Candidate for
For Member, City Council; City of Alameda

I believe that we as a community can take the best from the past as we move forward into the new millennium. We can sustain that small town feeling that we so highly value at the same time that we meet the needs of a 21st Century community. adherence on the part of government leaders to true democratic principles will reduce today's sense of alienation and hopelessness. Good politics equates with active participation in the life of the community. This is the role that I envision for city leaders, that they facilitate the participation of all citizens for the good of the entire community.

• Redevelopment Alameda will never have another opportunity such as the one it now has as it plans for the redevelopment of the former Naval Air Station. We can provide a mix of housing that will meet the needs of people with a range of income levels. We can increase the business base by thoughtful planning for light industry, high tech, and retail establishments. We can accommodate the Wildlife Refuge and allow for open space. Careful planning is the key. Alameda needs to take charge of its future, determine how best to use all of the resources on the Base, and then conduct a responsible bidding process to get the work done.

• Affordable Housing I see housing as the single most important issue facing Alameda today. We are caught in a difficult regional phenomenon that is pushing our teachers, carpenters, retail workers, and city workers further and further away from the Bay area. We can no longer give lip service to affordable housing without substantial efforts to break the cycle here in Alameda. I will lead the effort to require a higher level of affordable housing in all new developments. I will work with renters to find solutions to the ever escalating rents in Alameda. I will affirm those landlords who value good tenants and keep their rents at fair and just rates.

• Public Transit I will work to improve public transit in Alameda. These efforts will include schedules that meet the needs of more people, routes that will accommodate under-served areas of our city and other efforts that will make public transit more attractive to our citizens. I will oppose any efforts to allow automobile parking to encroach on designated bus stops. Safe and convenient public transit for all Alamedans who prefer to use transit will be a priority.

• Traffic Alameda is dangerously close to the limit on the amount of traffic that our streets, tunnels and bridges can accommodate. This is an issue that is closely tied to Development in our city and issues related to the use of Public Transit. To wait until we reach our cap on traffic and then cease development is not an acceptable option to me. Rather, I favor the development of a comprehensive plan for development, traffic and transit now. This plan must serve the needs of current Alameda residents as well as those who will come because of business and residential development. These developments must begin to confront the issues of parking and traffic up-front. They must propose developments that will attract better transit and improve the quality of life for all.

• Shopping in Alameda I want to put an end to the need to leave Alameda in order to purchase the necessities of life. It used to be that I could buy a major household appliance on Webster St. or Park St. It used to be that there were several options for purchasing clothing for my family. I support the work of the Economic Development Commission Task Force. I particularly look forward to working to implement Strategy Two of the Economic Development Strategic Plan that will "increase the availability and quality of retail goods and professional services that meet the purchasing preferences of Alameda residents..."

• Library I support a Yes vote to approve the bond that would allow the City of Alameda to apply for state funds for a new state of the art library. I will also work to develop a plan for the Carnegie building that will preserve it and put it to a use that will be beneficial to Alameda citizens.

• Children, Teenagers, Seniors and Families Our children, teenagers, seniors, and families are our most precious resource. I will listen to their concerns and work with young and old alike to implement policies and projects that our citizens deem necessary. I will encourage active participation of seniors so that we might take advantage of their wisdom, their imagination and their creativity. Seniors are currently the backbone of Alameda volunteerism. I will welcome their continued contributions to our community.