Candidate's Filing Statement

By Howard Jones

The century old groves of trees adorning our valleys and hilltops were home to countless animals and even the odd Monarch butterfly.

Well I haven't seen any Monarchs recently or much planning either.

Hercules Avenue neighborhoods suffered two interminable years of dusty,noisy traffic that broke water mains and crumbled road surfaces. Over three hundred trees were carefully cataloged then cut down; hillsides were flattened before inappropriately dense housing was erected, entirely out of keeping with the rest of the city.

Finally a road was put in, but six months later it is closed. The developer has been allowed to move unsightly trailers and a garbage dump alongside the Bay Trail. There is not adequate sewage capacity for the homes already occupied let alone the ones still being built, nor new schools, parks or trails.

Opportunities are being missed; lawsuits and unncessary consultant's studies are draining our coffers.

Ten years ago our kids were booted from their vibrant parent-built Little League ground alongside San Pablo Avenue. This natural amphitheater could have been the centerpiece of a beautiful shopping center - instead it was flattened. We have yet to see a single shop in this designated retail area.

Enough is enough. The current council needs to be changed. It is time to elect members who put residents' wishes ahead of the developers.

I would be honored to receive your vote and your trust.