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1. What is your opinion on light
rail throughout Folsom?
There are pros and cons of having light
rail in Folsom. It should help alleviate traffic congestion and will
bring more customers to our local businesses. By the same token, it
will also make the amenities of the metropolitan area more
accessible to Folsom residents.
On the con side, it may increase the crime rate by allowing easy
access to vagrants from out of town. However, I have complete
confidence in our police force that they are prepared to counter and
eliminate any adverse affects.
2. What is your view on the south of
50 situation? What do you support in terms of development?
Development is inevitable and we need
to have a say in what happens. If we don't take a strong lead, we
may jeopardize the opportunity to control its development. I believe
that development south of Highway 50 should be responsibly managed.
Growth should include both residential and commercial but should be
carefully managed to avoid runaway, uncontrolled growth. We need to
ensure that all required infrastructure projects such as roadways
and utilities are in place as development progresses. We should also
make sure that green space is incorporated into any plans.
3. What actions would you like to
see taken to mitigate excess high density housing in south Folsom?
There are several different types of
high density housing. Some will enhance the quality of life and
property values in Folsom. I support those types of developments.
However, I would oppose any high density housing projects that
threaten to diminish property values and quality of life.
4. What are your opinions on an grow
out population for Folsom ? 70,000, 90,000... over 100,000?
Unfortunately, we can’t stop the city
from growing. The key is to make sure that any growth is managed so
that we still maintain the quality of life that we enjoy today.
5. What plans do you support to
control out of town traffic within the city, without interfering
with residences right to access?
I will work hard to open up the Folsom
Dam road until the new bridge is built. I will work with state and
federal lawmakers to get the road opened. I also will explore the
possibility of alternatives such as police monitoring that may allow
us to use the bridge while still maintaining our security as well as
reevaluate the necessity of closing certain key roads in downtown
Folsom.
6. What are your opinions on the
Folsom Library?
A library is important and I'm in favor
of Folsom getting a new one. However, I am not in favor of the
current proposed site. I believe we need to conserve as many green
areas and parks as possible and the current library plan would
destroy a popular neighborhood park, ball field and a veterans
memorials. Instead, I would like to explore additional site options
for this valuable city service.
7. Why is Folsom trying to keep its
own solid waste system when a great savings and better service for
the residents of Folsom can be obtained by contracting this service
out ? What are your plans to revisit this in the near term ?
If contracting this service is a viable
option that results in cost savings, it should absolutely be
considered. All options should be looked at. This will definitely
have to be looked at as we address the development south of Highway
50.
8. What are your opinions of the Dam
Road closure? Do you think an effective compromise is obtainable?
I do not agree that the Dam Road should
be closed and I have not heard or read any logical explanation for
the closer. The possibility of Terrorist Threat is not substantial.
I base this on my experience and knowledge as a Marine who has
worked in a specialized intelligence field which deals with
terrorism.
9. With the growing population, how
will the city ensure adequate public safety services?
I have met with the chief of police
recently about just this issue. He has been through various
annexations in other cities is fully aware of issues that may arise
.He has a formal plan drafted that addresses these concerns. I fully
support him and will work to make sure he has all the resources he
needs. At the same time, we need to work to make sure that our
growth is managed so that it remains manageable.
10. Rainbow bridge is a landmark to
the city. It is also one of the more memorable sites to visitors.
What will you do to clean up the graffiti from RB and preserve this
city treasure?
There are a number of options that
could be explored to ensure our city stays beautiful and
graffiti-free. One is to have the perpetrators, when caught, to
clean it up as restitution. Another is to organize volunteer clean
up parties. If it becomes a major issue, surveillance programs could
be enacted. These are just several brain-storming ideas that could
be explored.
11. How do you plan on making Folsom
more bicycle-friendly?
One of Folsom’s best features is its
extensive bike paths. Like you, I would also like to see bike
accessibility expanded. As we grow, bike lanes should be added to
any new roads developed and we could also add bike lanes to our
existing roads where feasible.
12. How do you see Transit Oriented
Development (TOD) fitting into Folsom's future (north or south of
50)?
Incorporation of TOD into any new
development is a good idea as it will help to alleviate traffic,
reduce pollution and improve quality of life. The addition of light
rail to our community will offer residents alternate transportation
options. In addition, I would like to see mixed used communities
given consideration in any major new development initiatives.
13. What would you propose to
improve the long-term (after the new bridge) prospects for traffic
in Folsom, particularly in the historic district?
I would like to see Sutter Street
closed to vehicular traffic except for busses, delivery vehicles,
etc. This would increase the appeal to tourists and residents alike.
This will also alleviate traffic congestion in the downtown area by
moving the locus of the traffic to main roads. The introduction of
light rail will also help to alleviate the volume of traffic as
people use it instead of their cars to go to Sacramento.
14. Many of our major roads (Prairie
City, Iron Point, Greenback) are major thoroughfares, yet are
unlandscaped. What would you do to help beautify these areas?
Landscaping these streets sounds like a
great idea but is probably not the highest priority in the budget.
As the city grows, it is something that should be looked into.
15. What are your thoughts on
Measure T? (Note to voters: Measure T will not be on the ballot)
I support the provision that the people
have the right to vote on major development issues. I also support
the provision that 50% of the land be left for open space.
16. What are your thoughts on
Measure W?
While I believe there are good points
in Measure W, I do not agree that the council should be able to make
unilateral decisions about the development south of 50. The people
should be involved. I would like to see the council and the people
come together and develop a compromise solution to this very
important issue.
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