Candidate Q&A: Lafayette City Council District 6
Candidate Q&A: Lafayette City Council District 6
A candidate Q&A with Democratic incumbent Bob Downing and Republican Perry Barbee, seeking the District 6 seat on the Lafayette City Council.
Democratic incumbent Bob Downing and Republican Perry Barbee are seeking the District 6 seat on the Lafayette City Council in the Nov. 7 election.
Here, the candidates discuss their approach to the four-year position.
For more: Find bios of each candidate, along with a city council district map and information about where and when to vote at the end of this article.
Why are you running?
Bob Downing: For the past 12 years, I have had the privilege of serving the citizens of Lafayette, and representing the residents of District 6. I have been an advocate for public safety, ordinance issues and monitoring the growth of Lafayette for a positive outcome. I would like to continue to interact with the citizens and city officials to meet the future needs of our community.
Perry Barbee: To get a fresh ideas for the city. Council members should never be a long-term position. You will have a full time council member with me. You will have a council member who, when I take a vote, will have your interest in mind. Before the votes, I will tell you why I'm voting the way I'm voting. Maybe you would know it, but I want to make sure the people know why I'm voting the way I'm voting. There will not be guessing. That's what it's all about, letting the people know up front.
How long have you lived in Lafayette? And how did you land in the city.
Bob Downing: I have lived in Lafayette since 1962. I came to Lafayette as a teacher and coach at Jefferson High School for 43 years.
Perry Barbee: Since April 8, 1986. I am not going to give full details how I came to Lafayette at this time. It will be in my book, “From the Outhouse to City Hall.” (Nothing bad, but I'm not trying to sell my book, yet.) Two days in this great community, not knowing anyone, I knew this is my hometown and I knew this was where I need to be.
Name two of your top priorities for the district. How will you handle them?
Bob Downing: Public safety is a top priority that continues to be investigated on all levels. The new Public Safety Center allows our law enforcement agencies to collaborate with social services to help identify areas, individuals and circumstances that create unsafe situations.
As a member of the council, we passed a pay raise for our police and fire personnel to retain our employees and to recruit top candidates. The city offers top training guidelines that an applicant must meet; we will not lower standards to fill positions.
The LEAP project is a concern for the city and county. The mayor and council members must monitor the effects of this state approved project and take immediate action when situations are justified.
Perry Barbee: No response.
What do see as the biggest challenge for the district? How do you propose to solve or deal with it?
Bob Downing: As mentioned before, public safety affects everyone. Through communication, awareness, and education, citizens can be proactive in maintaining a safe environment. Our police officers can present safety information and suggestions to neighborhoods’ groups.
People in my district have voiced concerns about the city traffic. As a city council representative on the Traffic Commission, I know the discussion relates to data gathered to improve traffic flow and speed control on highly traveled roadways.
Also, it is important to continue enforcing code ordinance violations that occur in the district. To update ordinances if they are needed.
Perry Barbee: No response.
How well do you think the city has handled issues of available and affordable housing? What is the most pressing issue related to housing and how would you address it?
Bob Downing: I believe the city has approached these issues by collaborating with realtors/builders and numerous social services. The city strongly supports Habitat for Humanity and other outreach agencies who represent people in need of housing. A housing project for citizens 55 and older has been approved and will be built; residents’ income will determine their rent.
The city continues to upgrade our water and sewer services to accommodate future housing. Locations and fundings are issues that slows the process. City officials are perpetually seeking financial opportunities to continue this plan.
Perry Barbee: Try to look at the city codes for making property owners responsible. Even if there's no business going on for years, still somebody has a title to it.
What, if anything, should the city do about the Indiana Economic Development Corp’s plans to build a water pipe line to Tippecanoe County to feed developments in Boone County and in communities along the 35 mile route?
Bob Downing: I believe the state’s decision was made too quickly and without studies being fully completed for our affected area. Hopefully this action will not lower our water tables or a reduction of water supply for Tippecanoe County. The water supply needed near Lebanon must be closely monitored by city and county officials on a consistent basis. Future plans and studies need to be implemented to protect our water rights.
Perry Barbee: For as a pipeline from Tippecanoe County to Boone County, just don't rush this. Let’s do more research, more studies, more community outreach, even if it takes another year-and-a-half before we get more. Let's just don't rush. We're talking about the next generation this could help or hurt. We don't know yet. We want to make sure we have the right answer.
Rate how the current city administration has run and position, Lafayette for the future. What changes, if any, would you like to see in the cities focus?
Bob Downing: Tony Roswarski is a visionary leader for the city of Lafayette. The mayor and city officials have focused their knowledge and experiences to improve, expand and include projects which have given our city numerous recognitions that relate to families, businesses, schools, parks, area events and community organizations.
The mayor and council work jointly with other government officials to maintain stability and sound financial decisions that benefits Lafayette. The qualities that this administration upholds are being accessible, reliable, trustworthy and respecting others.
Continuation of revising and revamping downtown as well as older subdivisions areas to keep residents involved and engaged in the growth of Lafayette.
Perry Barbee: The city of Lafayette is doing everything.
Name two specific things that separate you from your opponents, and why they matter.
Bob Downing: Since 2008, I have had opportunity of being city council person for District 6 and working with the leadership of Tony Roswarski, Cindy Murray and department heads.
My experience has allowed me to build strong working relationships with city officials and residents relating to solving the district’s concerns.
It is critical for a city council person to be accessible to ensure all inquiries are being heard and answered in a timely manner. This is a commitment I have and will provide to the residents of District 6. Communication is a valuable asset.
Perry Barbee: I have of respect for Bob Downing. But I think you should not be a city council member for a long time. One thing I will not do – I will never vote for a city council member and or mayor to get a pay raise. I believe that this is not the place for elected officials to vote on their payment. That is the decision of the voters when they vote on Election Day. Take the time to listen to everyone's concerns and get back to them in a timely manner with the answers and solutions to their questions. Always have something nice to say about everyone, no matter what the situation is. That is me, not a candidate.
Candidate bios
Bob Downing
Occupation: Retired Educator and Coach at Jefferson High School, 43 years
Education: B.S. and M.S. degrees, Indiana State University
Past Elected positions: City Council, District 6, 2008-present
Community Boards: Through city council, I am on the following committees: Finance and Salaries, Police and Fire, Parks and Recreation, Traffic Commission
Immediate Family: Spouse, Mary Beth Downing. Children: Curt, Joe, Doug, Jon and David Downing; 10 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren.
Perry Barbee
Political party: Republican
Age: 56
Occupation: Patient escort service at Franciscan Health, for over 20 years; worked for cleaning companies for over 30 years
Education: Clinton Central in Michigantown
Past elected positions, if any: I've been elected as precinct committee man for more than 20 years
Community boards or other community service: President and founder of Janitor Club Lafayette. I am a founding member of The Franciscan Alliance Foundation since 2013.
Your campaign site online: We don’t have a campaign website. The main reason is to save money.
ABOUT THE NOV. 7 MUNICIPAL ELECTION
WHERE TO VOTE AHEAD OF NOV. 7: Early voting started Tuesday, Oct. 24. Here are the times and locations. Voters should bring a valid ID.
8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 24,-Friday, Oct. 27: Tippecanoe County Office Building, 20 N. Third St., Lafayette.
8 a.m.-noon, Saturday, Oct. 28: Clarks Hill Christian Church, 9510 Pearl St., Clarks Hill.
8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Monday, Oct. 30-Friday, Nov. 3: Tippecanoe County Office Building, 20 N. Third St., Lafayette
Noon-6 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 2-Friday, Nov. 3: West Lafayette City Hall, 222 N. Chauncey Ave.; Tippecanoe County Fairgrounds, 1406 Teal Road, Lafayette; First Church of the Nazarene, 3801 Union St., Lafayette.
9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 4: West Lafayette City Hall, 222 N. Chauncey Ave.; Tippecanoe County Office Building, 20 N. Third St., Lafayette; First Church of the Nazarene, 3801 Union St., Lafayette.
8 a.m.-noon Monday, Nov. 6: Tippecanoe County Office Building, 20 N. Third St., Lafayette.
ELECTION DAY POLLING PLACES: Polls will be open 6 a.m-6 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 7. Registered voters in Tippecanoe County may use any vote center.
West Lafayette Wellness Center, 1101 Kalberer Road
Faith West Community Center, 1920 Northwestern Ave.
West Lafayette City Hall, 222 N. Chauncey Ave.
Evangelical Covenant Church, 3600 S. Ninth St., Lafayette
Tippecanoe County Fairgrounds, 1406 Teal Road, Lafayette
Northend Community Center, 2000 Elmwood Ave., Lafayette
Christ United Methodist Church, 3610 S. 18th St., Lafayette
First Church of the Nazarene, 3801 Union St., Lafayette
Gathering Point Church, 7201 Wesleyan Drive, Dayton
ON THE NOV. 7 BALLOT: Get a full list of candidates here.
CHECK YOUR VOTER REGISTRATION STATUS AND THE CANDIDATES ON YOUR SPECIFIC BALLOT: Go to the Secretary of State’s portal at www.indianavoters.com.
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