Candidate for
Member, City Council; City of Santa Rosa

City Government

The city has made great strides in the past few years to cope with revenue shortfalls, but much more can and needs to be accomplished. By being creative and cost-conscious, local government can provide programs which enrich our lives. I will promote sound city policies and management of government resources to maintain services and preserve fiscal responsibility.

Public Safety

I am committed to public safety, and will work hard to maintain effective police, fire and emergency services in every part of the city. I will work with community groups to address neighborhood problems.

Housing

I want to see more comprehensive planning in the area of affordable housing, ensuring that we build near schools, shopping and transit

The Environment

The City of Santa Rosa and its surrounding areas are noted for their natural beauty and quality of life. I will continue to work to protect water resources and watersheds, water and air quality, habitat and greenbelts. I want to preserve our precious ridges, hilltops, vernal pools, wetlands, and wild areas for future generations of people and wildlife.

Services

I will maintain and improve services for children, older persons, people with disabilities, and those with limited incomes. I will be available to individuals, advocacy groups, organizations and businesses that provide a better quality of life for those who need assistance.

Transportation

I support improved public transportation, including the SMART train, and more and safer pedestrian and bicycle routes. Increased evening and weekend buses would serve people working second shifts, people with disabilities, youths, students with late classes at the SRJC, and those seeking social or other activities around town.

Many more of our neighborhoods' transit, traffic and parking issues can be resolved by bringing together city and county agencies and members of the impacted communities to develop solutions. I will facilitate and encourage greater communication between all concerned, especially during the planning process, and be an advocate for increased funding from state and federal sources.

"Big Box" Limits

Many of us appreciate the convenience of some existing "Big Box" stores, where we can go to one store, or a series of them in the same center, and get a wide array of choices at competitive prices. Many of us also want smaller locally owned businesses to survive and thrive. These smaller businesses are often located even closer to us, and we may have a pleasant history of superior personal service and attention with these older businesses. There are many small and medium sized businesses spread throughout our city and county that add to the character and uniqueness of our neighborhoods. Also, on a dollar for dollar basis these locally owned stores provide greater economic benefit to the City of Santa Rosa because the dollars they take in from sales usually get recirculated in the community, whereas the "Big Box" stores send their profits to corporate headquarters. I believe it is important that we protect local small businesses from unbearable pressure from more "Big Box" stores. I believe it is time to put limits on "Big Box" sprawl.

YOUR TAX DOLLARS AT WORK ?!

The Santa Rosa Junior College's planned parking garage is a good example of a project where community and student input, the JC, and city and county agencies could have united to provide for the needs of the students, nearby residents, and the commercial interests in the neighborhood.