Jim Flory Questionnaire Response
1) The City of Lawrence, Douglas County and the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce have a long history of working together on the promotion of economic development. What actions would you take as a county commissioner to make this partnership more successful in the future?
I fully support the partnership and believe that quality economic development can only be accomplished with the active participation of city government, county government and the private sector. In order for this joint venture to be successful, there must be clearly defined common goals, frequent and frank communication, and an on-going assessment of performance and accountability. Creating and maintaining a business-friendly climate is absolutely essential
to attracting and retaining business and industry in Douglas County, and I would work diligently with the City of Lawrence and the Chamber of Commerce to create and promote that environment.
2) Do you support the use of tax abatements as a recruitment tool for new industry, or the expansion of existing industries, if the applicant can demonstrate that the remaining taxes paid by the industry are sufficient to cover the cost of local government services rendered to that industry?
I do not believe that tax abatements should be considered the general rule for recruitment, but rather, should be the exception to the rule and used only in extraordinary circumstances where a substantial benefit to the entire community is clear. To the extent possible, I favor marketing our community based upon non-abatement benefits, such as a quality school system, excellent work force, presence of Haskell and KU, and the existence of comprehensive, high quality human services.
I would like to attract business and industry that want to locate or expand in Douglas County because of the quality of life their employees would enjoy, rather than the tax break they would get from the governing bodies. In current economic times this goal may be difficult, but I nevertheless think it is the appropriate long-term growth strategy.
3) What would you do as a County Commissioner to ensure that all development rules are clear, consistently applied and provide an incentive rather than a deterrent for quality economic development?
The first step is for the governing bodies to insure that the rules are clear and unequivocal. Once that is accomplished, our approach should be to work with business entities to achieve compliance rather than creating obstacles to compliance. While the actual enforcement of development rules must be carried out by the appropriate agencies, I believe that oversight by the governing bodies is appropriate. The mindset of regulatory agencies and personnel should be to
help the regulated entities rather than hindering them. The ultimate responsibility for creating that mindset is with the governing body.
4) Do you support the South Lawrence Trafficway 32B alignment as endorsed by the Federal Highway Administration and approved by KDOT?
I unequivocally support the 32nd Street alignment endorsed by the Federal Highway Commission. This alignment is the most convenient and cost-effective, saving approximately 19 million taxpayer dollars over the 42nd Street alignment. The proposed mitigation plan significantly enhances area habitat by providing for approximately 200 acres of wetlands (far more than the current acreage), hiking and biking trails, areas of tall grass prairie and riparian woodlands. It
is an excellent, well-conceived plan. I support both the project and the approved alignment, and I will be an advocate for completion of the project if elected.
5) Recently there were two annexation and rezoning requests (Farmer’s Turnpike and Airport) that dealt with transferring agriculture land to other uses. What are the key issues and priorities for you in deciding future land use of agricultural land? In addition, where in the County would you support development of land for industrial development?
I support the preservation of prime agricultural land for agricultural use in Douglas County, and I am convinced that economic development and preservation of agriculture can co-exist for many years to come. The key issue for me in considering whether a conversion of agricultural land to industrial use should occur is a determination of whether all viable alternatives have been explored. Douglas County will continue to grow, and we must have a cohesive effort by all parties
to insure sensible, responsible growth. I fully realize that negotiation and compromise will sometimes be required, and I will view each proposal on a case-by-case basis. My initial position in the analysis will favor preservation of productive agricultural land to the extent possible.