Q&A: Lorig Charkoudian, Ward 2 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 2 candidate Lorig Charkoudian 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?

We need to begin by changing the budget process to look for new revenues (including federal or private grants), find efficiencies, eliminate duplication, coordinate the efforts of the departments, find roles for volunteers, and emphasize long-range planning. Long-range planning is crucial for many environmental initiatives that have up-front costs but ultimately can produce substantial savings. In our current shortsighted budget process these initiatives get pushed to the back burner as too "costly." The new process should continue to use the expertise of City staff and Councilmembers but should also involve a diverse group of local residents on a year-round basis. We need to be creative and cost-efficient, and we need to establish priorities that are supported by the larger community.

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

1. New Leadership for a Healthier Environment

• New curbside pickup of household organic waste (food scraps) and cost-effective recycling of other disposable products.

• Expand renewable energy and assist residents to make their homes more energy efficient.

• Take steps to improve water quality in Sligo Creek and other waterways through smarter management of stormwater.

2. More Vibrant Local Economy & Job Creation

• Take the initiative to recruit locally owned restaurants and shops that residents want in Takoma Junction and the New Hampshire/Ethan Allen Gateway.

• Make development of the Local Food System a central component of the business development strategy

• Establish commercial kitchens where residents can prepare food for sale locally – to create income generating opportunities and increase access to local foods for all residents

• Help new entrepreneurs find private financing and navigate red tape.

3. Safer Streets for Pedestrians and Cyclists with Less Cut-Through Traffic

• Create a coordinated plan for traffic flow, to improve on current block-by-block approach.

• Fix Takoma Junction, starting with optimal light timing and safer pedestrian walkways.

• Solve the bottleneck at Sycamore, Carroll & Ethan Allen by removing a curb that juts out and prevents a passing lane.

• Enforce lower speed limits for improved pedestrian and bike safety.

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?

The most important thing in the next year is to make sure that the process used to establish the plans includes significant input from residents. Developers and businesses will be attracted to the area as the Purple Line process goes forward. We need to make sure that the design guidelines reflect the unique character of Takoma Park. We also need to make sure that the businesses are locally owned, reflect the international character of our community, and provide services which will be frequented by Takoma Park residents.

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

In my work on the Takoma Junction Task Force, I have reviewed and discussed several options, and I feel hopeful about the future of the Junction. The first task is to work with SHA to get the light timing right and to advocate for the lights to be upgraded to the system that can be managed by the County. We can then remove the curb cut that juts out after the bus bay to create a passing lane. After these two strategies are completed, we should run computerized traffic simulations on the five more significant options, which involve realigning streets and/or changing Sycamore traffic directions. With these simulations, we can
determine what strategy is most efficient for traffic flow and most pedestrian friendly.

In terms of business development, we should start by giving the area a quick boost through high end food trucks and other temporary businesses on the Co-op lot. We can create a seating area which will encourage community building, while establishing the Junction as a good place for prepared food and restaurant business. This will then encourage those interested in a restaurant to consider the Junction. The Co-op has established itself as an anchor and is considering expansion. The City can work with the Co-op to support expansion, which may result in more prepared food, more food variety, a café/seating area, and possibly a commercial kitchen. The City can also work with Blessed Coffee which has expressed interest in opening a store in the Junction. Both the Co-op and Blessed Coffee are businesses which respond to residents’ wants and are based in social justice. The City can also actively recruit other locally owned businesses that residents want to frequent.

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?

City based services allow Takoma Park to ensure that the services reflect the values and priorities of residents. In the areas where the City and County provide the same services (such as recreation, library, solid waste disposal, and some housing and community development), Takoma Park should review how the service is offered in Takoma Park and make sure it is reflective of our values. We can adjust services to better reflect our values, as the Council is currently doing with the Recreation Dept. If, after review, we determine that there is no unique and different set of services that would be offered by the City, then we should analyze if having the County provide the service would cost less (once we consider a lost rebate and additional fees the residents may pay). If so, then and only then, should the City drop the service.

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.

Getting things done that meet the needs of Takoma Park residents.