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Campaign Issues...
Important to Joe Costello, and important to you. |
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| Last year, I authored the successful voter initiative known as Measure A which prohibits the development of Upper Mountain Cemetery for a resort hotel. Hundreds of volunteers worked for over six months to insure its passage. As a result of their tireless efforts, 76 percent of our voters said "Yes on Measure A" and no to Rosewood. The experience convinced me that the public wants greater involvement in local government. Therefore, I would seek more public input through City generated issue surveys, better distribution of meeting agendas, and allowing longer response times for public notices.
• With regard to Upper Mountain Cemetery, I would seek to designate a portion as open space. I think such a designation allowing limited uses like the proposed low impact hiking trail would help protect this beautiful and unique public treasure for the enjoyment of future generations. • I supported the Urban Growth Boundary Initiative early on. I believe it will provide us with a measure of insurance against sprawl. Within the sphere of influence, I favor planned slow growth and will strive to achieve it. • Water and sewer are the most important issues we face at this time. Our supply of water from the Russian River and Eel River may be reduced. We have been asked to voluntarily reduce our consumption by 15%. Four of our six pumps are standing by to supplement any shortages with underground water. We do not know whether our aquifer is recharging on an annual basis. I am seeking a temporary moratorium or "cooling off" period on new construction to study water and sewer capacity versus demand and for consideration of alternatives such as a reduction of the annual maximum unit allotment of 100, or a formula based annual allotment/development monitoring system. Meanwhile, I encourage the voluntary conservation of water. • I support the Affordable Housing Authorization Increase Initiative that would increase from 60 to 100 the Redevelopment Agency's ability to develop, construct, or acquire low income rental units. New ideas are necessary to increase affordable housing. For example, low or no interest loans to buy market rate homes under $250,000.00 have not been offered. Families with sufficient earnings but insignificant savings could use these loans for cash down payments. A future market correction might increase the number of homes for sale in this price range. Likewise, I support continuing Redevelopment Agency funding for non-profit developers of rental and for sale affordable housing and density bonuses and other incentives to encourage for-profit developers to create rental and for sale affordable housing. I have attended most Council meetings for the past two years. I am very familiar with the budget, General Plan & proposed Development Code, and water supply system. I am well-organized, reasonable, a good listener, and committed to doing my best to serve the public. It's time for a change. We need more Council members who are accessible and willing to listen. We need Council members who are persistent and not afraid to shape our future. A vote for me is a vote to help maintain our quality of life today, tomorrow, and for the future. |
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