2002 Candidate Survey: Washtenaw County Commissioner Candidate Respondents

 

Robert Brackenberry, Republican District 7
Vivian N. Armentrout, Democrat, District 10
Edward V. Resha, Democrat, District 7

  1. Because bicycling and walking are energy-efficient, economical and environmentally sound forms of transportation, do you agree that they should be promoted as part of local, regional and state transportation policy?

    2. Brackenberry: YES

    Armentrout: YES

    Resha: YES

  2. Do you support the creation of a full-time Non-motorized Transportation Coordinator position at the county level?

    3. Brackenberry: Not certain -- I would have to study this issue further before knowing if this is a viable position to fund.

    Armentrout: NO. I don't know where that person would fit in the current organizational structure since we have no transportation department. If in the future we do have an office, I would support.

    Resha: YES

  3. Do you support planning and zoning measures that encourage development that is bicycle- and pedestrian-friendly?

    4. Brackenberry: YES

    Armentrout: YES

    Resha: YES

  4. Do you support programs that would ensure that children can safely walk or bicycle to school, such as the Safe Routes to School program?

    5. Brackenberry: YES

    Armentrout: YES

    Resha: YES

  5. Do you support legislation/ordinances requiring that the needs of bicyclists and pedestrians are accommodated in every transportation project in your jurisdiction?

    6. Brackenberry: NO. To say that the needs of bicyclists should be accommodated in "every" project is too broad. Logistically it may not be possible in every situation, however I believe that the needs of bicyclists should certainly be a factor of consideration in every project.

    Armentrout: YES

    Resha: YES

  6. Do you support the creation of an east-west bike path through Washtenaw County?

    7. Brackenberry: YES

    Armentrout: YES

    Resha: YES

  7. Do you support requiring county sheriffs to receive regular training on the laws as they pertain to bicycling?

    8. Brackenberry: YES

    Armentrout: YES [changed "sheriffs" to "deputies, only one sheriff"]

    Resha: YES

  8. Do you believe that on-street bicycle facilities (such as bike lanes and wide curb lanes) should be funded with regular road funds rather than non-motorized transportation funds?

    9. Brackenberry: Not certain; I would have to learn more about these two funding sources and the cost of on-street facilities.

    Armentrout: YES

    Resha: Not sure how these finds are allocated.

  9. Please describe any other ways that, if elected, you would support improving the quality and safety of bicycling and walking in Washtenaw County.

    Brackenberry: I support an east-west bike path through Wash. County. At EMU, we worked with the City of Ypsilanti to develop a path system through the University to link with other trails.

Bicycling should be a factor considered in regional planning efforts throughout the county.

My wife and I are avid bicyclists and we understand the importance of this issue.

Armentrout: Incorporate these concepts into land-use planning including the county comprehensive plan.

Resha: I would ask Planning Commissioners to require bike routes and greenways to interconnect residential and business [areas?] and subdivisions, through the county, cities, and townships.