ECONOMY
As a businesswoman and Councilmember, I bring valuable experience and expertise to the job. I have accomplished a lot working with business and community groups. Novato's economy is becoming more vital as it becomes more diverse.
As reflected in my statements and actions during my current Council term, to attract and keep businesses in Novato I support the revitalization of downtown Novato with methods such as the Downtown Business Improvement District; traffic and transportation improvements such as local jitneys, the addition of North Bay ferries, the completion of the 101 HOV lane, rail service on the NWRR right of way, and the repaving of local streets; workforce housing in the re-use of Hamilton; additional cultural and recreational facilities such as the Novato Theater restoration and the Hamilton Art Center and sport facilities; and protection of environmental assets, such as local and countywide trail systems and restoration of Hamilton wetlands.
TRANSPORTATION
I believe strongly in regional transit planning for regional transportation concerns. Highway 101 congestion must be attacked from all angles by all jurisdictions in the region. We should close any bottlenecks along our stretch of 101 to smooth the existing traffic flow and enhance highway safety. The Highway access problems associated with the Redwood Landfill should be corrected after there is agreement on the appropriate remedy. The public should be informed fully about the alternatives, and their costs, for enhancing regional public transit.
I serve as Vice President of the North Bay Division of the League of California Cities. We have been looking at the Bay Area Water Transportation Initiative that calls for study of more ferries on the Bay. Initially the study left out ferry service north of Larkspur. That would mean we would not have a ferry terminal in less than 20 years at Port Sonoma or Hamilton. Obviously, such a terminal would help relieve traffic congestion on 101. By talking to council members representing cities on the 101 corridor I obtained resolutions in support of water transportation in the North Bay. The initiative was then amended to include the North Bay in the study. It is timely that we study new ferry service for public transportation, taking into account environmental concerns.
I have also worked hard for local transit improvements, since we are not well served by Golden Gate Transit buses. I am working on the Novato Jitney Committee to institute jitney service to serve Novato neighborhoods, shopping areas, and future transit hubs.
In addition, we must repair our sidewalks to encourage more walking downtown. This will create a more pleasing ambiance and will make our downtown more appealing to local shoppers, lessening congestion on 101.
AFFORDABLE HOUSING
Novato has a very strong housing element in our General Plan. Hamilton Reuse will provide hundreds of affordable units for Marin. I support and helped plan those units. Our community boasts a large percentage of the affordable housing available in Marin County. I continue my long-term commitment to provide needed housing in our community.
Besides the already planned Hamilton housing, infill and second units in appropriate places will provide more housing. Our Downtown Specific Plan encourages mixed use with residential on top of retail and commercial uses.
SENIOR HOUSING
At Hamilton we have planned 100 units of senior housing at Rafael Village. The rehabilitated old Bachelor Officers' Quarters at Hamilton will create hundreds of assisted living units for our seniors. Rotary clubs have put forward another senior unit development at Pinero Ranch.
Second units are another way we increase senior housing or provide onsite housing for senior care workers. Most seniors want to stay in their own homes, so I look for ways to assist them.
ENVIRONMENT
Urban Growth Boundary
I supported and worked on the campaign to pass the Urban Growth Boundary measure. Now we need to be sure the UGB is implemented. It is a tool to prevent undesirable urban sprawl thereby protecting valuable agricultural and environmentally sensitive lands. It will promote urban infill development, which is a more efficient use of the city's infrastructure. In addition, mixed-use infill, encouraged by the Downtown Specific Plan, will create a livelier downtown which will benefit our local small businesses.
Streams, baylands and ridge tops
I have had a longtime interest in protecting our valuable environment. Our General Plan requires 50-foot setbacks from streambanks and protects ridgetops and baylands from building. We have a wetlands restoration plan in place for Hamilton. One of the ways we educate children about the importance of streams and wetlands is through our sponsorship, with State Fish & Game, of an annual children's catch and release fishing day at Scottsdale Pond. This event is linked to environmental classroom lessons.
The Marin County Council of Mayors and Councilmembers elected me to represent the County on the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) Executive Committee. We make decisions and recommendations dealing with transportation funding and we work with the Bay Area Economic Council on technology infrastructure. With ABAG and the Air Quality Control Board, I have pushed for the use of clean, fuel-efficient vehicles and recently participated in a Novato demonstration of electric vehicles. Air pollution will be reduced and our policy to curtail pollution in surface water run-off will be strengthened by the city's use of these cars and trucks.
Wildlife Habitat
Wildlife habitat protection for all creatures is a growing concern as private open areas are divided leaving islands of habitat with no safe passageways for wildlife to travel between. We are blessed in Marin with more connected public and private open space than in some other counties, but attention should always be paid to this particular concern when we consider projects. One result of diminishing habitat and its effect on wildlife is the fewer numbers and varieties of butterflies we now see. I insisted that the restoration of Scottsdale Pond include plants that attract and feed butterflies as well as birds.
Trails
This year, I encouraged the formation of a trails committee to expand and improve our existing trail system. I worked with Bill Long to link this effort with Bay ridge trails. I will ask for the completed trail plan to be added to our General Plan. One of my reasons for expanding the trail system is to keep passageways open for wildlife. In addition, trails and guided walks can educate the public about the importance of open space, habitat and the land we share with wildlife. Only those who have outdoor experience can appreciate and preserve the earth.
I am an enthusiastic proponent of preserving the environment in my own backyard, as well as the larger world. Not only have I worked to save Mt. Burdell and protect the Rush Creek wetlands, but I also garden organically, provide backyard habitat for birds and butterflies, and recycle whatever I can. I take every opportunity to teach the next generation about the importance of protecting our precious environment. I believe small actions are just as important as big movements in having an impact on our world.
