League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
Marin County, CA June 3, 2014 Election
	Damon Connolly Answers Questions Candidate for County Supervisor; County of Marin; Supervisorial District 1

The questions were prepared by the League of Women Voters of Marin County and asked of all candidates for this office.
Read the answers from all candidates (who have responded).

Questions & Answers

1. If you are elected, what issues affecting District 1 will get your close attention? How will you respond to each?

1. Budget/Fiscal: While the fiscal picture for Marin and the North Bay is looking brighter, we still need to take a cautious approach in handling the County's finances. I believe there are three components to addressing the County's ongoing fiscal issues. The first is to align the County's priorities with necessary cost saving measures and adjustments. The second is to implement policies that grow our local economy and create good paying jobs. The third is to support targeted revenue increases that help meet needs for vital public services (i.e. for libraries, paramedics, parks).

2. Transportation: We need to develop more walkable, bikable sustainable communities with access to local transit. I will make it a priority to ensure that SMART is implemented successfully with necessary fiscal oversight. I see tremendous opportunity to make improvements around the SMART station areas. I envision world-class bicycle and pedestrian routes that will not only make it easier for people to get around, but will establish Marin as even more of a destination. I have been consistent in questioning the necessity of developing next to the SMART stations, even as I have supported the train itself. In downtown San Rafael, we already have relatively high density near where the station will be built, and as I have made clear, the Civic Center Station should be for commuters and should not be used as justification for changing the existing zoning. As such, I was proud to lead my city council colleagues in voting to rescind the PDA designation for the Marin Civic Center Station Area Plan.

3. Environment/Climate Change: I am proud of the fact that San Rafael has been a regional leader on climate change and sustainability issues, and I have been Chair of the City's Sustainability Committee. I'll continue that leadership as Supervisor. Marin County should become a national leader in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and come closer to reaching our zero waste goals. The Grand Jury recently noted that recycling rates at the Civic Center are far lower than average rates in Marin. The County also needs to develop better policies around siting of local renewable energy projects.

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Responses to questions asked of each candidate are reproduced as submitted to the League.  Candidates' statements are presented as submitted. References to opponents are not permitted.

Read the answers from all candidates (who have responded).

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Created from information supplied by the candidate: May 11, 2014 23:03
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