Leadership and Availability

By Dave Warden

An effective Councilmember needs to have vision, and also needs to be accessible and available to the public.

• To represent and serve the public
• To make good policy choices for the city

Representative

As a representative of the people, a councilmember must be available and willing to help the public with any issues or problems that arise. A councilmember must spend many hours in meetings, reading staff reports, talking to the public, and doing research. This typically takes 20-30 hours every week.

Because I have my own business, my time is flexible. I am resolved to put in the necessary time to serve on Council and to do the job properly. I have proven this commitment in my service on the Belmont Planning Commission. My wife Lisa supports me in my commitments to Belmont.

Over the last 4 months, I have written a book entitled, "The Belmont Answer Book" which contains answers to over 150 of the most frequently asked questions by citizens in the city. I've spent over 200 hours on this book--one example of the time commitment that I'm willing to make to serve our city. If you would like a free copy of the book, please call me or e-mail me and I will make sure that you get a copy!

Policy Maker

As a policy maker, a councilmember must know the city and the people. A councilmember should have some government experience, ideally in planning, land use, development, architecture, zoning, or public works. According to the labor unions, 70-80% OF ALL COUNCIL DECISIONS involve land use and construction.

Doesn't it make sense to elect someone with an engineering background, that has had solid, hands-on experience in public planning? :

• Working on traffic issues
• Expanding and redeveloping our downtown
• Improving our recreational facilities for kids and seniors
• Building a new library
• Preserving our open space

Thanks for your time!

Dave Warden