8. As a councilperson, what would you do to help prevent demolition of historically and architecturally significant buildings?

Barbara Bry: I would do whatever I could given the budgetary, political, legal, and community constraints. Furthermore, the merits of each building must be decided on an individual and considered basis.

Bruce Lightner: Strengthen the permitting process. Institute more protections for demolition permits and make enforcement---and especially increased penalties for illegal demolitions---priorities. Quality of life studies show that historic preservation is positive for health, community cohesiveness, and property values. And, an aesthetically pleasing environment contributes greatly to quality of life.

A substantiated connection to healthier and safer neighborhoods is a strong historic preservation element. Quality of life studies show that historic preservation is positive for health, community cohesiveness, property values, and an aesthetically pleasing environment contributes greatly to mental health.

9. The city has a large inventory of historic and cultural resources under its care. How should the city prioritize funds to maintain and restore these resources?

Barbara Bry: Again, the prioritization of funding for maintenance and restoration is dependent on the status of the budget, the mix of private-public funding, as well as state and federal support, the community's voice, and the legislative process. All things must be considered in a public and prepared format.

Bruce Lightner: After an assessment of restoration and maintenance needs a funding program should be developed, with the input of the broader community, ideally resulting in a ballot initiative that would ensure future funding for these important resources.

The need to preserve our existing affordable housing and create mixed income developments has become a critical issue over recent years.

10. How do you think our current historic preservation laws have affected affordable housing and are there changes that can be made to better support affordable housing?

Barbara Bry: There are always ways to improve the communication, understanding, and execution of any government oversight. There need not be a conflict between affordable housing, mixed income developments and historic preservation. I have a history of being a problem solver, of bringing differing factions together to a positive conclusion and I will bring that relentless entrepreneurial experience of mine to the all these discussions at the council and committee level.

Bruce Lightner: The failure to enforce current historic preservation laws has reduced the amount of affordable housing because of the illegal demolition of historic resources. Adaptive reuse must be encouraged. There have been recent changes in the Land Development Code to facilitate the reuse of some of the more eclectic small housing courts.

Questions 11-14
Zoning codes and other forms of land use regulation are powerful tools that shape the look and livability of a city. The city's current Zoning Ordinance is often in conflict with and unresponsive to historic preservation priorities. Clear and comprehensive zoning regulations that support the Historic Preservation Ordinance would help take the guess work out of these regulations for architects and developers, while simultaneously supporting growth and protecting historic resources.

11. What would you do to resolve this conflict?

Barbara Bry: Listen to all sides before making a decision.

Bruce Lightner: Work on reforms and improvements to the Historic Resources Board to ensure we have qualified candidates serving on this board and the historic preservation ordinances.

12. If elected, how will your office prioritize a strategy that reinforces and supports historic designations?

Barbara Bry: Same as above and with more input.

Bruce Lightner: It will be a priority. A staffer in my office will be assigned the responsibility to work with stakeholders to develop a strategy that reinforces and supports historic designations.

13. Do you think current public notification systems related to historic preservation projects and opportunities for public input are adequate? (Yes, No)

Barbara Bry: No, none of the public notification systems are adequate.

Bruce Lightner: No. Given an interest to destroy something, there are ways to do it stealthily (e.g. Windemere Cottage in La Jolla or the Ford Building in downtown San Diego). We need a more "watchful" permitting process, aggressive enforcement, and mandated restoration and/or significant financial penalties for destruction of a resource.

14. Do you believe that our current historic preservation ordinance adequately protects the city's historic assets? If yes, please explain how, and if not, what would you do to reform or strengthen it?

Barbara Bry: I am willing to listen and be educated on this very complex topic-by all sides and with community input.

Bruce Lightner: No. This is an effort which would best be executed in conjunction with the various historic preservation groups in the city.

15. Community engagement plays a critical role in the decision-making process surrounding historic preservation matters throughout the city. How important are each of the following preservation issues to you? (Extremely Important, Important, Moderately Important, Not Important)