Current and future opportunities

By Javan Reid

Javan will bring strategic planning and mediation skills during this crucial time for McKinleyville.

COMMUNITY GOVERNANCE: Our General Manager Bruce Buel has done a great job and it's hard to see him go. However, this loss gives us the opening to re-evaluate what kind of governing model we need at this stage of our development and make some responsible choices.

OUR WATER SUPPLY is abundant and of high quality. We need to manage this most precious resource well to make sure that it is always affordable and plentiful.

STRATEGIC PLANNING is crucial for the MCSD. I will emphasize taking a long-range view. The pace of building has decreased in the past year, giving us time to create a plan that will integrate development into a balanced and sustainable strategy. This needs to be a priority.

DEVELOPMENT is determined by sewer capacity. In making decisions about our future we need to carefully consider the values of the citizens who live here. Then we can proceed with policies which reflect the values of our citizens. Representative government depends upon this.

THE HILLER SPORTS FIELD is another great oportunity. It is our good fortune that the MCSD Board had the forsight to buy this pasture that we now can develop into playing fields for people of all ages. I look forward to making these sport fields the pride and joy of McKinleyville.

THE RECREATION ACTIVITIES of MCSD under the direction of Traci Ferdolage are outstanding and deserve increased support. The after school program at Morris is a vanguard program. We need to support this kind of innovative co-operation between MCSD and our schools. An important next step will be to explore the possibility of a skateboard park for our young people. "Remember Skateboarding is not a crime!"

OUR SENIOR CENTER has benefitted our seniors and the entire community. I want to help the Senior Center expand its facilities, programs and activities.

THE MCKINLEYVILLE LIBRARY is a tremendous asset. I will support the effort to expand and add capacity to our Library.

The future before us is bright and full of opportunities. I want to be an active participant in this future. As your representative on the MCSD Board, I will continue to give my time, energy and skills to help make our community secure, sustainable and livable for all our families.