Candidate for
Supervisor; County of Alameda; Supervisorial District 2

Promoting Economic Growth and Jobs

During these difficult economic times, Alameda County has been hit particularly hard. As Supervisor, I will do everything in my power to keep the jobs we currently have by bringing labor and management together at the County level, and to attract new jobs. I will also work to speed up public construction projects by cutting red tape. I will also work to encourage businesses to choose Alameda County. Alameda County has the human resources and open industrial land needed to make it a center for the green and bio-technology industries, and I will ensure that we use these assets to promote a vibrant economy.

Making Government More Efficient

As the Executive Director of the Alameda County Family Justice Center (ACFJC), I manage a nationally-recognized program that saves Alameda County $ 1 million every year by making government service delivery more efficient. As Supervisor, I will bring the creative solutions I have implemented at the FJC to all of Alameda County government. I will hold County government agencies and departments accountable and will work hard to ensure that a dollar's worth of taxes results in a dollar's worth of services to the people of Alameda County.

Working Together to Improve Education

The County has a significant role in alternative, adult, and special education. As your County Supervisor, I will use my skills in bringing people and resources together, and build bridges between all sectors of society - business, schools, non-profits, colleges, and public safety to ensure a successful educational system and to give the children of our community a bright future. As a former School Board President, I have the experience in education to develop vital partnerships needed to make our students thrive.

Ensuring Safe Communities

Through my work as a County Manager, I have extensive experience collaborating with frontline health and safety personnel, and I will continue to work with them to reduce incidences of crime in our neighborhoods. All families must be protected by having adequate police and prosecution resources at the County level to protect them from violence. As Supervisor, I will fully support public safety professionals by working closely with them to ensure that they have the resources necessary to keep our community safe. I will also lead efforts to coordinate County-wide crime prevention programs such as "Safe from the Start," which targets at-risk youth to help break the cycle of violence.

Supporting Healthy Families

As the Executive Director of the Alameda County Family Justice Center, I work with children, families and victims of domestic violence to help them recover and lead healthy lives. As your Supervisor, I will continue to support effective programs that promote the well-being of our families. I will support efforts to increase access to affordable healthcare and reduce costs by championing preventative measures. I will work to ensure that local clinics and urgent care services are fully funded, and I will take a leadership role in preserving hospital beds and emergency services for Alameda County citizens.

Improving Transportation and Infrastructure

County government decides what transportation projects to fund, and the optimal way to structure development and transit to minimize pollution and the generation of greenhouse gases. The County is currently overseeing the BART extension, and the completion of the 238 corridor. Having effective infrastructure is vital to our economy, and I will fully support improvements to our roads and public transportation systems. I will consult with the neighborhoods that will be affected by development and improvement projects.

Protecting our Environment

As Supervisor, I will lead the way in fighting for environmental improvement, pollution reduction and protection of precious resources. Bay Area governments have a tradition of showing our state and national leaders what needs to be done. I will work hard to address local environmental concerns and I will work hard to assure Alameda County is a leader in confronting climate change. I will support renewable energy, public transit, smart growth, green building, and retrofitting existing residential, industrial, and commercial buildings to make them more energy efficient.