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LWV League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
Sonoma County, CA November 2, 2004 Election
Smart Voter Political Philosophy for Warin Parker

Candidate for
Member, Town Council; Town of Windsor

[photo]
This information is provided by the candidate

Warin Parker for Windsor Town Council

1.Why are you running in this election?

  • I believe there are important decisions to be made in the near future.

  • I believe that my management experience in business and financial planning will be an asset to the Town Council in the analytical decision making process.

  • I believe that Windsor has made a lot of progress in creating a sense of community and I want to see that future smart planning decisions continue to strengthen that sense of community.

  • I believe that these items listed below are some of the important issues facing us. I want to help in the process and develop sound fiscal ways to bring these to pass:
  • The widening of HWY 101
  • Light rail transit
  • Youth and adult sports fields
  • Public aquatic complex
  • Water conservation and storage
  • Citizen Emergency Response Teams I believe that we as a community need to be better prepared for disaster emergency events. I will promote the development and creation of CERT's (Citizen Emergency Response Teams)

2. What do you see as this city's top three issues affecting a sound business environment in the community?

  • A planning commission that is business friendly and is not embroiled in micro-managing proposed projects.
  • We need to stream line the process that the planning commission uses to process development applications.
  • We need affordable workforce housing.

3. Do you believe that your city has a role in contributing to a sound economic base? If so, how?

Yes, we need to be a business friendly city that creates an attractive environment for businesses to locate here and contribute to the sense of community we are developing. The Shiloh Center is an example of creating a business environment that contributes to the town's fiscal vitality.

4. Given limited financial resources and the continual competition between government departments for those resources, how would you prioritize the needs of the various departments in relation to the other departments and their needs?

Public safety, economic development, followed by all other categories.

5. Where do you see your support coming from:

Windsor Town Council Members; Steve Scott & Steve Allen, Business community, Rotarians, Youth Sports Group Leaders and parents, Church Groups.

6. What do you see as your strengths when it comes to getting elected?

Business and management experience. As a Town of Windsor voluntary Park & Recreation Commissioner I've demonstrated a commitment to listen to the citizens.

As a Town Council member I will continue that commitment to listen. A council member should be a facilitator.

Integrity, leadership experience in community and church, community service: seven years as a voluntary commissioner on the Town of Windsor Park & Recreation Commission, serving as Chairperson of the commission twice, past board member of Windsor Service Alliance, current board member of Windsor Rotary Club. I resigned my position as Vice President of the Windsor Rotary club to direct my efforts to this campaign.

8. Do you support the Traffic Relief Act for Sonoma County (1/4% Sales Tax for Transportation)?

Yes - Very strongly ...we needed this yesterday. We must work to resolve the traffic congestion facing us each and every day on Highway 101. It is a mater of public safety.

9. Do you support SMART's efforts for a quarter cent sales tax for rail development & operation?

Yes ... we needed this yesterday too!

10. What is your definition of private property rights and does local government have a role in preserving the right to own property?

Private property rights: The ability to do what you want on your property within the limits of the law. Local government should uphold the law; while providing every citizen protection in their right to own and use their property.

11. Do you support or oppose the continuation of the Sonoma County Open Space District? Should there be any changes to the Open Space District?

I support the general concept, but more money should go to the purchase of property that can be opened to the use of local citizens, like park & recreation uses, and urban separators. I would much rather use the funds for widening 101 or create affordable housing.

12. How should a City Council support the creation of affordable housing?

The Council should open the door to allow affordable housing to happen and should assist monetarily with funds from Redevelopment Agency and other sources.

13. What can the Town Council do to address and solve traffic solutions?

Widen Highway 101, development of light rail, smart planning for future growth.

In conclusion, I believe that by working together we can resolve the public safety issues facing our community. I believe we can continue to develop a strong sense of community, protect our environment through smart planning and facilitate a relationship with local businesses that will strengthen our economic base in light of these tough economic times. I believe working together we can accomplish any worthy goal we set.

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The League of Women Voters does not support or oppose any candidate or political party.
Created from information supplied by the candidate: October 13, 2004 11:03
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