Dennis “Boog” Highberger, incumbent

How important is it that the Lawrence Transit System and KU on Wheels bus lines coordinate more?

“I support the option presented by our transit consultant that would consolidate some routes and extend evening hours on some routes. It is important to maintain student representation on the governing board of the bus system when the systems merge.”

How can the city make apartment complexes and other student living places safer from fires and crime?

“The city has already done a lot for fire safety by enforcing building codes, requiring sprinklers in multi-unit buildings. Some students have talked to me about the possibility of placing additional emergency phones in student neighborhoods near campus, and I am interested in exploring that idea.”

How can the city make the downtown area safer at night?

“Support adoption of an entertainment licensing system that would not impose any new costs or restrictions on the vast majority of venues that don’t cause any trouble, but that would give us the authority to take appropriate actions to improve safety at places that have problems with violence. I do not support a video surveillance system at this time.”

If elected, what else would you do to make Lawrence a better place for University of Kansas students?

“During my time on the commission and as mayor, I have met with students to hear student concerns. The things mentioned above are among the most important things the city can do that directly benefit students. Other things we can do are to support Lawrence Freenet’s plan to build a citywide wireless network, encouraging more city-KU events like last year’s homecoming celebration downtown, and finding more ways for students to volunteer and to participate in local government.”

David Schauner,

incumbent

How important is it that the Lawrence Transit System and KU on Wheels bus lines coordinate more?

“I think a coordinated University and city transit system is important to both parties. There are two issues which I think will cause that consolidation to be more difficult: One is cost, and two is management of the combined system.”

How can the city make apartment complexes and other student living places safer from fires and crime?

“The city probably needs more resources to do habitability inspections. With respect to crime, I think a campaign to put more light in the neighborhoods that surround the University would go a long way toward deterring crime in those areas.”

How can the city make the downtown area safer at night?

“I think downtown is, for practical purposes, a pretty darn safe place to be. I think we do need to look at an assembly license that would give us the authority to close those places that become a nuisance or seem to attract more criminal behavior.”

If elected, what else would you do to make Lawrence a better place for University students?

“I think an integrated bus system would make getting to and from where you live easier. I think an entertainment district with assembly licenses might make staying out until two or three in the morning safer. I think more job opportunities would help students as well.”

James Bush

How important is it that the Lawrence Transit System and KU on Wheels bus lines coordinate more?

“It makes more sense to have one very well developed transit system than two systems that overlap services. Perhaps a cost savings can benefit both the city and KU.”

How can the city make apartment complexes and other student living places safer from fires and crime?

“The city can provide greater enforcement of safety codes and require property owners to bring all dwellings up to specific fire safety code. In any neighborhood where crime is of greater concern, the Lawrence Police Department can demonstrate greater presence. “

How can the city make the downtown area safer at night?

“First, the Lawrence Police Department needs to demonstrate greater presence when the late-night bars open for business, rather than just at closing time. Second, the city can do more to post signs regarding concealed weapons. Third, I support the enactment of Mayor Amyx’s recommendation for a stricter gun law.”

If elected, what else would you do to make Lawrence a better place for University students?

“I will work to expand the Lawrence tax base through economic development and job creation. I will work to bring new businesses to Lawrence, both commercial and light industrial. I believe students would appreciate the opportunity to stay in Lawrence after graduation. I will work to bring those professional jobs to Lawrence.”

Rob Chestnut

How important is it that the Lawrence Transit System and KU on Wheels bus lines coordinate more?

“The combination of these systems needs to be viewed by both entities to make sure it is cost-efficient for both. If it delivers a better system for both groups, I would certainly want to review the possibilities.”

How can the city make apartment complexes and other student living places safer from fires and crime?

“The city needs to continue reviewing its building codes and enforcement to make sure that student living is safe.”

How can the city make the downtown area safer at night?

“Tools of law enforcement that the city has must continue to be diligent to make downtown safer. It is essential for law enforcement to work closely with establishment owners to continue improving the situation.”

If elected, what else would you do to make Lawrence a better place for University students?

“I would like to create more job opportunities for graduating seniors from KU. A more robust employment environment would be a major contribution for students here in Lawrence.”

Jake Davis

How important is it that the Lawrence Transit System and KU on Wheels bus lines coordinate more?

“With the increased service and more efficient operation an integration would provide, I think it is very important.”

How can the city make apartment complexes and other student living places safer from fires and crime?

“We need to tighten the regulations on landlords regarding fire suppression systems and the city needs to make sure every street is well lit at night.”

How can the city make the downtown area safer at night?

“Downtown is safe. But we need to be sure to fully prosecute the isolated incidents that the media uses to make it seem otherwise.”

If elected, what else would you do to make Lawrence a better place for University students?

“My goal is to bring the kind of jobs to town that will allow students to stay in Lawrence after graduating. I want to make Lawrence both the green and music capital of the region. KU is the only reason this city still exists, and we have to respect the students’ place in it.”

Mike Dever

How important is it that the Lawrence Transit System and KU on Wheels bus lines coordinate more?

“Ridership and revenue may increase if the process of navigating Lawrence and the KU campuses using public transportation is made simpler. There may also be economies of scale and financial savings achieved if the systems were to work together more effectively.”

How can the city make apartment complexes and other student living places safer from fires and crime?

“The fire department could increase their public awareness programs for students at campus locations to educate students on the importance of proper smoke and carbon monoxide detector maintenance and operation as well as evacuation procedures and emergency egress equipment, in association with existing organizations. KU students and the Lawrence police department could implement an apartment complex/housing crime awareness task force, also in association with existing programs.

How can the city make the downtown area safer at night?

“An increased police presence and enhanced cooperation between downtown patrons and businesses owners could immediately impact the safety of downtown patrons. All three groups need to work together to effectively police and patrol the numerous establishments that are frequented by a variety of students and citizens.”

If elected, what else would you do to make Lawrence a better place for University students?

“By increasing the number of employers in Lawrence, I believe we can provide all University students more opportunities to further their marketability and obtain real-world job skills necessary to secure solid employment after graduation. If the city can help existing business grow and attract new businesses to Lawrence, we can allow more students to work in Lawrence and obtain internships and full-time employment locally.”

Sam Fields

How important is it that the Lawrence Transit System and KU on Wheels bus lines coordinate more?

“To conserve on resources mainly. This would bring better service as well.”

How can the city make apartment complexes and other student living places safer from fires and crime?

“The fire department does a pre-semester inspection with door-knob cards each semester. I would encourage this practice to continue. Each tenant can demand better security from their apartment complex management,”

How can the city make the downtown area safer at night?

“The police department has a foot and bike patrol that scours the downtown district in the high-traffic hours. I think we can improve the lighting in the areas between downtown and campus.”

If elected, what else would you do to make Lawrence a better place for University students?

“I have said that I wish to keep the downtown sidewalks cleaner. I would support the city in acquiring sidewalk cleaning machinery to regularly clean the high-traffic sidewalks. At 14th through 11th streets between downtown and campus, sidewalks are steep and falls can occur. I would like to make these sidewalks safer and more easily traveled and at the same time preserve their historic brick looks by adding natural stone steps and pavers on level runs.”

Michael Limburg

How important is it that the Lawrence Transit System and KU on Wheels bus lines coordinate more?

“I think it’s pretty important for them to coordinate for the benefit of all of Lawrence.”

How can the city make apartment complexes and other student living places safer from fires and crime?

“For the fires, it would be reviewing the building codes and updating older apartments. For security, form apartment watch groups and possibly student patrols.”

How can the city make the downtown area safer at night?

“The city can, on nights of heavy concerts or sporting games, put more walking patrol officers when inclement weather will not allow biking officers to be out, and put out patrol cars to make the police presence more visible.”

If elected, what else would you do to make Lawrence a better place for University students?

“Try and make housing more affordable to where the students and people in Lawrence can afford it. To try and get a permanent council to where renters and landlords can meet and work out differences instead of taking each other to court. Maybe create a permanent litigator, or try to form a landlord-renters’ bill of rights.”

Carey Maynard-Moody

How important is it that the Lawrence Transit System and KU on Wheels bus lines coordinate more?

“It seems prudent that we provide services that are in the best interest to the entire community. It seems that coordination of services works toward that end.”

How can the city make apartment complexes and other student living places safer from fires and crime?

“I suggest that students be more proactive about rendering access to their apartments for fire safety inspections. I would welcome hearing from students about what legitimate requests they have asked of the city police department re personal safety that the department has not been responsive to.”

How can the city make the downtown area safer at night?

“The larger the number of residents downtown, the safer the area becomes. As city commissioner, I will seek student participation in creating new safety measures for the downtown area.”

If elected, what else would you do to make Lawrence a better place for University students?

“The economic stability and vitality of the downtown is heavily influenced by how and where students and other shoppers spend their money. I will work with existing organizations to help educate all consumers about the impact of their spending habits. I will continue to work with the Sierra Club and city staff to draft and implement a comprehensive energy conservation master plan.”

Kansan staff writer Matt Erickson can be contacted at merickson@kansan.com.

— Edited by Mark Vierthaler