Candidate Name: Durl Kruse

Campaign Address: 2007 S. George Huff Dr.

Campaign Phone/Fax: 328-2789

Campaign Email: jandurl@insightbb.com

Campaign Web Site: http://www.DurlKruse.com

1) What are your best environmental achievements so far?

Established a Backyard Habitat recognized by the National Wildlife Federation.

2) What environmental issues will you publicly support throughout your campaign?

Reduce urban sprawl and increased recycling within the city

3) Why are you interested in environmental issues?

The future quality of life is dependent upon our environmental stewardship today.

4) Any personal environmental work, education, groups, hobbies, or habits (e.g. energy efficient home/cars/appliances; reduced consumption/driving; reuse; buy recycled/organic/local; vegetarian)?

We purchased a Prius three years ago, sold our SUV, and religiously recycle

5) What are the three most pressing environmental concerns in Urbana?

Urban sprawl, possible creation of a ring road, integrating Boneyard Creek into the urban environment

6) What is your opinion about environmental protections in the recently proposed Urbana Comprehensive Plan?

not completely familiar with them

7) Would you publicly oppose the proposed ring road around Urbana? If not, what would you do to prevent further sprawl and another slow flowing, low quality commercial corridor with desolate buildings?

At this time, I am opposed to it.

8) What would you do to encourage more varied shopping in central and eastern Urbana (e.g., Philo Road) to reduce sprawl and gasoline consumption?

I approve and support the recommendations outlined in the newly released Revitalization Plan for Philo Road Business Corridor.

9) Would you publicly support policies that discourage sprawl by recovering all infrastructure (roads/utilities) and service costs (schools/fire/police) of expanding into natural areas and farmland?

Yes

10) What financial support would you give to create bike/hike trails that link Urbana together?

I don't know what financial constraints exist within the current city budget or what other priority needs exist for the city that would also have to be considered. I certainly would support more bike/hike trails if possible.

11) Would you support sharing residential streets (walk/bike/drive) that slow traffic in Europe and traffic calming devices for smoother flow?

Would need to study this issue more before responding.

12) Would you publicly support ending utility tax discounts for higher consumption and use the revenues as energy efficiency matching funds?

Would need to study this issue more before responding, but on the surface it has some appeal.

13) Would you publicly oppose another nuclear reactor in Clinton?

Again, I would need to be more informed on this issue, but presently tend to be skeptical of its desireability.

14) Would you publicly support shifting street maintenance funding from property taxes on everyone to gas taxes on actual users?

No

15) How much will you increase Urbana's fleet of hybrid cars?

Need to study the history of hybrid cars for Urbana and what its future needs are. It certainly doesn't make sense to use SUV's for parking meter violations

16) How will you increase Urbana's purchase of environmental products?

Not informed enough on city purchasing to respond.

17) Would you publicly support adopting LEED building codes for energy efficiency in all future city government construction and remodeling?

I would need to study the impact of such codes since I am not familiar with their exact requirements

18) Would you support shifting to sales taxes (slowing consumption of imports) from property taxes to keep housing affordable?

This question has never been raised to me, so I would need to study it in more depth before responding.

19) Would you support increasing parking fees for SUVs and pickups?

No. I would support increased sales tax for SUV's.

20) Would you support requiring the equivalent of storm doors and windows on rental units to reduce fossil fuel imports?

Would need to study more.

21) Would you enable residents to use the city's webpage to sign up for emailed newsletters and announcements, saving postage and paper?

On the surface it makes sense, would need to check with city administration to make sure it is feasible.

22) What would you do to protect the environment in Drainage Districts?

I am unfamiliar with these issues.

23) Is there anything else you would like to add?

I would like to learn more of your group and its positions on local environmental issues.