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Due to an unfortunate mixup, Robbie's answers to the League of Women Voters questionnaire didn't make it into the print edition. You can view her answers here.
1. What educational, occupational, civic, and community experiences have you had that you believe qualifies you for this office?
I have served as a Madison Alder for four years, and have gained a great deal of knowledge about city processes and procedures. Working at Bicycle Federation I have trained advocates in many Wisconsin communities on how to effectively interact with local government and decision makers. Before being elected, I was involved with many local issues, and regularly attended city meetings. I served on the neighborhood Traffic Committee and helped get the first traffic calming project in the city implemented.
2. In 2006 a sick leave ordinance was introduced to the City of Madison Common Council, which ensured a minimal amount of sick leave to workers who worked at least half-time for employers who had at least 10 employees. If elected to office, would you support a similar ordinance for your community? Please explain your answer.
I supported and voted for the ordinance when it came before the Madison Council, and I would do the same in the future. Employees who are sick, or need to care for children or other family members, need to know they will not lose their jobs or be unable to pay bills if they stay home to care for themselves or others. Patrons of area businesses benefit by knowing that the employees with whom they are interacting are not spreading disease. Employers and other employees also would know that they are less likely to be infected or lose work hours because colleagues cannot afford to stay home.
3. How would increasing service in the present Madison Metro transit system plus expansion to currently not-served cities in Dane County benefit your community?
Reliable and affordable transit can benefit residents of every community, even if they do not use the service themselves. Many people do not own a car, cannot drive, and/or cannot afford a car on a limited budget. These residents still need transportation for jobs, shopping, health care, school, and social activities.
A good transit system also benefits those who are driving because it reduces congestion, especially at peak times. Existing parking and roadway capacity is available for those who drive when transit is available for those who don't. With the low unemployment rate in Dane County, employers benefit when their workplaces are accessible via transit.