Then vs. Now

By Alex Stillman

Let's look at my priorities in the 2004 campaign and how they panned out.

• Back to Basics

NOW: I spearheaded the campaign for Arcata's Measure G, managing the campaign in 2008 to educate voters on its many benefits, including leading the creation of an informational website and walking flyer that was delivered door-to-door. The measure passed with 63.49% of voters affirming funding for repairing roads and sidewalks, restoring adequate staffing to the police department, and providing other improvements for bike lanes and wheelchair access. This is an ongoing funding source that the state of California cannot withhold from the city during its ongoing economic crisis.

• Additional affordable housing

NOW: I supported several housing projects facilitated by city staff and private developers that are now underway. Plaza Point at Ninth and I Streets across from the North Coast Co-op will create 24 low and moderate income dwellings. Sandpiper at G and H Streets is the conversion of a mobile home park into 18 permanent modular homes for low and moderate income owners. Existing mobile home residents were relocated to another mobile home park in Arcata and are at the top of the list if they wish to buy a house. Bayview Crossing at 250 E Street is being created as transitional housing for homeless individuals. The city is collaborating with Arcata House on this project that will create 24 living units.

• Safe public streets, parks and trails
• Increased road maintenance for bicycle, car and pedestrian use

NOW: Illegal activity is being addressed by a properly staffed police department. I am proud to say we have two park rangers restoring our parks and trails to places of safety, and who address the environmental destruction caused by illegal camps in our community forest.

Our millions of dollars in backlogged maintenance will takes years to fix, but our most severe problems are being resolved thanks to voters passing Measure G in 2008. It was a measure I conceived and led the information campaign for to fund city services. Arcata has positioned itself to become sustainable -- less dependent upon broken promises from state government.

• Partnerships with HSU in research and pilot projects

NOW: Relations with the university are now strong. As mayor, I serve on the City of Arcata - HSU Liaison Committee that meets monthly. Our communication is more open and better focused on collaboration. There is no animosity, only a willingness to work through the bureaucracy to make things better for both the city and the university.

The city has begun swapping responsibilities with the university to our mutual benefit. Maintenance of some city streets and parking meters are now being managed by HSU. The new residence hall complex means increased sewage, so HSU bought the former Industrial Electric building at 14th and B Streets and gave the city a portion of the property for needed sewer access. Meanwhile, students living in the new residence halls will use campus parking permits, not city permits so their close proximity to residential neighborhoods doesn't add to parking situation on city streets.

• Energy conservation

NOW: The city has a joint powers agreement with the Redwood Coast Energy Authority, meaning we have a voting voice in the organization. The Authority has an educational arm which hosts workshops, light bulb exchanges and other consumer outreach.

Arcata hasn't reduced its overall energy consumption, but we are staying even. The city's energy committee is investigating a tax for high energy users who are commonly believed to have indoor marijuana growing operations. How the city chooses to proceed is dependent upon the outcome of Proposition 19 in the November election and public sentiment on the issue.

• Ombudsperson for City Hall

NOW: I explored the viability of the position during the city's goal planning sessions, but after deliberation it was determined to be unfeasible because of the depth of knowledge required for a single individual.

A positive result of those talks, supported by our city manager, was that every city employee has received customer service training, from the city clerk to waste water treatment operators. Customer service has been pushed to the forefront of city hall.

The community development director is working with the Planning Commission and Historic Design Review Commission to find ways to move development projects along in an expeditious manner.

Beyond my council role in supporting positive change for businesses, I continue to offer myself as a resource for business owners. Every week, I provide advice and information to new and seasoned business owners about how to navigate municipal regulations and departments. I endeavor to be accessible, only a phone call away.

• Explore municipal WiFi

NOW: The idea has been explored, but deemed unfeasible at this point in time. I continue to watch the progress being made by community groups and businesses seeking to bring broadband redundancy to Humboldt County and remain interested should the idea become practical in the future.