Candidate for
Council Member; City of Berkeley; Council District 3

I'm invested in South Berkeley: I've restored several houses here, worked with various neighborhood groups, and I have a keen interest in seeing our neighborhood improve.

Most recently, I've been working with the Lorin District Merchants Association to develop a new "brand" for the area, and I want to see the Adeline neighborhood become even more vibrant. I'm also interested in taking those lessons and applying them to south Shattuck Avenue and Sacramento Street.

As a person with a disability, I understand the needs and concerns of the disability community, and want to make sure those interests and opinions get a voice on the Council. I served as Chair of the Commission on Disability, and have brought my disability expertise to much of the work I have done. My work with the Berkeley Public Library on planning for the old South Branch was focused on creating access for people with disabilities, which will in turn lead to a better branch library for everyone.

I am also a preservationist and want to see old houses and historic buildings saved and preserved. With Tom White, my partner of 33 years, I have restored old homes, worked on various community development projects, and most importantly, we have raised our two sons (now ages 27 and 23) here in Berkeley. We were the first openly gay couple to adopt an infant, and family has always been an important value for us. We still believe "the personal is political," and we have always worked for social justice, and progressive ideals and causes.

As a member of the City Council, I intend to truly represent South Berkeley, reduce crime, and work to ensure that all members of our community can live dynamic and productive lives.

I look forward to working with you to build a better Berkeley.