Bob Schumm, one of six candidates for three seats on the Lawrence City Commission, answers reader-submitted questions in advance of the April 7 general election.

Moderator

Welcome to our online chat with City Commissioner Bob Schumm, who is running for re-election. Please submit your questions in the space below. Thanks for being here, Bob.

Bob Schumm

Good morning to all!

Yeoman2

Do you think it is about time to remove those damned fool roundabouts from our city street intersections? I ride every day on school bus as an attendant and the near misses and close calls at these stupid European devices by distracted drivers who do not know the meaning of “Yield” signs is very frightening.

Bob Schumm

I am a fan of roundabouts, they are efficient, cost lots less than signals, and are a lot less injurious when there is an accident. We have received many compliments from the new multi- lane roundabout on Wakrusa drive. I think they are here to stay.

Moderator

Send us your questions by using the space below. Here is an emailed question from Tony: Do you support providing Broadband Fiber(1Gb) Internet to every home and business in Lawrence?

Bob Schumm

I am In favor of seeing that fiber is available in our community. I want a company to be the provider and not the City. I am in favor of using City resources to entice the offering of this fiber service to our citizens. It should be available to all.

Moderator

This question is an e-mailed question from Shawn: Do you think the amount of wages paid to city officials and/or number of paid officials is justifiable for our city?

Bob Schumm

I feel that our employees are top notch, work hard, and do a fantastic job. I feel that they are paid appropriately.

Moderator

This is an e-mailed question from Ken: With infrastructure being a core responsibility of Lawrence, (water, sewers, streets, interest, police, fire, (hi speed internet?), how much “premium” should be placed on non core items?

Bob Schumm

Quality of life in Lawrence hinges on several things. First and foremost functional infrastructure is paramount to our citizens. But there is much more that goes into the quality of life equation. Parks and Recreation services, the Arts and Culture, and major events that attract crowds and entertain our citizens are important ingredients in the formula. I feel like we should be promoting the entire package in order to enjoy a true quality of life in Lawrence.

Moderator

This question comes from Sean, and he has a question about police equipment: Are you concerned with purchases such as the “riot van”, are things like that too expensive, and are you concerned their overuse may contribute to violence in situations that would otherwise remain more peaceful?

Bob Schumm

I think our police are real professionals and act accordingly. I presume you are talking about the armored vehicle that the police employ in dangerous, stand off situations. I do believe it is used appropriately and provides a level of safety for our officers as well as any potential victims.

Moderator

We’re near the end of our questions. If you have a question you would like to ask Bob, now would be a good time to submit it in the space provided below. This is an emailed question from Melinda: If elected, how would you use social media to enhance communication with the residents of Lawrence?

Mark_Luttrell

In hindsight to the funding and creation of Rock Chalk Park, do you think you should have put it up for a public vote instead of the means to which it was voted in purely by the Commission instead?

Bob Schumm

Right now we are using social media much more so than just a few years ago.We need to continue to use the state of the art communications in order to inform our citizens.

Bob Schumm

In hind sight putting Rock Chalk Park to a vote would have made the process less contentious. I do believe it would have passed a public vote and therefore proceeded without one. I also feel if the infrastructure would have been bid a lot of the commotion would have been substantially reduced. I am hopeful that the extraordinary use that the facility’s receiving will help mitigate the hard feelings that some citizens harbor about the process.

Moderator

Well, we’ve reached the end of our chat. Thank you to everyone who participated. A special thank you to Bob for his time. Our final chat is at noon on Friday (March 27) with candidate Stuart Boley.

Bob Schumm

Thanks to Chad and the LJWorld.com for the opportunity to this on-line chat. A very good day to all and most of all be sure to vote now through April 7 th. Cheers! Bob Schumm.