Dawn Roberts

 I sent city council candidate the questions I sent to Nathan Columbo. Below are her responses

1. Why are you running for City Council?

I am running for City Council because I care deeply about Carbondale and want to see it thrive. My family has been part of this community for three generations, and I’ve seen both the challenges and opportunities our city faces. I want to bring fresh ideas and a problem-solving mindset to the Council, focusing on practical solutions that make a real difference in people’s lives. With my background in public health, research, and data-driven decision-making—including experience managing complex projects at IBM —I bring a problem-solving approach to addressing Carbondale’s challenges. I believe I can help bridge gaps, advocate for responsible growth, and help Carbondale become a stronger, more vibrant place to live, work, and do business.

2. What do you hope to accomplish during your term on Council?

If elected, my focus will be on revitalizing Carbondale by improving housing, supporting local businesses, and promoting greater transparency and accountability in city government. I want to address rental property issues by holding absentee landlords accountable and ensuring safe, quality housing for residents. I also want to streamline processes for new businesses, making it easier for entrepreneurs to invest in Carbondale. Additionally, I would like to improve collaboration between the City, SIU, SIH, and local organizations by encouraging better communication and shared problem-solving on key community issues like housing and economic growth.

Above all, I want to bring transparency, accountability, and thoughtful leadership to the Council.

3. Is there a project you would like to see the city undertake?

I would like to see the city prioritize affordable and quality housing initiatives. Many rental properties are in poor condition, with issues like mold, fire hazards, and general neglect from landlords who fail to maintain their properties. I would advocate for stronger rental inspections, balanced tenant and landlord protections, and incentives for responsible property owners to improve and maintain housing. Improving our housing stock will make Carbondale more attractive for people to live, work, and invest in, strengthening our local economy. Additionally, addressing neglected and vacant properties can help prevent trespassing, reduce crime, and contribute to a safer, more welcoming community.

4. How can the city and university work together for mutual benefit?

Carbondale’s success is closely tied to SIH and SIU’s success. The city and these institutions should work more closely to support local businesses, improve housing options, and create job opportunities that encourage graduates to stay in Carbondale. Strengthening collaboration on economic development, infrastructure, and community initiatives will benefit both residents and students, making Carbondale a more vibrant and sustainable place to live.

5. What additional steps (if any) should the city take regarding rental properties?

The city needs to take a more proactive role in ensuring rental properties are safe, well-maintained, and not contributing to neighborhood decline. This includes stronger enforcement of housing codes, holding negligent landlords accountable, and improving rental inspections to be thorough, consistent, and transparent. At the same time, we should support responsible landlords who maintain quality housing by offering incentives and streamlining compliance processes. Additionally, I support strengthening the Community Housing Trust to help rehabilitate neglected properties and expand affordable, high-quality housing options.

6. Downtown Carbondale was a shopping district in the '90s but now sees visitors come for single stops. Should the city try to change this?

While shopping habits have changed, the city can take steps to make downtown more inviting and encourage people to visit multiple businesses rather than just making single stops. Improving walkability, supporting local businesses, and hosting events or markets can help create a more vibrant and engaging downtown. By fostering a welcoming atmosphere, we can make Carbondale’s downtown a place where people want to spend time, boosting local businesses and strengthening community connections.

7. How do you visualize Carbondale, and what steps can the city take to achieve your vision?

I see Carbondale as a welcoming, thriving community where people want to live, work, and invest. To achieve this, the city needs to focus on improving housing, supporting local businesses, and fostering stronger collaboration with SIU and other key partners. Strengthening public safety, maintaining infrastructure, and making downtown more inviting will also help attract new residents and businesses. By prioritizing transparency and accountability in city government, we can build a stronger, more connected Carbondale for everyone.