Ann Arbor City Election Candidate Survey 2022 Responses: Ward 5

The WBWC's mission is to make Washtenaw County a national leader in bicycling & walking by improving facilities, policies, and community support through advocacy and education. Each Ann Arbor city election, we send a survey to council and mayoral candidates in an effort to illuminate their perspectives on walking, biking, and overall mobility issues. The responses to the survey are published on our website in advance of Election Day. We do not editorialize on the responses. The survey is for informational purposes only.

	Jenn Cornell	​Ali Ramlawi
​What proportion of your weekly trips, on average, are done by single-occupancy vehicle, carpooling/ridesharing, transit, walking, or bicycle? Explain	Because of my strong beliefs on reducing my personal carbon footprint, 90% of my weekly trips are by walking, and when walking isn’t possible, 10% single occupancy vehicle. I occasionally take the bus and admittedly need to do so more – I got out of the habit of transit and ridesharing during COVID.	​​​The candidate did not respond to the survey despite repeated requests.
What are your thoughts on the current bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure in Ann Arbor?	Ann Arbor is making progress on biking and pedestrian infrastructure. I support the DDA’s work on protected bike lanes; we should continue to create more protected infrastructure. As a pedestrian commuter, I support the city’s efforts to repair sidewalks, and again, would like to see that work accelerated. In my neighborhood, many sidewalks are in disrepair and I know residents are frustrated. If elected, safe transportation for all will be my priority, with special attention to projects that will advance a2Zero.
What is your impression of the current traffic calming tools the City is using? Current traffic calming efforts are budgeted for $30,000 per year. Is this adequate? Would you propose to adjust this budget item?	Traffic calming makes all commuters safer. Traffic calming studies and improvements benefit all citizens and visitors in Ann Arbor. There are many budget priorities in the city and having not been at the table previously when funding was allocated, it is hard to say if $30,000 is adequate or should be increased. I can commit to prioritizing funding that makes our roads safer for all.
Other communities factor cut-through traffic into their rubric for Traffic Calming qualification. Would you support addressing cut-through traffic by adding diverters and bicycle boulevard treatments to problem locations?	Yes, I would support addressing cut-through traffic by adding diverters and bicycle boulevard treatments to problem locations.
Do you support reducing vehicle lanes for a low-stress bicycle and pedestrian network, assuming it increases vehicle travel time?	Yes, I support reducing vehicle lanes for a low-stress bicycle and pedestrian network, even if these measures increase vehicle time. My focus on this type of infrastructure is safety first, with the environment being a close second consideration. I believe that the carbon reduction that will result from more people feeling safe to walk and bike will significantly outweigh the impact of a minimal increase in time spent commuting by car.
What are your thoughts on eliminating or reducing current parking minimums for new developments in Ann Arbor?	Reducing current parking minimums encourages pedestrian and bicycle commutes and I support these efforts.
What are your thoughts on Vision Zero (striving towards zero fatalities or serious injuries)?	I support safe roads for all and believe, as a progressive city, we should work to advance safe commuting opportunities for all, including walking and biking. Vision Zero aligns with my values.
Should a portion of road millage money be allocated towards crosswalks, pedestrian infrastructure, and a bicycle network? Why or why not?	Yes, absolutely. Ann Arbor citizens should feel safe getting around town in whatever manner they choose. Also, from a environmental sustainability standpoint, it is important that any infrastructure work includes options for walking and biking. It is my view that it is appropriate to use millage funding for crosswalks, pedestrian infrastructure, and biking infrastructure.
Should Ann Arbor have a specialist staff member devoted to bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure?	responsibilities of those working with council on issues related to transportation infrastructure. My hope would be, especially since we committed to A2Zero as a city, that staff is thoughtful to reducing car miles in Ann Arbor as an actionable way to advance our carbon neutrality goals while also increasing safety for all commuters.
Please share your short- and long-term vision for transportation and mobility in Ann Arbor.	Short-term, I’ll focus on safe commuter infrastructure, and will work to accelerate current work to repair roads and sidewalks and install bike lanes. Long-term, I believe that council has a role to play in working to understand innovation taking place at Mcity and American Center for Mobility and how AV technology can advance transportation accessibility in Ann Arbor. Finally, University of Michigan was just granted money for an electric vehicle center that council should be keep an eye on as it works to advance A2Zero goals.
What makes you a strong candidate in regards to walking and bicycling in our community?	I am a pedestrian commuter and my “on the ground” experience is a valuable voice at the council table in terms of challenges and opportunities those walking and biking in Ann Arbor. I am also strongly committed to advancing our carbon neutrality goals, which are unattainable if we don’t have a proactive, thoughtful transportation strategy. My pro-infrastructure, pro-density views also align with making Ann Arbor more walking and biking friendly.