John Watson — 2023 Lafayette City Council Candidate Questionnaire

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October 10, 2023

Yes or no questions:

1. Are you a homeowner? YES

2. If the City police force was fully staffed, would you advocate for adding more officers? YES

3. Do you believe there’s a need for more housing in Lafayette? YES

4. Do you believe the City should spend more money on homelessness services? YES

General Questions (no more than 300 words):

1. Why do you want to be a council member?

To better serve my community and bring my skills to the forefront to help others.

2. When was the last time you paid rent, and where was that?

I have not paid rent in 15 years. I pay a mortgage.

3. Boulder County has experienced extreme natural disasters over the last decade, including flooding and wildfire. How do you plan to address these challenges?

I am a staunch supporter of us conserving our water and implementing a policy where we are not wasting our precious resource on our yards.

4. How do you think you stand out from other candidates?

I believe I have a very open minded approach to others and have a very diverse background which allows me to understand others in their desire for a safe and healthy community.

5. What question would you ask a fellow candidate on the ballot?

Do you support compromise or are you uncompromising in your beliefs?

6. What are your solutions for the growing population of people experiencing homelessness?

I feel that we need to address the core issue of why people are becoming homeless instead of offering a bandaid approach.

7. What’s your plan for creating more affordable housing in Lafayette?

I think we should look at considering some type of incentive to create a sustainable and desirable community that is inclusive of all.

8. How will you address climate change? How do you plan to meet Lafayette’s climate goal of 100% renewable energy by 2023 and an 80% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050?

I would continue to support our goals and see if we can’t find options to speed them up.

9. What are your goals for transportation and how will you achieve them?

I would want to support more solar and electric alternatives as well as supporting more public transportation initiatives.

10. How do you plan to engage non-English speaking constituents?

I think that [being] bilingual is nice but it doesn’t actually instill a person to incorporate into the community. I would encourage that we have more of an incentive for others to learn English instead of encouraging them to keep their language and feel less a part of the community.

11. How does diversity factor into your policy making?

Diversity is paramount in ALL of my decisions. I embrace diversity in my own life and feel that is what makes life worth living.

12. How will you reach residents who have different lived experiences than you?

I am very empathetic towards all. I am always wanting to hear from my constituency.

13. Rank your top 5 issues in priority: