Paul Tweedlie — 2023 Boulder Mayoral Candidate Questionnaire

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Candidate: Paul Tweedlie

Office: Boulder Mayor

Website: https://www.tweedlie4bouldermayor.com/

QUESTIONS FOR CANDIDATES:

Yes/No Questions – Please answer only with yes/no.

Are you a homeowner? Yes

Do you think your City should add more beds to the homeless shelter? No

If the City police force was fully staffed, would you advocate for adding more officers? No

Do you believe there’s a need for more housing? Yes

Do you believe the City should spend more money on homelessness services? No

Longform Questions – Please limit responses to 300 words or less. 

Why do you want to be Boulder’s first elected mayor?

“I want to help preserve this beautiful town and its unique character.”

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

“CU family housing on Arapahoe in 2000.”

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

“The City has experts in wildfire management and planners for flood mitigation. I plan to heed their advice.”

How do you think you stand out from other candidates?

“I’m the best looking and I bring a fresh set of ideas”

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

“No answer”

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

“The City’s housing program provides accommodation for about 6 unhoused Boulder residents every month. If there is money and interest, this program may be increased. Regarding the transients living in illegal camps around town, they do not belong in Boulder and they need to leave.”

What’s your plan for creating more affordable housing in Boulder?

“The city should follow the Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan and annex the 600 acres of land in the Planning Reserve and encourage the development of low-income housing.”

How will you address climate change? How do you plan to meet some of the City’s climate goals, like reducing emissions by 70% by 2030, becoming a net-zero City by 2035, and becoming a carbon-positive City by 2040?

“Climate Change issues are of the utmost importance to so many in our town and so often Boulder has led the nation in finding innovative solutions to energy production. There are many directions in which we may decide to go but we have to be careful — it’s easy to break eggs without making an omelet. To help guide our efforts, we need to listen to experts: climate scientists, engineers, city planners and professionals at local power companies.”

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

“I believe the City is doing a good job managing transport issues such as (a) high traffic corridors for motorists, (b) protected bike lanes and (c) continued investment in public transport and road safety.”

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

“Around 10% of Boulder residents speak Spanish. I would encourage City employees to learn some Spanish.”

How does diversity factor into your policy making?

“Boulder residents are highly educated, intelligent and they have a diverse set of excellent ideas. City Council needs to listen to them.”

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

“All residents have a voice. City Council needs to listen to their problems and issues.”

Rank your top 5 issues in priority.

  • 1. Address the crime/drugs/transient problem. Our communities must be safe.
  • 2. Give families and seniors significant rebates on their property taxes.
  • 3. Help small businesses be successful in Boulder
  • 4. Provide more low-income housing
  • 5. Keep Boulder weird