Q&A: Jeffrey Noel-Nosbaum, Ward 3 Candidate

Throughout this week we'll be running Q&A's with candidates in the Takoma Park City Council election. Any of the candidates that responded to our questions will be posted.

Ward 3 candidate Jeffrey Noel-Nosbaum sat down with Patch to answer questions before the Nov. 8 election.

1. Where would you cut the budget? Can the city progress with programs or does it need to simply maintain it's current services because of budget issues?

I do not believe the budget needs serious cutting.  There is always the need for evaluation to make sure that the City Government is running efficiently and effectively.  Right now the Takoma Park is actually fairing better budget-wise than Maryland and Montgomery County.  For now the economy will prevent program expansion or tax reduction; however, if we simply maintain current levels, then when the economy really starts to improve we can have serious debates about priorities in City Government on tax and service levels.

2. Name three things you would propose as a council member to improve livability in Takoma Park.

1-Taking the tax duplication case not only to the county and state legislators and executives but to the residents of unincorporated areas as well to give decision makers the backing they need to support us.  (It wouldn't hurt if we could convince more parts of the county to incorporate as well.)

2-Take actions to attract more car and bike sharing programs and locations in the city.

3-Continue to improve bicycle and pedestrian routes within the city.

3. With the County Council adopting the CR Zone what would you like to see happen to the Takoma Langley Crossroads? Where is the balance between development and livability?

Ultimately I think the Crossroads is an ideal place for development in the city if it is done right.  I think the key is making sure the development and redesign is environmentally friendly, visually appealing and inviting, and is properly phased back into the residential areas of the city in a way that maintains the suburban character of most of our neighborhoods.

4. How do you see the Takoma Junction developing? How would you quell the traffic issue?

I think if the Junction were properly designed it would allow for Co-op expansion and therefore better selection as well as creating space for and attracting additional businesses for the residents of Wards 1, 2, and 3.  It is my opinion that a roundabout would be the best way to go.  The problem is that there really is not space to build it without encroaching on private property.  I think if the city were able to reforest other areas, then the hillside behind the Co-op could be filled to create level ground and along with the empty parking lots between the Co-op and the firehouse could be used to create a large roundabout with the Co-op, and maybe the Junction in the center.
 

5. With tax duplication being such a big issue with residents, how would you make city services worth the extra money residents currently pay? If the county is providing a better service do you think the city should drop that service?

The whole point of incorporating is so more and better services can be provided.  I think for the most part the city meets its end of that bargain, though there is always room for improvement.  If the county provides the same service the city does in a cheaper way for the same level of service or a higher level of service for the same cost, then the city should evaluate whether it should continue that service.  One caveat is that any evaluation should account for whether the county's provision of or cost for that service will continue and whether the city can make changes to reduce its cost for or improve its delivery of the service.  Also please see my first proposal under question two for my proposal for a new strategy to approach the tax duplication issue.

6. What issue is most important to you? Just speak your mind on this one and let the readers know why it is important for you to be sitting at the dais after the November election.

I do not have one or two issues that I think are most important to address.  I am running because the city needs more people involved.  For a city with as many activists as we have on all levels of government, it is appalling how little involvement we have with our most local level of government, the city.  I grew up in this city and have developed a love of policy and politics and want to make a difference.  At 29 years old, I would bring youth and a fresh perspective to the City Council.  I also think that my perspective as a renter is important given how many renters are in Takoma Park and our pride in our affordable housing efforts.  I think that since Marc Elrich moved on to the County Council, we have been missing a local government employee's perspective and as a County Government employee, I would provide that perspective.  Lastly, I want to quote the a saying that was instilled in me by living in Takoma Park and yet is an aspiration we often fall short of, I want us to "Think Globally and Act Locally."