Candidate for
Council Member; City of Galt

Growth

Having been involved in our last update, I know that the best tool for planning Galt's future is our General Plan. It is time to review and update this plan. This is where our cities policies and goals are put down on paper. They include our sphere, green belts (open space), housing needs, parks, transportation, sustainable development policies and land use. This provides a planning document for the next 10-15 years. It is very important that citizen's participate in this process because really in the end it is their plan and we can never lose sight of that.

Regional Planning

Being a representative for Folsom, Isleton and Galt on various Commissions has exposed me to regional issues. I know that what our County and other Cities do, does have an impact on Galt. Council Members must stay involved and work with their counterparts on regional planning questions and solutions.

Environment

As a Member of the Sacramento Environmental Commission I know that we must investigate and understand local and regional environmental impacts such as air quality, water availability and land use. One question that should be very high on our list is to find out what the impacts are going to be when 22,000 homes are built in the Douglas Blvd area and what affect they will have on our ground water aquifer?

Fiscal Responsibility

We must work to increase our cities tax base. Property taxes on residential units alone are not enough to sustain city services. I will work toward increasing our retail and commercial tax base to insure a sound and balanced general fund on which to operate our city. In addition, we should pursue cost effective joint use facilities for our City, Schools, Fire and transportation services.

Projects

For the past 16 years we have discussed Lincoln Way improvements, doing 'something' with the railroad property and improving our freeway off-ramps. Maybe it is time that we finish Lincoln Way, do 'something' with the railroad property and at least put a plan together for freeway off-ramps. Along with those 'old' projects we should complete Carillion Blvd for better access to downtown and review sewer plant capacity.

Commitment

"Our City is in a unique and challenging position. We who live here have a real opportunity to control and plan our future. I am committed to continue my responsive and responsible role in city government"

Thomas J. Malson