League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
Marin County, CA November 3, 2015 Election
	Kirk J Knauer Answers Questions Candidate for Council Member; City of Mill Valley

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. How would you rate your Climate Action plan, what has been done and what more is needed?

The City of Mill Valley has a history of addressing climate change in general terms. As a council member, I will be committed to looking at a climate change plan for Mill Valley. Of particular importance is reducing greenhouse gas emissions from a primary source in our city - our waste treatment facility (SASM). And with substantial sea level rises expected by 2050, which will severely affect the low-lying areas of Mill Valley (e.g. the parks and fields at Bayfront Park, the waste treatment plant, and homes and business around Richardson Bay), I will advocate the development of a plan to prepare for flooding and these major infrastructure threats.

Curbside Compost Pick-Up Service In Need of Review: Mill Valley has curbside compost pick-up for Mill Valley residents, but it is not provided to restaurants and businesses. This is an opportunity and needs to be looked into and if practicable, addressed. Composting plays an important role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and landfill demand and should be encouraged throughout the city.

I am committed to sustainable practices and I will continue emphasizing the importance of reducing solid waste, beyond our city ban on plastic bags, including reducing or eliminating the use of all polystyrene foam. There are better, cost-effective alternatives.

I support Mill Valley's goal of "Zero Waste" by 2025. Preservation and conservation are pillars of my platform as candidate and they will remain so as a city council member. They are also critical to me as a resident, home-owner and parent. Safe multi-modal transport options are very important. On Miller Avenue this will be a reality soon as it will be rebuilt with alternative transit options such as wider and safer bicycle lanes, pedestrian friendly sidewalks, and better street crossing areas.

All our city efforts and development projects must continue to consider the impact on traffic, wildlife and habitat. Green, sensible practices including recycling, re-using and reducing paper, lumber, water, and other materials must continue.

As a council member I will take a leadership role in promoting public awareness about the causes and impacts of climate change. I will also be an advocate for our seven miles of creeks, protecting them from polluted water run-off.

Mill Valley's Steps, Lanes, and Paths are part of our unique heritage and require committed funding for their maintenance to ensure access throughout the city, emergency escape routes, and to promote walking as a means of transportation.

Our Community Gardens are a key element to deepen resident awareness and commitment to growing local and gardening food...as a community.

I support the planned solar arrays at the Public Safety Building, DPS and our Community Center. I also support our commitment to clean energy choices such as electric or hybrid vehicles, electric charging stations and low-consumption LED lighting throughout the city. Our continued efforts to convert to 100% LED lighting will reduce electric usage and costs.

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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: October 11, 2015 00:18
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