Candidate for
Council Member; City of Lafayette

MY PRIORITIES FOR LAFAYETTE

FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT Lafayette has limited financial resources. We must continue to use those resources prudently by providing services that are efficient, responsive and cost-effective. I will strive to manage expenditures and promote an efficient City administration in order to generate adequate funding for the City's primary services.

RIDGELINE AND HILLSIDE PROTECTION Lafayette's incomparable natural setting cannot be taken for granted. I have worked hard and will continue to work hard to preserve and protect our hillsides, ridges and open space for the enjoyment of all our residents. Lafayette's General Plan is the foundation of our land planning and our efforts to maintain the semi-rural nature of our community, and I whole-heartedly support it.

NEIGHBORHOOD ROADS We must put in place the financing necessary to bring all our neighborhood roads up to a high standard. I am co-chairing the Roads Task Force, which promotes use of existing City finances for road repairs and is developing plans for a long-term solution or failing roads.

NEIGHBORHOOD INTEGRITY The uniquenes and variety of our neighborhoods define the character of Lafayette. However, our neighborhoods have been, and will continue to be, affected by pressures to tear down existing houses and build larger houses or to make substantial additions to existing houses. My goal will be to find a way to balance the needs of growing families with the privacy and aesthetic interests of neighbors.

TRAFFIC AND PARKING The City needs to pay constant attention to automobile, pedestrian, and bicycle circulation and safety issues to protect our neighborhoods and downtown from excessive traffic and parking problems. We need better parking alternatives in downtown Lafayette.

PUBLIC SAFETY A fundamental responsibility of the City is to provide police protection for all its residents. The City must continue to explore alternatives that will ensure such services are provided at the appropriate level and at an affordable cost.

THE NEW LIBRARY AND LEARNING CENTER They City should encourage the maximum use of the new library and make it available to all Lafayette residents. It should become a focal point for the community.

RECREATION We should be alert to opportunities to add to the City's parks, recreation programs and trail systen in a fiscally sound manner.

DOWNTOWN A vibrant, pedestrian-friendly downtown is essential to the City's financial health and our sense of community. I will continue to support the beautification of the Mt. Diablo corridor, patronage of our local businesses, and increased parking.

SCHOOLS Lafayette residents are justifiably proud of the quality of their schools. Actions taken by the City should support the mission of our schools and enhance the educational opportunities of our residents.

ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS I support the work of the City's Environmental Task Force and its efforts to improve our quality of life.

SENIORS We need to make it easier for seniors to continue to live in Lafayette and to contribute to our community. I support appropriately sited senior housing and improving services for seniors.

CITIZEN INVOLVEMENT Lafayette has benefitted immeasurably from the breadth and depth of the involvement of its residents in all aspects of civic affairs. The City Council should continue to support and encourage this involvement.