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LWV League of Women Voters of California
Santa Barbara County, CA November 5, 2002 Election
Smart Voter Political Philosophy for Landon Neustadt

Candidate for
City Council Member; City of Buellton

This information is provided by the candidate

Buellton has experienced tremendous growth since its incorporation ten years ago. This growth has provided much needed housing, a new school and, of course, the Albertson's Mall. I want to thank the current and former City Council members for their efforts on behalf of our city.

However, this growth though has not come without a cost. All of us are aware of the dramatic increase in traffic (both local and from Lompoc) on our roads. We can see the slow deterioration of Avenue of Flags. We can see the exodus of our lower income neighbors as old housing is replaced by new development.

It is time now to refocus on the quality of life here. We all value Buellton for being a small town, where we can live away from the fast pace of large urban areas. The next few years will be crucial to Buellton's future. We have the opportunity to create a thriving and vital community. This will require updating our General Plan and making careful choices about the kinds of development we encourage and approve on the remaining land within the City of Buellton

There are three big issues I see facing Buellton:

  • Traffic

With the development of new commercial areas, the residences at the west-end of town, the new school and new development in Lompoc, traffic, particularly on 246, has become a significant issue for us. The City Council needs to be more assertive with Caltrans and develop a traffic solution that not only protects our children and elderly, but also promotes walking and bicycling as an alternative to driving in Buellton.
  • Avenue of Flags

The City Council and the Redevelopment Agency need to be more proactive in attracting development that furthers the vision and potential of the Avenue of Flags. It was and must become again the heart of our city. The preliminary plans of the consultant hired by the city show great promise in creating a thriving and vital downtown core. This planning process must be one the Buellton City Council's top priorities.
  • Affordable housing

The City Council and the Redevelopment Agency have to be more proactive in finding solutions to our need for affordable housing. Many of the gains made in Buellton have and continue to displace our low-income residents. We need to actively solicit and participate with developers in finding solutions to our housing needs.

I have attended almost all of the Buellton City Council and Buellton Planning Commission meetings over the last year and a half. This has been a great learning experience, and I feel thereby well qualified to serve on the Buellton City Council.

Please remember to vote on November the 5th

Thank you for your support.

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Created from information supplied by the candidate: October 15, 2002 21:46
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