Civic Leadership and Experience

By Kathleen E. Hartzell

I have broad civic experience: my career began here in Marin as the County's first Environmental Planner, responsible for drafting codes and ordinances for environmentally sensitive areas. I served as a Planning Commissioner for the City of Larkspur, and helped draft the Open Space and Slope Ordinance, the environmental review and Master Plan for Larkspur Landing, important elements in the preservation of the beauty, open space and heritage of Larkspur.

My husband and I raised our family in Larkspur, and I served our schools as PTA President, on the School Site Council and six years as Larkspur School District Trustee. I am especially proud of the innovative partnerships that the District has forged with the City of Larkspur and Corte Madera and the Ross Valley Sanitary District to cooperatively use limited resources effectively.

As a planner, I am a staunch supporter of adhering to the directives of the General Plan! It provides guidance for future development on vacant lands, the preservation of historic and natural resources and protection of existing neighborhoods. On the Niven property, the General Plan calls for mixed housing uses and requires a Specific Plan before development plans can be presented. At this point the city is waiting for the Environmental Impact Report on the citizens' draft plan prior to drafting a Specific Plan.

I believe it is essential that any new development heed the General Plan goal to Maintain Larkspur's Small Town Character. Further, I believe that the City should explore the options available to provide a review process for tear-downs and homes out of scale with their neighborhood.

Vote Kathy Hartzell for an experienced and well-respected addition to our City Council.