The Journal-World sent a 16-question survey to each candidate running for three at-large seats on the City Commission. Fourteen people filed for those seats. The March 3 primary election will whittle the field of candidates down to six for the April 7 general election. These answers are presented as they were received from the candidates.

Candidate profile: Gary Williams

• 52 years old, owner of a Lawrence janitorial and laundry service

• Full profiles and more questionnaires

Do you believe a new police headquarters facility is needed, and if so, are you open to considering a property tax or sales tax increase to fund the facility?

No, not at this time, we have a growing debt that needs to be paid down before we can even consider spending funds for a police facility.

The city in 2014 approved a new registration and licensing program for apartments and other rental units in the city. It is set to begin inspections in July. Do you support the program as approved?

Yes, this will be of a protection for all tenants.

As part of the Rock Chalk Park sports complex, the city entered into a public-private partnership with Kansas University Endowment and a private development group. As part of that agreement, the city is paying for about $12 million worth of infrastructure that was exempted from the city’s standard bidding process. Do you support public-private partnerships that involve the city paying for work that was not bid?

No. All city presented work should be bided on. No public-private partnership period.

In 2014 the city approved tax rebates for projects in East Lawrence, downtown and near the KU campus that were either wholly or largely for apartment development. Do you support providing tax incentives for apartment development?

Yes, only if the developer seeks to build housing for low income families and have the rents based on their income.

The city last year opened Lawrence Venture Park, the new business park that was built on the former Farmland Industries fertilizer plant site in eastern Lawrence. Do you support the idea of providing tax abatements and other financial incentives to attract businesses to that park?

Yes, tax abatements will be fine with me, but financial incentives as loans for any and all companies I don’t support that what so ever.

In 2015, the city is budgeted to provide about $220,000 to the Lawrence chamber of commerce to lead the community’s economic development efforts. Do you support that arrangement with the chamber?

Yes, Economic development is very vital to the cities growth for the future

In 2008 voters approved three-tenths of a percent sales tax to fund city-street maintenance and other infrastructure projects. How would you rate the condition of city streets today?

Most of the city streets are in bad condition, there are many roads and alleys that are in need of major repair.

In 2014 the city built a new dual-lane roundabout on Wakarusa Drive, and is considering building more in the future. Do you support the use of roundabouts in the city?

No, very costly and very dangerous rather have the four way stop.

Based on current city capital improvement plans, the city is scheduled to spend about $3 million in 2015 and 2016 on a project to rebuild a portion of Ninth Street as part of an effort to make the area into an “arts corridor.” As currently proposed, do you support the project?

No, we need not to use tax dollars for such a project as this one.

The city has been asked to approve financial incentives designed to spur the installation of additional gigabit, super-fast broadband service in Lawrence. Do you support the idea of providing a financial incentive to private companies interested in providing enhanced broadband services to the community?

NO! Not interested at all.

What is the biggest issue facing Lawrence neighborhood?

Common Neighborhood Problems

Good neighborhoods only happen when residents take pride in their area and are interested in working together to keep the neighborhood a good place to live.

• Vehicles (abandoned, improper parking).
• Junk and garbage (illegal dumping, garbage disposal, junk on property).
• Neglected yards (grass and weeds, standing water, trees and brush).
• Noise (parties, events, vehicles, equipment).
• Animals (dead animals, rats and insects, stray pets).
• Snow removal (sidewalks, streets, driveways).
• Rental property (maintenance, occupancy).
• Public property maintenance (right of way, drains, street lights, parks).
• New construction-related issues (uncapped foundation, mud on street, noise).
• Traffic (speeding, signs and signals).
• Water/Storm water (runoff from yards, plugged storm drain).
• Problem Reporting (where to call for common problems).

Given the other needs of the city, what is the likelihood that you would support additional funding for trails, bike lanes and other pedestrian-oriented projects in the community?

Yes, I would support these, we have a large population that walks and rides bikes. Spring and summer activities are very active, many bike riders and folks are walking. When school is in session this is very active as well.

Given the other needs of the city, what is the likelihood that you would support the idea of city assistance for a new conference center in the community? (Full disclosure: Members of The World Company, which owns the Journal-World and LJWorld.com have put forward a proposal for a downtown project that includes a conference center.)

No, City needs to stay away from this project

In 2014 there were six homicides in Lawrence, the highest number in at least a decade. Is there anything the Lawrence City Commission can do to improve public safety in the community?

Community awareness and education programs

A proposal has been made by a development group to create a major new retail area just south of the South Lawrence Traffic way and Iowa Street interchange? Are you supportive of rezoning property for major new retail developments in the community?

Yes, Limited areas to build, and if it brings additional jobs to the area.

What’s your vision for the type of community Lawrence will become in the next decade?

1. More family friendly, more to offer for the entire family
2. Self sufficient, Community owned internet services
3. A town where folks want to raise their children
4. More advanced education
5. Very strong economy
6. Very low on population with the homeless community
7. Strong communication and connection between the City Government (Fire, Police and commission and the citizens
8. Strong economic development