Designed for
City Council and Mayor Candidates only!
(Sharon Sayles
Belton’s answers)
1.
Would you support continued
improvements to the Living Wage policy?
Yes. I have
worked to ensure individuals have the resources to support themselves and more
importantly their families. I have
provided leadership through the initiation of a concept called Industry
Clusters, in the growth industries of Minnesota, which brings labor, the
private sector and government together to provide training and support to individuals
so they can achieve living wages and benefits.
2.
Why are you seeking Labors
endorsement?
The people who work for the city are city
government. Minneapolis will only stay
healthy, safe and resilient if there is a strong labor management partnership. I believe in an organized work force to
guarantee that good wages and benefits are provided to workers and that the
rights of workers are protected.
3.
Do you support prevailing
wage?
Yes.
4.
What is your position on
contracting with private entities to provide public services that are currently
provided by public employees?
I do not support the privatization of public
services.
5.
What role do you see Local
Government as an employer has in addressing the PERA funding gap?
It would be my hope that the State Legislature would
enact funding legislation to address this gap.
If however they indicate the city has an obligation in meeting this need
we would need to look at the option of a levy to address this issue. We must also look to the future to ensure that
the needs of employees will be met, and look at phasing in a plan over time so
that the employee is not harmed nor is the collective bargaining process.
6.
What do you view as the core
programs and services of Local Government?
I believe the core programs and services of a local
government are;
-
Public
Safety (Police and Fire protection)
-
Strong
infrastructure which includes provision of water, sanitation, bridges, and
roads to its citizens.
-
Provision
of strong parks, schools and libraries
-
Advocating
for the well being of its citizens.
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Two
7.
Do you support the shift of
property tax burdens for school operating referendums from business property to
homeowners?
No.
8.
What is the role of the City
of Minneapolis in providing for jobs and economic opportunities for people in
the metropolitan area? Can you point to specific actions?
The City of Minneapolis plays a critical role in
providing jobs and economic opportunities, and it serves as a catalyst to
attract businesses to the city and the metropolitan area. This is seen in such projects as the
expansion of the Convention Center, Block E development, Riverfront housing,
commercial corridors and with the Empowerment Zone. The city achieves this role by ensuring that there is;
-
appropriate
land use planning
-
strong
public educational institutions
-
public
financing to help spur development
-
clean-up
and remediation of polluted land
9.
Would you promptly consult
the Central Labor Union Council on issues of interest to our membership?
Yes, your input is critical to me. I have been your partner in the past and
will continue in that role.
10.
What do you believe is the
appropriate use of Tax Increment Financing?
I support its use.
It is a tool to help spur development in Minneapolis and as a result
allows the city to create new jobs which pay a living wage and also helps to
produce more housing, which we must do.
11.
Do you support “Buying
Union” made products and services with City dollars?
Yes
12.
Do you support a permit code
and competency system for the Trades that welcomes input from union contractors
and Trades persons?
Yes
13.
Please describe your
campaign strategy and how you see Labor assisting in your strategy.
I plan to seek the DFL endorsement at the May 5th
convention at Melby Hall, Augsburg College.
I will be seeking dates for screening from other labor organizations and
other groups prior to the convention. I
than plan to engage in an aggressive campaign to put forth the voters the
accomplishments of my last eight years as Mayor and discuss the concerns confronting
the citizens of our city. I see Labor
assisting in helping with GOTV efforts, registering new voters, in literature
drops, putting up lawn signs, and with financial support.