Candidate for
Council Member; City of Palo Alto

Occupation: Economist/Long Range Planner
Education and Qualifications:
On the Council, I have used my training as an economist and long-range planner to work for balanced budgets, improved infrastructure, new libraries, and joint planning with the School District at the Cubberley site. My commitment to Palo Alto as a community for families has not diminished since my prior service on the School Board. Our future planning must include:

Housing Mandates. The State of California through ABAG is demanding that the City zone for 18,000 new residents. As Chair of the Council's Housing Mandate Committee, I have challenged ABAG's demographic projections. The livability of our community (housing density, traffic, retail services, and schools) depends upon leadership on this issue.

Quality of Life. I believe that open and transparent public processes produce better results. New development should incorporate the characteristics that reaffirm Palo Alto as a community that respects its residents as well as economic growth.

Fiscal Responsibility. In my years on the Council, I've worked to balance our budgets during years of lower revenue growth and create sustainable pension and health benefits for city employees. I've supported fiscally sound improvements to the City's infrastructure and welcomed businesses that provide jobs and grow the revenue base.

http://www.gregschmid.com