The Sun asked the three Democratic candidates for Ithaca Mayor where they stand on important issues related to Cornell. Myrick and Mackesey responded via email; Clairborne spoke to The Sun on the phone.

Sun: Should the City of Ithaca help cover maintenance costs for the University's suicide nets?

The University has offered to fund any installation and maintenance costs of the proposed nets, and I fully support moving forward. I also believe Cornell must take a more comprehensive approach to reducing suicides. — Svante Myrick '09

Cornell should cover maintenance cost for the University’s suicide nets. — Pam Mackesey '89

Much better idea than the fences. However, we are still waiting on the details of the proposals from Cornell. I would say right now, at best, the city is looking at its own budget deficits; I’d be open to see Cornell doing it as a pilot on its own bridges. — J.R. Clairborne

Sun: Should Cornell be doing more to improve the lives of its staff members? How do you view the University’s treatment of its workforce, and what impact does this have on the city?

 Overall, Cornell is a good employer ... There are, however, some workers who still don’t earn a living wage for the year, and tough economic times have caused the University to lay off staff and rely more on temporary workers, who often work without benefits. This strains local government services and weakens our community. I do believe Cornell should pay all of its full-time workers a living wage and that it must continue to foster good relations with the UAW Local 2300. — S.M.

I believe that improving the lives of  employees reaps tremendous benefits for an employer, from increased productivity to increased commitment and loyalty by employees. Labor conflict and unrest can have a major impact on the city because it de-stabilizes the local economy. — P.M.

Cornell gets a lot of kudos — It got another accolade for employees of over 50. So it seems like they’re doing something right ... How they manage their employees is really integral. However, I will say that people who are happy in their jobs are often happy with where they live. — J.R.C.

Sun: Many students view Collegetown rent prices as astronomically high. What would you do, if anything, to lower these costs?

By creating a comprehensive zoning plan for the city, we can preserve our residential neighborhoods while increasing density in our urban core. By increasing the supply of housing, we will lower rents for everyone in the city. And by adding new housing units we will expand the tax base, lowering the tax burden on each individual resident. — S.M.

The demand for apartments in Collegetown results in high rents, particularly since the vacancy rate in the city is very low. Increasing the number of rental units available in the city will reduce the pressure on rent prices. As mayor, I would support increasing the number of rental units, particularly affordable housing units, available in the city. — P.M.

I would start with the answers I have to our collective tax burden. I think if we can look at bringing the three entities together — the City of Ithaca, the Ithaca City School District and the Tompkins County Legislature — those are the three entities that also bring housing prices down ... If we can  [consolidate services], we can lower collective tax burden. — J.R.C.

Sun: Do you believe Cornell should increase its payments to the city through the Memorandum of Understanding?

I believe it is in the University’s best interest to help us create a strong, vibrant city. As mayor, I will engage the University in a conversation about our collective future and ask them to increase their contribution from 3 percent to 25 percent. — S.M.

I will work to convince Cornell that it is in its self-interest to be surrounded by a city that displays well-maintained streets and sidewalks, that has a lively and lucrative downtown business district and that has adequate, affordable housing for students and employees. — P.M.

The city needs Cornell to increase its financial contribution to the city. If it were a taxable body, Cornell would pay roughly 25 million; we get somewhere between 1 and 2 million right now. If we had even a double-digit percentage of that, we’d be in better shape. — J.R.C.