Priorities

By Marge Atkinson

Fiscal Responsibiily Climate Action

Notwithstanding the ecomomic situation most cities are currently in, I think once we get past this downturn, that my priority is how to make sure Albany citizens are aware and engaged in the many changes and decisions that need to be addressed and implemented in response to climate disruption. We have a city Climate Action Plan that we need to start implementing as soon as possible. This will involve community outreach, education and engagement because without the community's support and actions we will not meet our Action Plan goals.

I am an initiating member (co-founder) of our local Transition Albany group, part of a world-wide movement started in the U.K., to work along with local government and residents to foster community resilience and sustainability. Besides working from within the City, I plan to work with community groups to educate the residents on ways to lower carbon emissions, share resources and build community resiliency by being proactive about the steps we can take to ameliorate the effects of peak oil and climate change. I envision ways to partner with residents to find alternative modes of transportation and I will work with other government agencies and businesses to encourage mass transportation between Albany and other sites like Berkeley BART, El Cerrito BART, Solano, San Pablo and the businesses along frontage road and Golden Gate Fields.

The City of Albany is in the forefront of initiating and supporting sustainable development and "green" practices. We have instituted green building codes, are a the top of cities in recycling and have received an award as the "Greenest" city in California. I would continue these practices of being in the forefront of protecting the environmental and a civic leader in encouraging other cities to do the same.