David Kelly is the city councilor for Ward 3. Kelly, a graduate of Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a computer systems consultant, has been a city councilor since 1999 and is currently council president.
Q: Why are you running for the city council?
A: The flip answer is that the alternative would be sitting at home throwing things at the television. I was motivated to run the first time because I really want to make a difference in a community I love. I really want to continue my work, and I’ve gotten a lot of positive feedback from constituents.
Q: What are they key issues facing Ward 3 residents?
A: This ward has many characteristics that are distinctive about it. It’s an older part of the city, and that’s a plus in terms of character, sense of community, established natural features. It’s also a challenge because a lot of the housing stock is old, not in very good shape and not well maintained. It has a high percentage of students. This ward is one of the more progressive, liberal or civic-minded wards in the city.
One issue that has been dominant is good planning and growth management. How do we maintain what people think are the good qualities of Eugene at the same time as we’re growing and developing? Another long-standing concern is rental housing quality. I’m hearing quite a bit of discussion about economic development, but in this ward I hear, “How can we better grow our own, how can we put into place programs and incentives for companies that start here to be able to grow here?”
Q: Are students adequately represented on the city council? How would you facilitate communication between students and city councilors?
A: I would say (student) voices have been heard when they speak. I think city issues have been discussed by council very thoroughly when they come to our attention. A good example of that was when the special response ordinance was proposed. ASUO got active, reached out to all the councilors, and the ordinance that was adopted was a great deal more equitable than the original proposal.
I would like to see some sort of ongoing forum come together, but I’m not precisely sure about how to bring that about. In one sense, ASUO is viewed as the representative for the students. But when the turnout at the ASUO election is 5 to 10 percent, who’s speaking for all those who didn’t vote?
Q: Recent assaults on campus have heightened concern about public safety. Is the area safe?
A: The area is as safe or safer than most cities of this size. Is it as safe as it should be? Certainly not. Some things that can make a difference that are not budget busters are some of the ideas that are actually coming out, like the Yellow Jackets. Just putting out more eyes on the street can be really effective. Certainly there’s a need on the University’s end to make students aware of how to take reasonable precautions without feeling so inhibited that they fear to walk outside.
There is a significant contingent that has some real issues with the Eugene Police Department, not to mention DPS. There’s a double-edged sword, with some people saying we need more police protection, with others saying the police are protecting with a heavy hand. The best thing the council can do is praise our public safety folks when they deserve it, criticize them when they deserve it and try to work more on prevention strategies. Either 80 or 85 percent of crime can be traced back to drugs. I have constantly pushed for funding for drug and alcohol treatment programs.
Q: Would you support drafting a city housing code?
A: I would like to see something along the lines of the Corvallis system, which sets basic habitability standards in several areas, such as heat, insulation and plumbing — with an enforcement mechanism. The challenge with a housing code is that I’m sure a full 20-page code will not pass the council. I think an approach such as the Corvallis standards has a greater chance, and I’d like to see that happen.
Q: What should Eugene do to attract businesses and create jobs?
A: I’d prefer dedicated funding for the Lane Venture Forum, which brings together local entrepreneurs and local investors. In between, there’s a volunteer panel that reviews business plans from the entrepreneurs before they go to investors so they are more prepared. We also need to do some very carefully targeted recruitment of outside companies that have high wages, high benefits and companies that are compatible with Eugene’s values.
Q: What are your concerns about the departure of Sacred Heart Medical Center?
A: First, call me a cockeyed optimist, but I’m not sure it’s entirely final that PeaceHealth is moving. There will be changes in health care services. It’s very important that we look at how to keep viable hospitals in business and how do we provide adequate emergency services in the area.
Q: Should the city council support construction of the West Eugene Parkway, an $88 million project that would build an expressway in West Eugene to reduce traffic congestion?
A: We’re going to hold hearings in May, and we’re going to get a report from the planning commission. It won’t be appropriate for me to comment until I see the report from the planning commission and hear the testimony.
Q: The city council has been criticized for being uncivil and deeply divided. How would you operate in that politically charged environment?
A: I absolutely refuse to get drawn into the name calling or personal attacks that have gone on. That’s not productive. It’s good and right that there is vigorous debate of issues. People say it’s terrible council is so divided. Well, the community is divided. The council is reflecting the different opinions in the community, and the way we move forward is to discuss those different points of view.