Candidate for
Board Member; Santa Clara County Open Space Authority; District 1

California's economy is experiencing rapid growth which is wonderful by many standards. There are, however, some negative side effects to this growth including loss of open space and agricultural lands and the life styles which they support. Fortunately, the Open Space Authority (OSA) can help address some of the problems associated with rapid growth.

By providing funding for easements in which the development rights are purchased, farmers and ranchers can continue to work their lands as they have done for generations despite the pressures to develop.

By purchasing wetlands and riparian zones the OSA can protect the watersheds which provide environmentally sensitive flood control and clean, healthy water supplies.

By purchasing hillsides and other open lands the OSA can protect wildlife habitats and our gorgeous South Bay landscapes.

OSA lands can provide greater access to riding, hiking, and cycling trails.

Of course, this cost money. I will push aggressively in pursuit of private corporate grants. The Silicon Valley is brimming with corporations full of young outdoor enthusiasts and large advertising budgets. There are opportunities for millions of dollars in corporate grants that are currently unexploited. Why isn't there a "TECHCOMPANY Open Space Preserve" and a "TECHCOMPANY Nature Trail" on the map?

Individual contributions are also unexploited. One reason for this is that the OSA has been slow to develop a volunteer program, web site, and other public relations activities. I believe the Board needs the energy I can provide to get these activities off the ground.

I am also confident that Proposition 12 on the March ballot will pass and provide nearly $50 million in direct funding in Santa Clara County, a share of which will be provided to OSA. Moreover, nearly $500 million will be available in state-wide grant programs for which OSA can compete. Grant programs designed to save oak woodlands, wetlands, riparian zones, natural community conservation projects, farmland protection, non-native species removal, etc. are opportunities we must not miss. I would insist that a subcommittee work with the Citizens Advisory Committee and the public to seek out areas in the district that meet grant requirements.

With the Cisco Systems' proposal for the Coyote Valley, we need to act now to get involved in the development planning for both Coyote and South Almaden valleys. I support OSA's effort to protect open space in these areas with an estimated $100 million over the next 20 years. Much of the funding will need to come from corporate and private grants.

Most importantly, I will ensure that all of the funding decisions that the Board makes are fiscally prudent uses of revenue.