Candidate Survey: Diana Allen (Ward 5)
Diana Allen
LAKEWOOD WARD 5 Candidate survey
- Name: Diana M. Allen
- Occupation: Public Information Officer, Westminster Fire Department
- Length of Ward 5 residency: 10 years
- Website: www.Allen4Lakewood.com
- E-mail:dallenward5@yahoo.com
- Campaign phone number: 303-942-0895
- Family: two sons — Nic is 7 and Joey is 5
Q: The city is compiling proposed changes to the Zoning Ordinance. What specific changes would you like to see and why?
A: I would like the update of the Zoning Ordinance to accomplish two things – change to a more user-friendly format and offer more flexibility. With the current ordinance it is very hard to find complete information; for example, if a resident is building a backyard shed, there are several places in the ordinance that apply to this type of project and no cross-reference. At the very least the new code should include an index, and at the best it should be organized in a simple manner with an on-line search feature so applicable codes are easy to find. Second, our code structure seems rigid. There are times when the ordinance does not allow a sensible change (like allowing a guest house on a large property) without planning commission and Council approval of a zoning change. I would like to see a process where projects are addressed at an appropriate level – perhaps allow the guest house addition if a neighborhood petition demonstrates support and planning commission agrees it fits the comprehensive plan. Both these changes would mean better service to citizens in a timely manner.
Q: The city is dipping into its savings account (the reserve fund) to overcome a $2.7 million revenue gap this year and an expected $2.5 million shortfall next year. Although the reserve exceeds Council-mandated levels, it can stretch only so far. What can be done to bring the city’s budget back into balance other than hoping for an economic upturn?
A: State law requires a reserve of 3% and Council has a goal of 10% — the reserve fund is currently at 24% of the general fund, well exceeding those standards. The purpose of the reserve is to fund shortfalls when times are tough – like now. If, as time goes on, we continue to need to dip into the reserve and we’re getting too close to the 10% I would advocate to make permanent cuts to bring the budget in balance. There is no easy way to cut the City budget; almost anything would involve layoffs to make a true impact. The bulk of the budget is police, public works, and parks & recreation, so those areas would likely lose staff members and programs if we had to cut the budget.
Q: Because of the recession, many homeowners are unable to maintain their home’s curb appeal, which can affect the value of homes in the surrounding neighborhood. What would you do to encourage upkeep of deteriorating properties?
A: Lakewood has done a good job of utilizing federal dollars (Community Development Block Grants, HOME funds, etc.) to support neighborhoods. Many neighborhoods in Lakewood have developed neighborhood plans with the support of City staff. I think it’s imperative to keep up these efforts as well as look at new avenues. I would like to see an annual clean-up supported by the City, offering residents the chance to easily dispose of items at several locations in Lakewood. Partnering with non-profits that offer home upgrades to low-income families and seniors as well as utilizing volunteers are two avenues we could explore. Lastly, a small matching grant program for home owners and small businesses to encourage them to invest in their property would be great. Of course all these ideas take money, and that is the real challenge. However, offering incentives to homeowners and businesses to invest in upkeep of their properties instead of depending on code enforcement is my goal.
Q: What is the first issue you will bring before council if you are elected/re-elected?
A: Budget is the main concern right now. It’s important to get numbers monthly to determine whether the budget is going to work. Things are so volatile right now that I feel we need to be conservative and react quickly if revenues are worse than our projections. I will continue bring the issue before Council and recommend action if necessary.
Q: Elections, including the upcoming City Council election, are expensive and special elections outside the General Election cycle are even more costly on a per-vote basis. City Hall wants to schedule all special elections resulting from petition drives to be on November ballots. The exception would be those elections on issues Council deems more important. Where do you stand on the issue, which itself could become a ballot question next year?
A: I would like to offer the OPTION of having special elections coordinate with the general election cycle. I would not vote for a mandate that special elections be held in November, nor would I support the determination be by Council alone. I would like to see a change to the City charter to allow special elections happen in concert with regular elections – if all the parties involved agree.
