Tom's Priorities

By Thomas Theodores

Tom's priorities include: A City Council that works collaboratively for all of Sausalito Fiscal responsibility with balanced budgets and a focus on building reserves for infrastructure improvements Preservation of Sausalito's unique character and historic buildings Protection of Sausalito's Waterfront and Marinship Investment in Sausalito's future through planning and infrastructure improvements

We need a City Council that :

• Brings us together instead of driving us apart
• Respects one other and treats each other civilly
• Works toward creative, inclusive solutions, instead of taking partisan positions
• Is responsive to residents and finds consensus solutions to Sausalito's challenges

Fiscal Responsibility. Sausalito is in sound condition, yet we still need to maintain and improve our city's finances. We must make balancing the budget a top priority. We must continue to add to our fiscal reserves so that we can continue to improve our streets and parks and other infrastructure. We must encourage the economic vitality of our business community, which is an important contributor to our revenues. I have financial and legal experience and can provide important guidance for our city in this area.

Historic Preservation. Sausalito's unique character is rooted in its history and historic buildings. Preserving our historical character should be a priority in all decisions we make as a community. We should support the actions of the Historic Landmarks Board and the Community Development department to update our Historical Preservation Regulations and to continue to inventory our historic buildings for protection, including those in the Marinship. As a former member of the Historic Landmarks Board, I am familiar with and support all of these efforts.

Preservation of Waterfront and Marinship. Our waterfront is our crown jewel and we must protect it. We need to maintain and improve its infrastructure while preserving its character. We should explore all avenues and financial sources to keep and expand the waterfront as public property that will be preserved and maintained for Sausalito and its residents. The current Marinship Plan provides the protection necessary to preserve the historical nature of the Marinship. The new City Council will almost certainly be called upon to review the plan and bring it up to date. I support a deliberative, careful approach to any revision to the Marinship Plan to ensure that its historical character is maintained and that its uses remain consistent with its history and Sausalito's overall waterfront vision.

Infrastructure. Just as we need to preserve our history and unique character, we need to build for the future. In order to stay within our fiscal means, I support allocating resources to continue the improvement of our streets and parks and other infrastructure needs which make Sausalito a better place to live. We have neglected our infrastructure in the past and we are paying now to catch up. I will make infrastructure improvements a high priority on our City Council's agenda.

Housing Element/EPA Order Compliance. Sausalito must comply with state and federal laws. Compliance with these laws, including changes to our Housing Element and compliance with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency order, are issues that the City Council must monitor.. I will bring my legal and negotiating experience to help us implement them with maximum community input .

Above all, as your new council member I pledge to engage all facets of our community in our decision-making processes. I will make myself available to all and will address issues in an open and balanced manner.

If you elect me this November, I will do what's best for Sausalito.

I ask for your vote. It's about Sausalito's future.