Sierra Club Questions and Answers

By Andrew N. Carter

I oppose Measure J. It goes against the established review process we normally follow in California. Also, the current project does not guarantee an overpass will be built at Prado Road. This overpass is needed to mitigate traffic impacts of this project and of future General Plan development in the Margarita and Orcutt areas.

2) How would you like to see the Dalidio situation resolved?

Essentially along the outlines of the project approved by the San Luis Obispo City Council in 2004.

3) Please prioritize your top Open Space future acquisitions for the City?

The focus should be on open space acquisition in our planned greenbelt. I would particularly focus on Buckley Road, the airport area, LOVR, and Foothill. Those are the areas where we are most threatened now.

4) What solutions for SLO's affordable housing shortage will you be championing?

I have a long track record of supporting affordable housing in SLO. This includes supporting residential build-out in the Orcutt and Margarita area (following the outlines of our General Plan), mixed use projects, "affordable by design" projects, upper story residential development downtown, our inclusionary housing ordinance, etc.

5) What is your position on Measure Y?

I support Measure Y. It is the only way the City is going to be able to secure the funding necessary to address such important needs as street and sidewalk repair, creek maintenance and flood control, and open space acquisition. The city, I believe, has a good track record of prudent fiscal management. This plus the fact that Measure Y includes a sunset provision and a citizens oversight committee should ensure that the funds raised will be well spent.

6) How will you expand/improve the city's alternative transportation system?

We should focus on completing the Railroad Bike Trail to Cal Poly and the Bob Jones Bike Trail. We should also explore opportunities for bike trails and linear parks elsewhere in the city.

With respect to public transit, I would like to see Cal Poly contribute more to our public transit budget. It seems foolish for Cal Poly to continue to focus on building more garages on campus when most students, faculty, and staff live in the immediate SLO area and could easily take public transit to work and class. Due to DOT 25% revenue rules, it's impossible to expand public transit (routes, hours, etc.) without securing this additional local funding.