Pacific Sun Interview

By Christopher "Chris" Lang

1. Why are you running for office and what experience makes you qualified?

I am running for office because I believe I can make a valuable contribution to our town, different than the incumbents. They have "a cavalier attitude toward fiscal realities" (Jill Kai). I am fed up with the town's government being unable to implement the bicycle/pedestrian Master Plan, to rebuild the ball field bathroom, and to repair dangerous streets*, all in the name of: "we have no money", while staff keeps getting raises. *(Fairfax Bolinas Road)
The experience that makes me qualified is listed on my website [lang4fx.com] and is a lengthy history of community service. From President of the Chamber of Commerce, to Founder of the Marin County Bicycle Coalition; from Vice-Chair of the Planning Commission to painting Manor School; from independent businessman for 40 years to co-founder of Friends of Tamarancho, my record of accomplishment and teamwork speaks for itself regarding my qualifications.

2. What are the three primary issues facing Fairfax and the city council in the coming four years?

The three primary issues facing our community in the coming four years are: unfunded future pension liabilities, fire and flood hazard reduction, plus mitigation of the increased traffic and housing densities.

3. Plan Bay Area calls for a 9 percent increase in new housing in Marin to sustain its ABAG estimate of 17 percent job growth by 2040. (It's a total of 0.7 percent of what's being called for throughout the entire Bay Area.) Are those growth numbers too high, reasonable, or too low?

Plan Bay Area growth estimates are a laudable attempt at planning, but the 9% increase in housing to support job growth of 17% is based on an extrapolation of artificially inflated numbers, not on an historical analysis, in my opinion.
As a veteran, trained planning commissioner, I appreciate the value of planning in general, but I believe the numbers in this plan are too high. Marin jobless rates hover in the 7% range and undocumented workers remain ubiquitous; keeping wages low and entry level jobs filled, in contrast to the years of my childhood in Marin. This directly impacts our local housing and job market, and does not seem to be reflected in Plan Bay Area.

3. General thoughts on Plan Bay Area and ABAG: Do you support? If so, why? If not, why--and what's a better alternative?

General thoughts on Plan Bay Area and ABAG: I support in principle, not in practice. The Planned Development Areas are inappropriate in my opinion, based on the numbers of dwelling units proposed per area. Vest Pocket housing, i.e. the Calthorpe `smart growth' plan is better, (see the proposed Whistlestop development in San Rafael) A better alternative is to unite the county, (all the towns etc.) in terms of growth (infill and small group homes), to avoid conflicts over specific top-down increased densities in particular areas. More thought is needed on this subject.

5. Fairfax has a fast-rising population of young families with young kids. Is there anything the town should/could do to adapt to such a youth movement--one that will become a "teen boom" in a few years?

Fairfax's coming youth boom is a cyclical phenomenon that reoccurs regularly. Without hard numbers, it is difficult to gauge the efficiency of the Town-financed afterschool drop-in program. As a devoted father of two public school students, I was instrumental in securing recreational improvements at White Hill School. Therefore, more playgrounds would be appropriate, small neighborhood-based sites should be available; more research is needed.
Marin County Open Space District's refusal to allow competitive events on land near Fairfax diminishes opportunities for events designed for youngsters. More crosswalks, traffic calming, and bike lanes are needed to protect our children as they adapt to less car use and more human-powered modes of transit, skateboards, etc.
More vocational and apprentice programs are needed; summer jobs for teenagers is where I started my career. As long as the Town Council continues to spend all our money on staff, we will never have enough to create opportunities for our children. It feels like "disregard for the taxpayers who pay the price of their spending." (J. Kai)

6. Name an important issue in Fairfax that is being under-reported in the local media.

An important issue in Fairfax that is under-reported in the media is the constant tightening up and imposition of new restrictions on all aspects of our lives. We are being made outlaws in our own homes and yards. From prohibitions of wood smoke to mountain biking on trails, to archery and roosters, the list keeps growing, let alone the selective and unprofessional enforcement of traffic laws by the Fairfax Police Dept.

7. Name a commendable decision made this year by the Fairfax Town Council. Name one in which you think they blew it.

A commendable decision made by the Fairfax town Council this year was the appointment of Renee Goddard to the Town Council, though her learning curve is steep for the more officious aspects of the job, she is a real leader who cares about the children of our community and is open to new opportunities for innovative programs and projects.
I think the council made a mistake by giving the City Manager a raise. Every time a new department head is hired, the salary goes up. The benefits are not included, and they are quite substantial. He has been here less than a year and he will be the highest paid employee ever! We need that money for public safety infrastructure and to repair the mistakes of his predecessor, (see Center Blvd. light standards and missing crosswalk).

8. How would you describe Fairfax's "character"? Feel free to mention both the good and the "needs improvement"...

Fairfax's character has changed over the years. Since I first moved here in 1972, the price of owning or renting a home has drastically increased, far more than workers' wages. Some outsiders who move here expect Fairfax to be like them, instead of being tolerant. Many families are excellent: getting on the program re: bicycling to school etc.
As a representative of artists, musicians and athletes, I feel our community's character is well defined by "only in Fairfax". This used to be an icon of a huge pile of steaming dog-shit on a sidewalk; we'll let history bury that image. Fairfax is still home to many creative "eccentric" individuals who are capable of leading our community and others towards a more sustainable future, but it is most important that we get our own house in order, before attempting to influence others. Less fossil fuel use by town employees, i.e. police, fire and public works would help address climate change.
Our character is best summed up by our freedom of thought, intelligence, and tolerance; our independence and self-sufficiency and our love for our families, our homes and the beautiful grandeur of nature surrounding us.

LANG4FX.COM