Politics & Government

Q&A: Mike Graul, Ward 3 Candidate

Check out what the candidates have to say.

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 Mike Graul 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?

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 As city revenues are likely to remain stagnant for the short-term future, the city budget should maintain current services while significantly improving the quality of those services to residents.  The city council does not need to cut the budget.  It needs to ensure that the premium we all pay for living in Takoma Park is justified by the benefits received.  Meeting with Ward 3 residents, the consistent theme expressed is the need for improvement.  Rather than new programs, the city should concentrate on improving existing ones.

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

Find out what's happening in Takoma Parkwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Substantially increased oversight by the council of the city government will directly translate into an improvement of Takoma Park’s quality of life.  An over reliance on “advisory” committees has led to seemingly endless discussion of issues without any solutions, e.g. Takoma Junction.  It should take days, not months or years, to fix an incorrectly timed traffic light.   Finally, city staff needs to recognize its obligation to respond to residents’ concerns in a timely and courteous manner.  Specific proposals to address the above are detailed at mike4ward3.wordpress.com.

 

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 multi-cultural environment of the Crossroads must be preserved.  Do we want/need another Rockville Town Center?  If commercial/residential development proceeds, a key question is what will it be like in 20 years?

 

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

 

I believe most residents recognize that the Junction is extremely unlikely to transform into a destination shopping or cultural mecca.  Businesses come and go, but in reality not much has  changed in the 30 years I’ve lived a block away.  The market will largely determine evolution of the commercial strip.  Traffic:  If retiming the traffic lights cannot be accomplished and installing a traffic circle hasn’t been discussed enough (sarcasm intended), perhaps detailing a police officer to direct traffic through the Junction (and also at Philadelphia & Maple Avenues) during the a.m. and p.m. rush hours is a reasonable, low cost solution.

 

5. 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.

 

“Good” government in Takoma Park is a minimum benchmark.  However as citizens, residents and taxpayers, we would be negligent if we don’t demand exceptional government.  If elected, I will devote my energies to advocating common sense solutions to achieve a higher standard of governance.  Also, please exercise your most fundamental Constitutional right:  VOTE on November 8th.


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