South Bend Dist. 2 hopefuls talk crime, economic development and poverty as voting begins
The Tribune is partnering with the League of Women Voters of the South Bend Area and the American Democracy Project of Indiana University South Bend to publish candidates' answers to questions on the issues. The League, with local help from the ADP, operates Vote411.org, a website with information about the candidates and their positions on key issues.
The Tribune has agreed to run candidate answers unedited, meaning any spelling, typographical or grammatical errors are the candidates' own. The Tribune is publishing only some of the questions from a selection of contested races. Additional questions and answers, including from candidates who have no opponent, are available at Vote411.org.
Early voting for Indiana's Nov. 7 municipal election has already begun. To vote early, either fill out an application for a mail ballot at https://indianavoters.in.gov/MVPHome/PrintDocuments or vote in person. In St. Joseph County, there are two early-voting locations: the County-City Building, 227 W. Jefferson Blvd. in South Bend; or the Mishawaka County Services Building, 219 Lincoln Way W. in Mishawaka. Voters must present a valid government-issued photo ID.
Incumbent South Bend Common Council District 2 member Henry Davis is not seeking re-election and is instead challenging Mayor James Mueller in the Democratic mayoral primary. Democrats Jorden Giger and Ophelia Gooden-Rodgers seek to replace him on the ballot. The winner of that May 2 primary will face Republican Roosevelt Stewart in the fall. Because Stewart is unopposed in the primary, his answers don't appear today but will in the fall.
Roosevelt Stewart
Occupation: nonprofit organization
Email: rooseveltstewart7777@gmail.com
Campaign phone: 574-334-3202
Ophelia Gooden-Rodgers
Occupation: South Bend schools CSA
Email: opheliagooden97@gmail.com
Website: qr.page/g/BFfbCFguNJ
Campaign phone: 574-232-7836
What is the best way to curb crime? Should we increase police staffing, technology and budgets? Or should we redirect resources away from policing? Explain your reasoning.
Stewart: A bold but balanced approach that combines law enforcement efforts, community engagement, social interventions, and evidence-based practices is likely the most effective way to curb crime. It will involve increasing police staffing, technology, and budgets, as well as redirecting resources towards social interventions and restorative justice programs. Evaluating the effectiveness of these strategies with ongoing research and data analysis.
Gooden-Rodgers: Frist, everyone should stop being reactive and be more reflective. Instead of taking away we need to add ongoing mental health and diversity training for police officers. Social Work professionals should be included in nontraditional policing situations. We need a safe house for young people to have a place to be and receive services, counseling, food, shelter, clothing, ect.
The South Bend Redevelopment Commission is responsible for much of the public money going toward private investment. What should be required of companies seeking financial incentives and investments and what power should the city have to reclaim tax money if a company does not fulfill its promises?
Stewart: For companies seeking financial incentives and investments from the South Bend Redevelopment Commission, there should be clear performance agreements that outline their commitments. The city should establish monitoring and reporting systems to track their progress. If a company fails to fulfill its promises, the city should have clawback provisions that allow it to reclaim tax money or incentives. Legal remedies should also be available. Public input and review should be included in the decision-making process to adopt transparency with the community.
Gooden-Rodgers: Use unions to do the work, hire people of color and women, when possible, use local colleges and university for training incentives for the workforce, when possible have childcare available, stay a required period of time, i.e. ten years. if violated, all benefits must be returned or reimbursed. It time to stop giving out money w/o people being held accountable.
What can the city do to address the issues of children and adults living in poverty and/or homelessness in the community?
Stewart: To address poverty and homelessness in our community, we need a collaborative approach. This includes investing in affordable housing, expanding supportive services, implementing prevention programs, partnering with non-profit organizations, prioritizing youth programs and education, promoting job creation and economic development, and using data to inform decision-making. I am committed to working towards long-term solutions and addressing these issues as a top priority.
Gooden-Rodgers: Social services and children welfare should be more readily available. They should be more available in schools which exists in every neighborhood. More available assistance for public housing. More support for hotels 4 now &housing first programs. Public gardens.
Many recognize a disparity in economic growth in different parts of the city. What steps will you take to ensure economic growth and development is more widely distributed across the entire community?
Stewart: . If elected, I would focus on promoting inclusive economic growth by supporting small businesses, targeting industries with growth potential, improving infrastructure, enhancing workforce development, and prioritizing investment in underserved neighborhoods. specifically our West Side are experiencing the symptoms of these underdeveloped areas; more investing on the west side will help equalize the economic growth.
Gooden-Rodgers: Establish a resolution that will agree that a fair distribution is needed. Get other members to work with me in the 2nd district to share the wealth throughout the city. Follow through on Kennedy Park plan that includes a pool. Continue with street improvements. If an industry goes out of business clean it up in a timely manner. Technology, public safety, housing, & environment are obvious.
This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: South Bend Dist. 2 hopefuls talk issues facing west side, city as whole
