighborhoods that they have expressed interest in fire-based EMS. This is a safety issue because of possible barriers - like railroad tracks or distance - that can keep county EMS officials from reaching emergencies in a timely manner. I believe that it is important to have the quickest response time to fire and health-related emergencies, and my family has benefitted 4 times in the past 3 years from the quickest response by the Fire Department. The concern that I have with complete City-run EMS is about the funding for the project and the sustainability of the services. As Mayor, I would have equal concern for Muncie residents and the funds that support their safety. I will work with the Muncie Common Council and the Finance Committee to make wise fiscal decisions on how to provide the safety and services that Muncie residents deserve.

Yes.

No. I’m neither for or against a City operated fire-based EMS program, but rather an advocate for strategic planning for both of our pubic safety divisions, as well as a comprehensive strategic plan for our city. Because the City of Muncie does not utilize strategic planning practices, I don’t believe the merits of fire-based EMS can be evaluated properly at this time. I believe there are flaws in the way the City administration rolled out its plan for fire-based EMS. It was not explained well to the public and from a financial standpoint, it yet proves to be economically viable. One of the first priorities of my administration will be to conduct and complete a comprehensive strategic planning pro-cess in the first year of my administration that also involves our public safety divisions. I am sympathetic and my ears are open to any and all ideas that better our response to crises situations.

Yes. I support a City run EMS provided that the operation and staffing value safety and cost effectiveness.

Terry Whitt Bailey

Saul Riley

Andrew Dale

David Smith

I would continue to support the many initiatives that are already taking place in different parts of our community to ad-dress this issue. I think that the establishment of a Muncie Food Council is a great start, and that it is important that we continue to work with Ball State and do food security assessments in our neighborhoods to find out which areas are most food insecure. It’s also important that we try and find businesses that would like to locate in our most vulnerable and mar-ginalized neighborhoods to make sure that everyone has year round access to healthy, fresh and affordable food.

No answer.

I would strongly advocate, plan and pursue tangible remedies that address the issue of food insecurity. One of the areas that my administration will review through the strategic planning process will be food insecurity. The issue needs to be looked at from multiple directions in coordination with community partners. I am not adverse to using economic incen-tives to solicit and come to agreement with commercial organizations, that demonstrate real interest and returned value to community, who open operations in food deserts.

I would support Muncie’s residents that are food insecure in a variety of ways that would include encouraging community gardens, finding resources to support our current food banks and finding resources to support local farmer markets for those neighborhood that are considered a food desert.

Would you use city money or property to support a drug treatment facility?

With the increasingly dangerous public health crisis presented by opioid addiction, would you support needle exchange programs which are proven to mitigate the simultaneous influx of HIV and hepatitis outbreaks? Please explain your answer.

Terry Whitt BaileyAndrew Dale

Yes.

Saul RileyDavid Smith

Terry Whitt Bailey

Andrew Dale Yes. I support any proven approach and supporting programs that help mitigate HIV and Hepatits outbreaks in our com-munity.

Yes. RESPONSE TO SUPPORTING A DRUG TREATMENT FACILITY:There are current consortia in the city who are working on addressing this issue and I will continue to work with them in these efforts. It will be one of my administration’s top priorities to address this issue and allocate resources for it when possible. It is time to declare a drug epidemic and public health crisis and work toward building comprehensive drug rehabilitation programs in our communi-ty that include long term addiction recovery programs, medically-assisted treatment options, transitional housing programs and re-entry programs for individuals after serving sentences. I also believe support programs for families of those incarcerated, restorative justice programs and poverty reduc-tion programs would also help us combat this issue. We must admit that this problem is not confined to one race, one side of town or one socioeconomic status. It is a community problem. I will work closely with local healthcare leaders, public safety officials, neighborhood representatives, State Legislators and other people and organizations com-mitted to this effort to seek suggestions, resources, and support. I would like to create a Muncie Restorative Justice Advisory Council composed of a diverse group of stakeholders and leaders to create and imple-ment a wide range of projects and initiatives that help reduce recidivism with non-violent committed and low-level crimes such as burglary, theft and drug possession. I believe that if local community stakeholders and leaders come together with local institutions, organizations, law enforcement and neighborhoods that we can help reduce recidivism and low-level non-contact crime rates while simultaneously helping to improve public safety, help rebuild families, address addiction, and create a thriving and healthy community. This would include establishing more re-entry campuses or facilities, transitional hous-ing, inpatient and outpatient treatment programs, accountability centers throughout the City and mediation support staff to help with crisis interven-tion.

RESPONSE TO NEEDLE EXCHANGE:I think there is plenty of evidence-based research and data out there that leads us to believe that harm reduction measures like a safe needle ex-change program and more accessible health clinic resources can help address the public and mental health crises our community is currently faced with. It is our duty to lean on this evidence-based research that has proven to be beneficial to overall public health. I believe part of the struggle with this is the stigma (and fear) associated with addiction and harm reduction measures like needle exchange programs, and we would have to simultane-ously provide education and outreach to help citizens understand why it is being offered and how it has helped in other communities.

Saul Riley

David Smith

No.

Yes. I understand that the needle exchange program has been proven to mitigate the simultaneous influx of H IV and hep-atitis outbreaks; however, I would like to study this situation a little bit more for more understanding of the end goal. I want the overall end goal to be ‘treatment/rehabilitation’ – not furtherance of the epidemic. (For instance, do the participants of this program have to watch a video/talk to a counselor about optional drug treatment programs and other interventions.)

Yes.Yes.Yes.

Would you set aside a portion of the city budget for local residents to spend through democratic participatory budgeting? If not, how else do you envision getting city money into hands of community-chosen projects?

Would you support a referendum to into raise the property tax to support MCS students and teachers? If not, how can Muncie generate more revenue for schools?

Terry Whitt Bailey

Andrew Dale

Yes.

Yes. I am a strong advocate for the implementation of participatory budgeting. I presented on this very subject at the Fourth Annual Neighborhood I.D.E.A. Conference. The title of my presentation was “Participatory Budgeting and The De-mocratization of Tax Increment Financing.” I believe that a portion of our City budget should be set aside for projects that neighborhoods deem important and have voted to support and that the best way for our City government to gain the trust back from our citizenry is through participatory democracy.

Saul Riley

David Smith No. First, I would like to take a look at the mechanisms that may already be in place to distribute city money into the hands of the community and its chosen projects. Once studying these mechanisms, we can look at ways to improve upon these mechanisms and/or create new ones.

Terry Whitt Bailey

Andrew Dale

Yes.

Yes. The City should do everything it can to support Muncie Community Schools and its partner, Ball State University. One way the City could support our public schools is by rendering back TIF monies that MCS is due. The bottom line is that the future of Muncie is only as good as our educational system.

Saul Riley

David Smith Yes. . Since Muncie has more than 2,000 abandoned or vacant properties, I would explore various resources which may include federal and state grant opportunities as well as the use of some city money to address this issue.

Yes. MY ANSWER IS YES, AND HERE’S WHY: My office already does a form of participatory budgeting because of the public hearings that are required by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and through the 9-member Citizen Advisory Council, who makes decisions on how to spend 15% of our annual HUD entitlement. I received additional training on democratic participatory budgeting at Ball State in 2017, and find it to be a good way to get citizens involved in making decisions for their communi-ty. Formal participatory budgeting would be a good way to get the Muncie residents to make decisions that will affect the community.

No. Lottery money going wasn’t it to go to schools and teachers? A sales tax would be easier for people to except.

Muncie has more than 2,000 abandoned or vacant properties. Would you use city money to address this is-sue?

Terry Whitt Bailey

Andrew Dale Yes. I have been very clear that the gap between distressed and affluent neighborhoods needs reduced. One of the key strategies within the City’s strategic plan will be a robust and defined plan to address the crises we have with abandoned and vacant dwellings. From code enforcement to urban homesteading, the advent of a Municipal Bank to the likes of a mortgage assurance program, we will be aggressive and innovative to resolve blight and render neighborhood health.

Saul Riley

David Smith

Find out the owner of a property charge them with any demolition if the owner doesn’t pay then the city takes the proper-ty.

Yes. The City of Muncie and Delaware County must work together prioritizing and addressing specific properties that need to be torn down immediately due to the threat and hazardous conditions they bring to our neighborhoods. We must look to create policies and procedures that help simplify the transferring of specific hazardous homes by taking unsold properties to deed and cleaning up the transfer process so that a local organization or entity that plans to rehabilitate or demolish a structure can do so without unnecessary delay. I will make addressing these concerns a top priority of my Administration. I believe that we will also need to work closely with our County officials to look at ways to simplify the tax sale process to make it easier to get homes that can be saved back on our tax rolls. One way we can achieve this is through working with State Legislators for adjustments in grace periods, and changing which entity receives the interest, which could help reduce the out of state speculators that purchase properties but do not bring them to code. While working in Community Development, I’ve heard from a lot of homeowners and citizens about the need to address blighted and abandoned properties in Muncie. Residents are tired of living next to homes that are inhabitable, that have broken windows and that are abandoned with a wide-open door or roof exposed to the elements of weather, theft, and in some cases arson. Some of these homes are owned by out of county individuals who have no intention of fixing up the home and bringing it up to code, and such own-ers need to be held accountable. My office currently funds the demolition of 17-24 properties annually after a list is prepared by our office and finalized by the En-forcement Authority, who is the Building Commissioner. In addition, the City of Muncie will have demolished 209 properties by the end of this year with $4.2 million in Hardest Hit Funds provided through the Department of Treasury. It is my hope that additional State and Federal dollars will be made available to help communities like ours deal with our blight dilemma. I also plan to work closely with the Muncie Land Bank that is already working hard to address some of these specific concerns, and support their efforts to help revitalize neighborhoods in Muncie. In Muncie, the struggles that we face didn’t just happen overnight. The blight we are currently facing is because of a perpetual decline in jobs, population, and resources. If we really want to make a difference we must focus simultaneously on a macro and micro level, meaning lot by lot, street by street, and neighborhood by neighborhood. If we want to help increase the value of our residents’ homes, we must also work collectively to increase and improve the value of our neighborhoods, schools, parks, and infrastructure. I would encourage a combination of city, state and federal dollars to tackle this problem.

Yes. Since Muncie has more than 2,000 abandoned or vacant properties, I would explore various resources which may include federal and state grant opportunities as well as the use of some city money to address this issue.

Do you support a landlord registry or taxes on landlords?

Yes. I support property inspections to ensure that income-producing properties are safe and that local and state codes are being followed by the owners of properties. Fees should be fair and in compliance with State law.

I’m willing to look into it

Yes. About half of the properties in the City of Muncie are rental properties. A Rental Property ordinance was presented to the Muncie Common Council in 2017 to require landlords to register their properties so that the City - specifically code enforcement officers - can communicate with them in the event of issues or concerns. There was an effort to start collect-ing information with landlords, but it required funding for a staff person to concentrate on this effort. As Mayor, I would work with a committee of Council members, community members and code enforcement officers to develop a plan that would make sense for our community. I would look at best practices from the cities of Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, Colum-bus and South Bend to design a program that is relevant and acceptable to our City Council and for our community. Yes, I support a landlord registry because I think it is always a good idea to know who owns property within the City of Muncie as this may help the city to identify landlords who are not being responsible as well as support those who are responsible and may need a little of assistance.

Terry Whitt Bailey

Andrew Dale

Saul Riley

David Smith

What would you do to improve code enforcement on substandard housing?

Terry Whitt Bailey

Andrew Dale I would create a task force to thoroughly review all existing codified ordinances for the purpose of strengthening the City’s ability to enforce codes and address violations. I would increase enforcement efforts and I would establish an annual li-censing fee program pertaining to income-producing properties.

Saul Riley

David Smith To improve code enforcement on substandard housing, the city would need to evaluate its manpower in the Municipal Development as well as to make sure that the current processes lend themselves toward effective enforcement.

First find out what the problem is and why it is not being done.

Code enforcement makes property owners accountable for maintaining the inside and outside of their homes and buildings. Fines don’t always improve substandard housing issues because some homeowners cannot afford to make improvements and some properties are managed by landlords who are negligent or who don’t even live in our commu-nity. The staff in Muncie’s Building Commissioner’s Office is small relative to other same size communities which makes it difficult for them to keep up with code enforcement issues. Neighborhood associations may be able to help the City of Muncie identify substandard housing so that they can either receive citations or have more serious code violations heard by the Unsafe Building Hearing Authority.

Yes, I support a landlord registry because I think it is always a good idea to know who owns property within the City of Muncie as this may help the city to identify landlords who are not being responsible as well as support those who are responsible and may need a little of assistance.

How much money should the city spend, as a dollar value, or as a percentage to improve property conditions in residential neighborhoods? How much should the city spend on the downtown? How much should it spend on McGalliard?

Terry Whitt Bailey

What I can share is that our residential and mixed-use neighborhoods will receive the highest attention form my adminis-tration. Second to that will be our central city (downtown) and the historic neighborhoods that surround the downtown and that our commercial corridors and gateways will receive adequate attention sufficient to maintain them. I do think that we need to enact a far better signage ordinance as the glut of commercial signage is intrusive and an abomination.

Saul Riley

David Smith In terms of how much money the city should spend to improve property conditions in residential neighborhoods, down-town and on McGalliard

Andrew Dale

Availability of funds for these projects. What are the proposal for each of thesAvailability of funds for these projects. What are the proposal for each of these areas? What about the south side?e areas? What about the south side?

How would you balance these priorities?

Terry Whitt Bailey

Through sound planning practices. I can though, unequivocally, state that neighborhoods are my overwhelming priority, and that they will be for the foreseeable future.

Andrew Dale

This is not a question that I can answer yet. This would take collaboration and communication between the Muncie Com-mon Council, the Finance Committee, the Building Commissioner’s Office, the Muncie Redevelopment Commission and Downtown Development. Moreover, property conditions would be enhanced with an additional focus on infrastructure, which includes streets and sidewalks.

These priorities would be balanced and coordinated by developing a strategic plan for downtown revitalization as the justice center moves to the southwest side of town and as new businesses. In addition, the City of Muncie would work more closely with Ball State’s Building Better Neighborhoods to hear the priorities that are expressed for each neighbor-hood. Again, as Mayor, I would listen to the voices of those who work and advocate for downtown merchants to hear how I can help maintain strong business relationships. I would also collaborate with our economic development partners at the Chamber and the Muncie Redevelopment Commission to know how the City can support new and existing businesses on McGalliard.

Saul Riley

David Smith

There are some areas of Muncie that need more economic growth than others. I will Look for guidance from the experts

I would need an opportunity to evaluate and prioritize each of those priorities according to the areas with the greatest need while balancing the greatest economic growth potential.

Should the city subsidize development to attract new, high-er-income residents?

Should it subsidize development that supports current low-income residents?

How would you balance these two priorities to attract new, higher-income residents and support current low-income residents?

Terry Whitt Bailey

Andrew Dale

Yes.

Saul Riley

David Smith Yes.

No.

Through strategic planning efforts and investment zones, through sound and practical incentives.

Find companies that would bring in better jobs. We need jobs brought in for unskilled workers as well

Terry Whitt Bailey

Andrew Dale

Saul Riley

David Smith

Yes.

Yes.

Yes.

Yes,

Yes.

Different City offices have different priorities. For example, my current office utilizes Community Development Block Grant funds and HOME Investment Partnership funds to provide support to organizations and agencies that benefit low- to moderate-income individuals and families. The Chamber of Commerce and Muncie Redevelopment Commission work to attract higher income residents to market rate housing. Both groups are relevant in our community. No matter what type of housing it is, it is vital that all housing in Muncie is decent and affordable.

In terms of city subsidize development for new higher income residents and city subsidize development for low income residents, the balance is that we will subsidize what we need to subsidize particularly if there is no other way to get it done.

Yes.

Yes,

Yes.

What would you do to improve transparency and citizen participation in economic development decisions?

I would have open forums for the people to respond. I would have some in the evening and weekends.

Terry Whitt Bailey

Saul Riley

David Smith

Andrew Dale

In order to improve transparency and citizen participation in economic development decisions, I would encour-age citizens to attend these economic development meetings, city council meetings, and perhaps create an online mechanism for citizens to view contracts, spending, subsidies and tax expenditures, etc.

Through strategic planning, community engagement, by way of participatory budgeting and practices and by making all information readily available to the public so that all people are informed in a timely and proactive fashion. I would also personally work with neighborhoods and expect members of my administration to be good communicators.

As Mayor, I would take a multi-dimensional approach to this effort. First, I would put more resources toward technological enhancements and practices that post agendas and minutes to public meetings in a more timely manner. I would also make sure that this information is user-friendly over multiple platforms (eg., computer, iPad, smartphone, etc.) and that it is accessible for all residents to view.

Economic decisions are made in public meetings; therefore, I would encourage people to attend meetings of the Muncie Redevelopment Commission, Board of Public Works and the Muncie Common Council where projects are discussed and approved or denied. I plan to continue my Terry Talks - which I started during my campaign - to go to neighborhood meet-ings, service clubs, churches, community centers and other places where I am invited to share information and updates, and where I can receive feedback and commitments from residents to help me enhance the quality of life through sound economic decisions.

Currently, my office already facilitates citizen participation in economic decisions through its public meetings for Communi-ty Development Block Grants (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnership funds. Hard copy drafts of our reports are made available annually in the CD Office, in the Mayor’s Office, in the the Kennedy and Maring-Hunt Libraries and on the City of Muncie’s website. The goal of transparency is providing information in the way that people wish to receive it. Simply put, it is making information accessible to the people. The Mayor’s Office should drive and model this effort.

Do you think Muncie has an image problem? If so, what would you do to address it?

I would have open forums for the people to respond. I would have some in the evening and weekends.

Terry Whitt Bailey

Saul Riley

David Smith

Andrew Dale

In order to improve transparency and citizen participation in economic development decisions, I would encour-age citizens to attend these economic development meetings, city council meetings, and perhaps create an online mechanism for citizens to view contracts, spending, subsidies and tax expenditures, etc.

I believe that Muncie has had an image problem for many years resulting from the imbalance of political interests and the will of its people. Unfortunately, we don’t share a collective story which we all hold in our hearts. We’re a fragmented peo-ple geographically, educationally and socioeconomically, and I believe we need to find our voice so that we can someday soon recite our story together, as a unified and expectant people.

Muncie has an image problem, but as Mayor, my job would be to lead the effort that would improve the way that we see ourselves and the steps we would need to take in order to magnify the positive things about our community. This effort would have an internal effect and an external benefit. When Muncie residents always have negative things to say about our community, we start to believe it. Others hear and read about the negative aspects of our community more than the positive aspects and start to believe that Muncie is an undesirable place to live. One way that I would address this problem is to re-institute the Mayor’s Youth Council and develop the Mayor’s Senior Advisory Council who would work separately and, at times, together with City Council, Department Heads, the Chamber of Commerce, Muncie Action Plan, educators and other community stakeholders to find ways to improve our image. We would also re-brand our community, provide better marketing and messaging and involve a diverse group of people in the efforts to elevate our image.

Would you prioritize tax breaks for locally owned and operated businesses over “big box” stores? Please explain your answer.

What would you do to level the playing field between big box stores and local stores? How would you incen-tivize small business development?

Yes

Terry Whitt Bailey

Andrew Dale

Yes. Yes and No. In regards to looking at tax breaks for locally owned and operated businesses and big box stores, I plan to be fair and equitable to both because both are needed in the efforts to build 1 City/1 Team. Both entities are our bread and butter, and we will explore what is best/fair to all.

Yes

Saul RileyDavid Smith

To level the playing field between big businesses and local stores, the City can look at spending dollars with local business, the City could encourage our local financial institutions to uphold their commitment to our community with regard to the Community Reinvest-ment Act of 1977, and the City plans to explore other creative ways to incentivize small business development. Also, the City can help local small business to identify and hone in on a niche/ their customer needs in order to offer services that the big businesses cannot offer – which then makes small business relevant and sustainable.

Terry Whitt Bailey

Andrew Dale

Saul Riley

David Smith

Would you support a “big box tax” on the large footprint retailers that are undercutting local businesses?

Terry Whitt Bailey

Andrew DaleSaul Riley

David Smith

No.

No.

No answer.

State statute does not allow for a “big box tax”, however, my administration would advocate for strict land use/development, plan review and design standards that make commercial/retail use spaces conform to community expectations. We have many examples of where requests to relax design standards by large retailers have been granted by our planning and zoning boards, which often times are unnecessary.

I would look into ways to help the small business owners.

As Mayor, my job would be to encourage small business development by highlighting Small Business Saturday in November, then pro-viding incentives for small businesses and their patrons year round. It is important for Munsonions to realize that local stores help to support the tax base. Much of this can be done through intentional branding and messaging. An advisory committee would help the City fairly incentivize new and existing small businesses, providing ways that they could receive funding and other assistance. As Mayor, it would be very important for me to be seen patronizing and publicizing our local businesses. These local entrepreneurs are vital to the vibrancy of our community.

No. No, but I am an advocate for incentive-based investment by geographic are; which means incentivization through stra-tegic planning codes (overlay districts and target zones), financial incentives and unique municipal supportive services.

No.

Do you support tax increment financing? How would you improve transparency and oversight over current TIF spending?Terry Whitt Bailey

Andrew Dale Yes. First, I would provide updates on TIF fund accounts and other supporting information through a resource called the “Mayor’s Dashboard” which provides quarterly updated information on progress against stated goals of the City of Muncie (shown by depart-ments). Second, I would ensure that the Redevelopment Authority maintains the information through the City’s new Office Economic Affairs website (currently, the RDA’s website is aged with no recent updates on actions taken), board minutes or other timely informa-tion. Third, I would utilize participatory budgeting as a means to educate, inform and communicate about current TIF uses and expen-ditures. And finally, I would annually present with my director of economic development the status of TIF monies and processes.

Saul Riley

David Smith

No answer.

Yes. I would improve transparency and oversight in all City spending, including TIF, as this discourages corruption and boosts public confidence. I would improve the City’s website and web portal to provide searchable details relating to government contracts, spend-ing, subsidies and tax expenditures, and of course encouraging residents to attend City Council, Redevelopment, Economic Develop-ment, Community Development and other meetings to gain knowledge of government spending and processes.

What measures are you willing to take to ensure the viability of Muncie’s downtown once the Justice Center relocates (leaving many large vacant structures in its absence)?

Terry Whitt Bailey

Andrew Dale

Under my leadership we will advocate, market and strategically plan how to meaningful fill property vacancy with desirable and needed businesses and consumer-based services. Most of all, I will maintain a dialogue with the County and others to ensure that a viable, respectful and benificial relationship exists to thwart the type of things that have recently happened and curtail adverse impact of future decisions.

Saul Riley

David Smith

The Justice center and some offices in the county building will be emptied; not several buildings but we will find a solution together on how to fill the gap.

My administration, through the Office of Economic Affairs, will do whatever work necessary to mitigate the impact of the Justice Center’s relocation. We will not wait to pursue our efforts and we will find ways to work with the County to solicit tenants for current Justice Center space if new tenants or prospects have yet been identified.

I will always work hard to make sure that the downtown continues to be a viable and vibrant community. It is unfortunate that County Officials aren’t concerned about the vacancy that will be created with the Commissioner’s new justice center relocation. I will work closely with Downtown Development and other agencies to make sure that Downtown Muncie con-tinues to flourish and be a destination for many throughout East Central Indiana. I will also work with our local economic and community development partners to find new businesses, new collaborations, and creative opportunities to maintain the quality of place that has been so strategically developed and incentivized to maintain the energy and occupancy in our Downtown.

Yes. The Muncie Redevelopment Commission is the most active economic development tool the City of Muncie has. The MRC and TIF have generated over $316 million in capital investment and over $21 million in annual payroll just in the past 7 years. They have a board of directors that is very active and community-oriented. The Mayor has three appointments to this board and, as Mayor, I will make sure that these appointments are diverse people who will continue to be informed, active and involved. As Mayor, I plan to attend every meeting and provide timely updates and initiatives to this very active group. The Muncie Redevelopment Commission is also audited annually by the State Board if Accounts. I would also provide support to the MRC to assist them in posting all minutes and agendas on their website, as well as, active updates.

Would you support a City Council resolution to encourage the state legislature to redistrict? Please explain your answer.

Indiana is still one of the 5 states without a comprehensive hate crimes law. What would you do to protect the most vulnerable populations in Muncie from hate?

Yes.

Terry Whitt BaileyYes. Andrew Dale

Saul Riley

David Smith

No.

The City of Muncie has a Human Rights Office within City Hall that helps to protect civil and human rights in our communi-ty. With that being said, I am going to fully support the city’s Human Rights Director and their efforts in fighting and elimi-nating discrimination in our community. Additionally, all City staff will receive implicit bias training as well as diversity and inclusion training. I will also call for our police department and local law enforcement agencies to report all hate incidents and hate crimes to the FBI and other agencies that help to track this information. And, there will be other efforts made in making sure that Muncie becomes 1City/1Team for All of its residents.

Terry Whitt Bailey

Andrew Dale

Saul Riley

David Smith

Muncie is moving towards a more excepting community; I would encourage that where I could. We used to have a hate crime law but some how it disappeared.

I support and applaud what the City of Muncie has inacted as an ordinance concerning hate crimes and I would strongly advocate for a far more substantive hate crimes bill at the State level.

Yes.

As a respected community leader in Muncie who “wears many scarves” I know that people are constantly watching how I handle controversy, community outreach and collaborations. I am the mayoral candidate who has collaborated with and supported a vast array of individuals, groups, organizations, and causes. I have discovered, though, that some people have been mistreated and misinterpreted because they look different, learn differently or have alternative lifestyles. It has not been that difficult for me to handle situations where individuals have felt mistreated or disrespected or discriminated against because, as a person who “wears many scarves” I have been one of those people who has suffered because I look different or have had different experiences than many of the people with whom I interact on a personal and professional level. What is my approach? How do I embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion? I simply Look, Learn, Listen, Level and Love. I look at the big picture, espe-cially in controversial or unresolved situations. I help others to recognize that there are many parts and pieces to the big picture. There are also differ-ent perspectives, positions, policies and written/unwritten rules that help us learn to understand and respect each other. I learn by researching, asking questions, recognizing (not ignoring) the differences and am comfortable in declaring that I don’t know everything. Moreover, I have recognized the value of listening to and hearing what people are saying. I have also come to understand that it is not only important to listen to what people are saying, but we must listen to what people are not saying as a way of embracing differences. Leveling the playing field is a way of reminding myself that I am no better than anyone else. Because of that, I respond quickly to discriminatory actions. I may not have the solutions, but I must recognize unfair hierarchi-cal behavior so that people can reflect on their actions and reactions. Finally, I am commissioned to love everyone, regardless of their backgrounds or beliefs. Because of my visibility in the community, people see that I honor the diversity in myself which, in turn, honors the diversity in others. There are no 2 people, programs or communities that are alike, which is something that a person who truly embraces diversity, equity, and inclusion honors and celebrates. There is a resolution that was approved by the Muncie Common Council protecting all people from hate crimes. The most important aspect of this resolution is that individuals committing discriminatory practices against these protected classes will be prosecuted to the greatest extent of the law. As Mayor, I would have Terry Talks with groups who are feeling disenfranchised, discriminated against and/or disrespected because of how they look, where they live or who they love. We would together come up with solutions to support individuals and groups in a way that is meaningful and lasting.

There remain discriminatory neighborhood covenants in Muncie. Would you use this city resources to rid Mun-cie neighborhoods of these covenants? Please explain your answer.

No. Realizing that Muncie has discriminatory neighborhood groups that still exist, they will have the right to exist, BUT, the message will be Clear that hate crimes and/or hate incidents will Not be tolerated in Muncie, and we will have the full sup-port of our Police Department.

Terry Whitt Bailey

Andrew Dale

Saul Riley

David Smith

No.

Yes. I’ve had discussions with our Executive Director of the Human Rights Commission about this, and it’s unfortunate that our city was redlined in this way and that such covenants are still on the books in some cases. Thankfully Federal and States Laws make such covenants null and void, but that doesn’t help with the issue that these neighborhoods were still established in this manner and it’s speaks to a broader issue of addressing some of our unjust racial history that has been untouched in Muncie. I would propose to look further into this specific issue and would be interested in allocating resources to address it if citizens and neighbors thought it would be a good use of city resources. This is just one of many issues that need to be addressed as we consider the effects of racial inequalities on the quality of place in our neighborhoods. It is time for healing, especially for those who have been discriminated against because of the racial divide in our community. Specifically pertaining to this issue, it would be a neighborhood organization’s decision to help mobilize and get signatures to have such language removed, and I would certainly support our neighborhood organi-zations in such efforts and in anything that will help restore and strengthen our associations. Organizations like the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Dream Team (of which I am a founding/current member) or Muncie Action Plan (of which I am a current board member) could facilitate conversations that I, as Mayor, would be willing to host and to support.

Yes. I would through all appropriate departments and efforts review and press for the removal of discriminatory practic-es found within neighborhood covenants.

Would you use city money to test homes for lead in the water? Please explain your answer.

The Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence has given Indiana a “D-” for its gun laws. Would you sup-port a city resolution calling for state and federal legislatures to act by passing common sense gun laws, in-cluding universal background checks and stronger domestic violence gun laws? Please explain your answer.

Yes. I recognize that Muncie has some environmental issues such as lead in our water, and Yes, I will identify resources to help investigate these issues and to remedy them.

Terry Whitt Bailey

Andrew Dale

Saul Riley

David Smith

Yes.

Gun violence is a problem and having proper background checks is imperative – and equally important is that we need to take a look at laws that already exist and begin to enforce those laws that are common sense as well. From there, we can work with our legislature so that everyone receives protection.

Terry Whitt Bailey

Yes.

Andrew Dale

Saul Riley

David Smith

Yes. In 2016, I coordinated a discussion with Mayor Tyler and Jenni Marsh (CEO of of United Way of Delaware and Henry Counties) in the community’s effort to test the soil for lead in areas where large groups children are present. The May-or’s Office and the Community Development Office paid for this testing with additional federal funding that was secured through United Way of Delaware and Henry Counties. While the results showed acceptable levels at the areas that were tested, it opened the conversation about further testing of water and water run-offs in areas where there was a history of environmental contamination. I would want to learn more about this and what would be the best process to test for this. I would look into what they’ve done in other communities and I would certainly want to work with local agencies and health professionals who are work-ing with and testing children and youth in Muncie. My office provided Community Development Block Grant funding in 2018 for BY5 to administer lead-based testing. I believe that this is a serious enough issue that the Mayor’s Office should provide some financial support for testing, along with state or federal funding.

Yes.

No. I would work with our local water utility, the Indiana American Water Company, if any concerns should arise. The Indiana American Water Company is a trusted and valued utility partner and practice water quality testing on a consistent basis.

Yes. I believe in common sense gun laws, thorough background checks and proactive and more stringent domestic vio-lence gun laws.

What are the duties of the position for which you are running, and how would you push the traditional roles to achieve progressive aims?

Terry Whitt Bailey

No answer.

Andrew Dale

Saul Riley

David Smith

As the chief executive officer of the City of Muncie I will advocate for truth and transparency through the advent of a per-manent apparatus of the City known as the City of Muncie Ethics Commission, manage through sound management and policy practices, be at the center of discussions that move our community forward, structure and maintain a process of strategic planning and critical evaluation of progress against stated strategic plan goals, advocate for innovative solutions to stem population loss and the degradation of our neighborhoods, advocate for meaningful legislation at the state and national levels, implement practices that enliven community participation in decision making through participatory de-mocracy, support and advocate for best practices for our police and fire departments, advocate for advancement based on merit of municipal employees and equip all City personnel with vocational and leadership training programs, lead by being a servant-leader and by listening to others and by seeking solutions to solve problems, and protect community assets and the individual rights of our citizens.

According to the official job description approved by the Muncie Common Council, the Mayor of the City of Muncie has 10 essential job functions: 1) scheduling, attending and coordinating agenda discussion topics for department head meetings; 2) developing and implementing citizen compliant communications system, maintaining complaint log and overseeing timely and appropriate responses from City; 3) drafting and reviewing correspondence, press releases and speeches as needed; 4) attending various community functions and meetings; 5) assisting with developing and implementing administrative policies and guidelines; 6) directing and supervising work of Secretary; 7) assisting with preparation of annual budget and annual re-port, administering department budget upon approval; 8) attending and making recommendations at various public meetings; 9) attending various professional seminars, workshops and conferences; and 10) performing related duties as assigned.

These are very basic job functions, many of which I have already been performing at the discretion and request of the current Mayor. The Mayor of Muncie is the CEO of our community, and should be knowledgeable, visible, available, accessible, pro-fessional and reliable. The Muncie community deserves a Mayor who has had a commitment to community development and community pride for the past 20+ years. I have been - and continue to be - the only Mayoral candidate who currently serves on several local, regional and state boards; and has worked in higher education, non-profit administration and local govern-ment. I consistently pushed for comprehensive diversity on boards and committees, and I am willing to use Transformative Leadership to encourage collaboration and inclusion. I am ready to serve our community and ready to bring a renewed ener-gy to City Hall.

The Mayor has executive power and the Mayor directs the administrative staff (department heads) in City Hall. Additional-ly, the Mayor works with City Council to pass and adhere to a city budget. The Mayor is responsible for City Planning and is also the city’s community leader. And, progressive aims will achieved by the City being inclusion and open to ideas and industry/technology/entrepreneurship that advances the city.

How do you propose growing the Democratic Party?

My mission is to Build Trust Community & Government, and my vision is to create 1 City/1 Team - this type of intentional relationship building - will bring people together naturally and we will rebuild the City and our whole Community.

Terry Whitt Bailey

No answer.

Andrew Dale

Saul Riley

David Smith

By restoring trust and community participation, by advocating for the core tenets of the Democratic Party and by leading as a servant-leader.

When I attended the Democratic National Convention as a Delegate in 2012, I experienced an energy for my Party that I had never felt before. I saw a massive arena of diverse Democrats who unified and spoke with one voice for their Party. I was proud to be a Democrat.

We have to make Munsonians proud to be Democrats again. As Mayor, I believe that I can bring people together by listen-ing to the issues within our Party and helping people feel welcomed, included, invited, heard and comfortable. I know that this won’t happen overnight, but I am committed to facilitating this needed transformation within our Party. I had expe-rience doing that when I was brought to the former Masonic Temple in 2004 to merge 2 non-profits and their respective boards and staffs. I also had to figure out a way to make people of color feel like they were now welcome in the building. What started out as an organization that had 48 students and a few outside rentals became a premier arts organization that sees 1,200 students and 100,000 diverse individuals participate in events in the building annually. We won’t be able to bring more people into the Democrat Party until we act like we are proud to be Democrats again. I am committed to in-tentionally recruiting young Democrats and “fresh Democrats” (new faces who are interested in taking an active role in the Party). This is important to the longevity and strength of our Party.