Candidate for
County Supervisor; Humboldt County; Supervisorial District 5

Pat strongly believes that democracy would be best served by restricting money in politics and reversing the Supreme Court decision that allows unlimited corporate spending in elections. Pat has worked to promote publicly financed elections (http://www.caclean.org) and to adopt open source software for election tabulations (http://www.openvoting.org). His 5th District Supervisor campaign has refused money from special interests and is fueled by grassroots volunteers who are making direct contact with citizens (http://www.pathiggins.org).

The following is a list of further priorities:

General Plan Update: Pat favors "Smart Growth" because it makes economic sense and it improves community health. He thinks responsible rural development can be accomplished while maintaining working landscapes and healthy watersheds.

McKinleyville Planning: Pat will get the County to form the McKinleyville Advisory Committee (MAC) that we were promised in 2002. He will see that the MAC has neighborhood representation so we can work together on issues like an eastside trail and traffic reduction on Central Avenue.

Trails Now! Pat has been working actively to get some movement on developing trails and multimodal transport projects that will create jobs, improve community health, give kids safe travel routes and help draw visitors. He wants rails-to-trails projects now, not later, and is determined to make this happen.

Public Transport: Pat knows how much people need affordable transportation in these tough economic times. He will work hard to make sure we maintain and improve bus service, including service to the rural eastern portion of the 5th District.

Healthy Rural Roads: It is time we worked with CalTrans to change the transportation budget in Humboldt County from building more freeways and clover leafs to spending more money on rural transport arteries. If we can keep our beautiful country roads open and well maintained for residents, they could also be available for locals and tourists as recreational bicycle routes in summer. Such infrastructure would also allow local folks to set up bed and breakfast lodging to support their life in the country.

Alternative Energy: Solar power is working in Humboldt County and needs to be expanded to the extent possible. Pat is on the community's wave energy committee and also thinks there is substantial untapped alternative energy potential in biomass. Expanding biomass electricity generation can make Humboldt County energy independent and create woods jobs for a generation.

Organic Farm Expansion: Humboldt County could double its organic agricultural production, find export markets and develop more good jobs. We need to move now!

Fisheries: Pat is actively working to help establish conservation measures to protect ocean fish and salmon. As stocks rebuild, he envisions expanded, but sustainable, fisheries.

Forest Management: Humboldt County's forests are young. We need to thin them to promote optimal growth and reduce fire risk, while improving water quality and salmon habitat. Pat will work with the U.S. Forest Service to increase forest health Projects. Pat also understands how we can establish community forests, like the one called for in the McKinleyville Plan.

River Health: Salmon are one of our most valuable natural capital assets. Pat's background as a fisheries scientist will strengthen the Supervisor's understanding for decision-making on issues that affect rivers like the Klamath, Trinity, Mad and Eel. He will work to get the County more effectively involved in river protection and restoration.