What is my vision for improvements in the retail climate in Moraga?

By Lynda Deschambault

Second: We need a sensible design. I will work to ensure that one day our downtown areas will be more pleasant places to shop and spend the day or evening. Rather than separate free standing buildings, I would like to see our retail stores filled in, in a way that creates more of a village square environment that is an attractive, pedestrian-friendly and enjoyable place for families to spend time. I envision retail stores offering a diverse array of products to serve the community's needs.

It is important for the retail climate to encourage more pedestrian- friendly and family-focused events. The recent Arts and Craft Fair and the new Farmer's Market are great examples of how we can encourage a small town atmosphere that keeps people in town and results in local investment. According to the public surveys this is just the kind of climate the constituents want to see in Moraga.

And that is the Third element: we need to further analyze what the constituents of this town would like to see and work with the landowners towards that goal. It is not beneficial to either the town of Moraga or the private owners to be constantly engaged in legal battles after an application is filed. Instead we should engage the Town council and the community in healthy, proactive dialogue. Ample public notice and input, will help ensure that the constituents are not always responding in a reactive manner.

I believe that I can help in building these relationships. I am a strong leader, an incredibly hard worker, and I am dedicated to working for what is best for the whole town of Moraga. I have extensive experience as a mediator and facilitator for a multi-million dollar project that I manage for the U.S. government, and I work daily with local, state and federal agencies, in an effort to find productive ways to collaborate and work with Fortune 100 companies who often have very very opposing views, goals, and objectives. But I always find room for agreement.

I will work for a thoughtful and progressive Smart Growth planning approach that will protect locally owned shops while also encouraging business that will provide the goods and services Moraga is lacking. Let us seek Moraga businesses that will encourage people to stay in town, but let us be sure that they will not aggravate traffic congestion or require the loss of open space. I will work to revitalize our businesses in a responsible way that preserves our quality of life and meets the needs of our constituents.