Specific Issues Important to Elk Grove

By Joey Tomko

The developers of the Mall are attempting to go forward against the objections of the Sacramento County Planning Commission and in the face of some very serious concerns, which I feel must be addressed. For example, the Mall will generate 66,950 daily trips along the local corridors of Grant Line, Highway 99, and connecting roads, adding over 6,000 pounds of emissions to the air daily. Federal funding for roads and highways will be at risk as we will be in violation of Federal emission laws. Traffic is already heavy on these surface roads, especially during rush hours, and an increase of this magnitude would cause serious gridlock. Additionally, the Urban Service Boundary, which was extended to encompass the proposed Lent Ranch Mall area, will be under severe pressure from neighboring landowners who might consider the entire area open for development. All of this has been outlined clearly in the Sacramento Country Department of Environmental Review and Assessment May 1999 Environmental Impact Report for Lent Ranch General Plan Amendment, wherein the authors state that "the proposed project is premature because it is occurring ahead of the other planned growth in the area." Finally, none of the proponents of the mall have shown that the hypothetical projected tax revenue from the mall will be sufficient to fund the services the mall will require.

New Construction Without Adequate Infrastructure.

I believe we must take the long view before we begin new construction projects. We must insure that we have adequate water supply now and in the future, especially during drought years. I feel strongly that we should not dig a foundation or frame a building without having the streets in place, the water in place, schools to support the new population and all the other basic necessities of life that we expect and deserve.

Campaign Finance Reporting and the Influence of Special Interests.

Elk Grove is a community with an opportunity to take control of is future and grow to be a place we can all be happy to raise our children and establish our businesses. We can do these things if we do not let the "Business As Usual" politicians sell our future out for their own greedy purposes. I will be responsible to the citizens of Elk Grove to bring sensible planning and conscientious government. I believe we should take a careful look at the source of funds some candidates are receiving, and ask the question "What will be expected in return for this financial support?" I believe in the Brown Act for fair and open meetings and the exchange of ideas and needs of our diverse community.

Contracting Essential Services

My company has been successful contracting large projects. In today's business environment we are best served by the organizations and entities that specialize in the services that we will require as a community. We must look for the best value for the cost, not always the lowest bidder. As a City Council member, I would be open to proposals from all qualified bidders for our essential services.