Candidate for
Councilmember; City of Ukiah

Bob Gragson believes that in the months ahead, a new reality will emerge in Ukiah. "As we approach world peak production of natural gas and oil, the forthcoming gap between demand and supply of fossil fuels will severely impact our lives," he says. "We need only remember when oil production peaked nationally in the 1970s to understand what lies ahead. The difference between then and now is there are no more new places from which to import oil," says Gragson.

He says that most politicians won't discuss oil and natural gas depletion. "They are either ignorant of it, or they fear it will lose them votes," says Gragson. "My campaign is not about ignorance or fear however. It is about empowering ourselves in the face of perhaps the greatest challenge human beings have ever encountered," he says.

Gragson believes Ukiah must be proactive to the changes ahead. He envisions community-wide educational campaigns to reduce energy consumption and vigorously transition Ukiah to renewable energy. He believes that Ukiah must develop community gardens and seed banks, municipal compost production, car co-ops, equipment libraries, and localized manufacturing of solar technology to be prepared for the anticipated changes from fossil fuel depletion.

Richard Heinberg, author of The Party's Over and Powerdown, says of Gragson:

"Energy and water are the two issues that will most affect our lives in the future -- especially here in northern California. If you think energy and water prices are high now, just wait. Bob Gragson has a better understanding of the problems we are likely to confront along these lines, and of the positive strategies that local communities can adopt, than anyone else I know of in this region."

Gragson also advocates for a living wage ordinance, affordable and sustainable housing, a local currency similar to Ithaca Hours to help strengthen the local economy, and incentives for business development of locally-owned and operated artisan trades. Additionally, he proposes Ukiah establish a city council with five ward seats and two at-large seats to create better representation of all neighborhoods on council. He also believes that the city should develop instant runoff voting so all elected city officials enter office with at least 50% of the vote.

See http://www.gragson.com for more details.