This is an archive of a past election.
See http://www.smartvoter.org/ca/cc/ for current information.
Contra Costa County, CA November 2, 2010 Election
Smart Voter

What is your vision for the Marina?

By Kathi McLaughlin

Candidate for Council Member; City of Martinez

This information is provided by the candidate
In June 2000 the Grand Jury blasted the City Council for abdicating its responsibility to maintain the deteriorating Marina. It failed to keep track of millions in state loans for repairs. In response the City hired an outside management group which promised to dredge the harbor, rebuild docks and breakwaters, and develop other amenities. The Council declared they were now on the right track. It's ten years later and the Marina is in worse shape now--expect for the lovely new Harbor Master's office and some cosmetic improvements that direct attention away from the empty boat slips, dangerous and deteriorating docks and walkways, and lack of promised amenities.

My vision for the Marina isn't very different from that described by the Council in 2000. It includes a dredged channel and working gas pumps to encourage more permanent slip rentals and day travelers to come and enjoy the other amenities we should have there. That could include kite and bike rentals; at least one restaurant with views of the Marina and Carquinez Straits; and sports activities and contests. We need to partner with the East Bay Regional Parks to build a shared vision to bring residents and visitors to the Marina while maintaining its pristine natural amenities. A visitors' center (possibly designed in collaboration with the school district's New Leaf Environmental Studies program and the Worth A Dam wildlife preservation agency) could emphasize the unique environment of the Bay meeting the fresh water Alhambra Creek and Delta. The Council needs to take a more proactive role in the management of the marina and not leave it to the outside management company with little active oversight. Most of all the Council needs to keep the promises it made ten years ago!

Next Page: Position Paper 3

Candidate Page || Feedback to Candidate || This Contest
November 2010 Home (Ballot Lookup) || About Smart Voter

ca/cc Created from information supplied by the candidate: October 17, 2010 17:14
Smart Voter <http://www.smartvoter.org/>
Copyright © League of Women Voters of California Education Fund.
The League of Women Voters neither supports nor opposes candidates for public office or political parties.