Candidates for City Commission will talk to the public at 7 p.m. at City Hall today. The general elections will take place on April 7. Before the meeting, the candidates answered five questions about how the City Commission could affect students’ lives.

1. How can the city ensure a safe downtown environment at night?

Mike Amyx: Foot patrols from the police department. We have a big crowd downtown from Thursday to Saturday. The crowds themselves have got to be good citizens when they are in downtown.

Price Banks: There is a need to continually maintain open lines of communication between city government, including law enforcement and fire officials, and downtown business owners. There needs to be a continual analysis of issues relating to public safety. When problems are identified, they should be dealt with promptly and fairly. One mechanism that should be evaluated and discussed is video surveillance in key areas.

James Bush: I would support the city by doing the following:

—­ An increase in police presence through bike patrol and foot patrol.

— Establishments that continually add to unsafe activities should be held accountable.

— Working with social service agencies in moving homeless out of downtown to places better able to accommodate those in need.

Lance Johnson: First, let me say, that our downtown is one of the things that sets Lawrence apart from other communities. It is a great place to spend time and get the true feel of what makes Lawrence unique. If downtown is not safe, then people will leave and then stores will follow. It needs to be safe both at night and during the day. I feel the best way the city can provide a safe environment is through a visible and well-staffed police force downtown and active and engaged businesses downtown.

Tom Johnson: I think that it is the best interest of the city and KU to work on the issue together. KU student senate and other KU organizations are working together on this through safety programs. It’s the city’s responsibility to make sure the Lawrence police have the resources they need.

Gwendolyn Klingenberg: More activity — crimes drop when witnesses are present. Thus, preserve existing stores and restaurants; bring new ones downtown.

2. How can the city make student dwellings safer from fires and crimes?

Amyx: There is an item that is coming up at the city commission meeting on Tuesday that deals with rental registration that falls in the 50 years and older right now. What we do have is program that allows anyone, students included, to file a complaint if they believe their housing is substandard with Neighborhood Resources.

Banks: Student residences provide some of the same challenges as the downtown environment. Maintaining open lines of communication between city government, including law enforcement and fire officials, and students and landlords is absolutely essential. We need fair and effective enforcement of existing codes, as well as continuing analysis of issues.

Bush: As a commissioner I would support the following:

— The University should provide inspections of student dwellings, even those off-campus, and privately owned — perhaps limit to residences within a certain radius to KU.

— The University can add some basic programs that offer assistance to students living away from home for the first time.

— If the problem continues, the University can require first & second-year students to live in campus housing.

L. Johnson: The city needs to have up-to-date codes and enforce those codes both on existing dwellings as well as new construction. As far as crimes, again it goes to having a visible and well staffed police force. We need to try to prevent the criminal before they get to someone’s door/window.

T. Johnson: This is collaborative issue. I am in favor of annual inspection of rental properties to make sure that landlords are providing students with code compliant housing. In terms of crime this is an issue where police resources and crime prevention education are helpful, while keeping an eye on the broader reasons that crimes occurs.

Klingenberg: Rental inspections.

3. What can the city do to facilitate job growth in Lawrence?

Amyx: There are all different kinds of jobs that people want and need. There has been a lot of discussion concerning industrial ground. I think the city is doing a couple of things — We put a bid on the old farmland, the co-op side east of town. There will be an opportunity there for industrial development. We have been able to make some headway into sites available for new business. I’m a believer of the living wage. Employees who are going to work for companies need to have a wage that they can take care of their families.

Banks: We have a unique opportunity to grow jobs via the federal stimulus programs. I do not believe this is a one-shot effort. I was a leader in local government in the 70s when we we’re faced with a similar downturn in the economy. The programs initiated then continued in one form or the other for many years. The stimulus programs will fund public works, which can be a major method to channel federal funds directly to private employers and to the persons necessary to do the real work involved. I do not believe we need to grow jobs in local government; however, existing human resources in local government can be put to work implementing the programs.

Bush: I support the following:

— Support for the Lawrence public library plan for a small & independent business incubator.

— Change the environment for doing business in Lawrence — less hostility.

— Change policies that keep Lawrence off the site selector lists.

— Level the playing field for growing businesses.

— The process for new business and expanding business should be predictable, fair, and quick.

L. Johnson: As you may or may not know, job creation/growth is my main platform that I am running on. I think it is vital to the future of Lawrence. Without job growth, our community is in jeopardy of losing the quality of life we enjoy here and the things that make Lawrence great (i.e. strong and vibrant downtown, parks and recreation opportunities, social service organizations, great schools and community hospital, good retirement services, etc.).

T. Johnson: I think that the city needs to do more to provide decent paying jobs for people 18-to-35 with a focus on small, agile new business growth in Lawrence.

Klingenberg: Land — ample but not excessive. Education — enhance the quality of the workforce. Financing ­— stand ready to provide bond financing especially now in a time of credit market shutdown. Purchasing co-ops, introduce new business entrepreneurs to retiring business owners, revolving small business loans, tax incentives, leave nothing off the table for discussion, buy local, support the libraries business center, connect retirees who move here with KU students, incubator business programs, develop neighborhood commercial center co-ops.

4. How important are University students to your campaign for city commission?

Amyx: I think pretty important. Obviously through my business I come in contact with a lot of students. I have a couple of classes that I go to on-campus every semester. I get the opportunity to visit with them in the classroom and at my business. I would love to have them all participate in the elections along with everyone in the community. I try to tell students this is a community and community means the University. If you’re a registered voter here you should be involved. Everything that we provide, a student is going to use.

Banks: Are you kidding? Students across the nation have awakened to politics. They are a substantial percentage of the city’s population and constituency. KU in many ways defines Lawrence, and KU is defined by students.

Bush: Very important. This is my second run for city commission. Students were a part of my campaign then as they are now. In addition, I have visited with students to expand the partnership between the student body and the community. I am committed to Lawrence becoming an affordable option to KU students to live here after graduation.

L. Johnson: They are very important. I am a KU graduate. I earned both my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in civil engineering from KU. I love KU, and consider myself born a Jayhawk. My dad played football at KU in the mid 60s and there never was a question where I would attend college. I hope the students get involved in the local election. I think it is very important. You can really have an impact in a city election and this is where decisions are made that directly affect you, your friends, neighbors and community.

T. Johnson: I would say extremely important. I hope to represent the student and young professional voice in Lawrence.

Klingenberg: Very. More help would be beneficial.

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

Amyx: One of the big things is, I want make sure that the students feel safe in the community. We have a big responsibility. A family brings their kid to the University and drops them off. They want to make sure the city is providing the services and public safety; that is my priority. I want them to able to have a fun time and at the same time be safe.

Banks: I believe that Lawrence can be a better place for all our residents. We need to improve the quality of life for all our residents. We need a “user friendly” city hall that is devoted to service to the community. We also need to bring the University back to the table.

Bush: If elected, job growth will be my first priority. If Lawrence can attract more employers to Lawrence, thus giving more students a greater opportunity to live and work in Lawrence after graduation, I believe that can go a long way to make Lawrence a better place for University students. Every new job created directly, has a significant, though indirect, influence on additional jobs. In addition, a stronger local economy can improve the quality of life for students.

L. Johnson: I want our city to be focused on job creation. If we can grow jobs, then there is more opportunity for students to work while they attend school and hopefully stay after they graduate. I want Lawrence to be a place of opportunity. Right now, I don’t think there are too many opportunities for graduating students to find good jobs in Lawrence. I want to change that. Please visit my Web site to learn more about me.

T. Johnson: I am in favor of gradually raising minimum wage. Currently, the state of Kansas has a minimum wage of 2.65 an hour. Raising the minimum wage enables KU students to work one job instead of two or three and improves standard of living for everybody. I will also work to keep funding for social services at current levels despite purposed budget cuts because countless KU students depend on local social services to meet basic needs.

Klingenberg: Work towards an incubator program for KU grads to start their business and work to introduce KU students to retiring businesses.

Aron Cromwell and Dennis Constance are also candidates for City Commission. They did not respond in time for publication.

— — Edited by Realle Roth