Candidate for
Council Member; City of San Juan Capistrano

The following are some question I was recetly asked which I feel help describe my Political Philosophy....

1.Please describe your previous involvement in community organizations and campaigns, including those concerned with environmental issues.

My involvement in community organizations is varied. In the past has been with various local beach cleanup efforts in San Diego, Ocean Beach and Cape Cod. I also participate in the Annual Dana Point cleanup efforts and locally in San Juan Capistrano. Next event planned is the SJC Creek cleanup on September 24, 2010.

2.What do you anticipate will be the three most important environmental issues that you will face if elected, and what actions do you propose to resolve them?

MTBE + cleanup of our groundwater. Solution is to let Chevron clean up the groundwater and not the city. Cleanup through a cooperative effort.

Air & Noise pollution due to increased city traffic. Solution is proper planning by developers and City Council to reduce these impact to residents by using smart designs. Creek & Trail pollution. Solution is community involvement and awareness.

3.What is your transportation vision for San Juan Capistrano over the next twenty-five years? What role do you see for mass transit (e.g., MetroLink, light rail, high-speed rail, buses), toll road expansions, intermodal connectivity, new routes connecting Orange County to the Inland Empire, and bicycle routes.

Transportation vision over next 25 years - I envision a freeway exit at Hwy 74 that stands out. A safe traffic and pedestrian crossing which personifies San Juan Capistrano. I envision connecting the south part of SJC with the rest of SJC so that I don not have to take I-5 to get there! I see the toll road being completed to San Clemente. I envision a light rail connecting SJC to neighboring cities in south O.C. I want SJC to become a bicycle town similar to Davis, CA.

4. AB32, the California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006, requires the state to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 25% (to 1990 levels) by 2020. What role will the city of San Juan Capistrano have in helping California reach this goal. As a City Council member, how will you help San Juan Capistrano do its part to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions?

San Juan Capistrano has the potential to become a leader in GREEN technology and building. As a Council Member I can help facilitate new businesses become LEED certified. We can make new requirements for businesses to go GREEN and reduce their own carbon footprint thereby reducing GHGs.

5. What is the role of the city of San Juan Capistrano in creating sustainable communities that incorporate smart growth principles, mass transit and easy access to amenities (work, parks, grocery stores)? How would you define sustainability? How would you promote sustainable and/or green building practices?

The role of SJC is to promote smart growth principles that allow for expansion, new business, and additional community members.

I define sustainability (as applied to SJC) as a city that can operate efficiently, be self-performing, and working cooperatively amongst one another by utilizing existing resources and limit out carbon footprint.

We can promote sustainability by educating the public sector and use our own existing resources. Examples: seek bids for future work from contractors within city limits; use only LEED certified contractors

6. Some Planning Agencies allow organized opposition to a proposed project at hearings to present their case in a manner similar to the project proponents, with more time (15-30 minutes) and the opportunity to use PowerPoint and other presentation materials. Other Planning Agencies limit public participation to 3-minute presentations by a series of individuals, which may or may not be in a particular order of the opposition's choosing. Which process do you support and why?

I prefer to know the facts. I would like to hear from both parties to make an informed decision. I would favor the 15 min option. Presentation would be optional + can take more time due to typical technical difficulties or upload time.

7. The City Council appoints the members of the San Juan Capistrano Planning Commission. What experience, qualifications, and guiding philosophy will you seek in your appointees to the San Juan Capistrano Planning Commission?

The planning commission must represent the views form all citizens of the city - Experience could vary but I would like to see that all member be educated in building practices, LEED certification, planning experience, park experience, team member of other organizations. Qualifications need to have the ability to listen to others to make informed decisions Philosophy - sustainable growth with minimal impact to the environment

8. What is in your opinion the most important environmental issue in San Juan Capistrano? and What are you thoughts to address?

MTBE - It is the largest environmental issue we face. Without our groundwater we will be paying much more for water. We will but direct from Metro. We will limit our growth potential as a city and watch a slow exodus over time.

I have many thought on how to address this topic. Many are on my webpage: http://www.jimschneider2010-sjccitycouncil.com

We can address this issue by dealing with Chevron directly and not prevent them from cleanup of the groundwater (as explained by Chevron).