Political Philosophy for Chuck Kozak

Candidate for
Board of Directors; Midcoast Community Council

I believe we need to take a comprehensive and regional approach to planning for the future - we are coming under enormous pressure for growth, and the decisions we make now and in the next few years will shape the character of the coast for hundreds of years to come. We can no longer look at things as "just one house" or just one exemption or variance, or just one little change to the highway or the water pipe. We need to consider the cumulative impacts of all new development, and we need to build a regional planning strategy for the entire coast - from Pacifica to Pescadero.

This is a critical time for us - our infrastructure and our coastal environment are being strained by the load of a growing population and a serious jobs/housing imbalance. We need regional development strategies that support our communities but do not destroy our unique coastal resources - the very things that make this such a special place to live. We need new ideas and plans for protecting open space and native habitats, for affordable housing, sustainable growth, community-compatible commercial development, and reliable local and regional transportation.

To effectively realize these goals, I believe the MidCoast communities need a productive and creative working relationship with the County, and that serving on the MidCoast Community Council is the best way that I can help to achieve that. In my involvement with community organizations and the MCC, I have worked extensively on the concerns and issues of MidCoast residents.

We say this so often it sounds trite, but it is still so true - this is a special place. This coast is a treasure - not only for us, but for the entire world. We are the stewards of this special place, and I will work for the preservation of its environment and its communities. That is why I'm running for the MidCoast Community Council. I will bring experience and a commitment to coastal preservation to this position. I would appreciate your support on November 2nd.