Candidate for
Supervisor; County of Alameda; District 4

My Platform:

Transportation: In the East Bay we are destined for huge problems later if we don't seriously consider the implications of a population explosion over the next ten years, and aggressively plan transportation infrastructures. As a City Councilmember, I sat on the Alameda County Transportation Authority Board, and I am the only candidate that knows how to get us out of gridlock in Alameda County. There are already significant congestion problems with traffic, poorly planned growth without the necessary infrastructure to accompany it like roads, schools, and transit options, will eventually cause a huge decline in the quality of life.

Public Safety: I know that if better prevention and intervention services are offered in the areas of health care, safety, and early childhood development, the net result will be safer streets, smarter kids and healthier families. If we can use the courts to help turn people around and not just lock them up, we will be making vital progress. In the Criminal Justice System our focus should more readily emphasize skill development so that those who are incarcerated can return to the workplace and regain control of their lives.

Social Service: After nine years of working on City Council, I realize a greater emphasis needs to be on `the whole person' to address social problems. I feel that even though the County does have limited resources, my experience will help me examine county programs for the most efficient and effective delivery of services to its young, elderly, homeless, low-income, and disabled residents.

Health Care: It is important now more than ever that the County Health Care Agency increase its monitoring of the entire health care system.The proposed merger of Alta Bates and Summit hospitals, at a time when Kaiser is planning to shut its Oakland Hospital, is one more example of a managed care system that is in need of serious review. Every time someone does not receive the health care they need, it increases the burden on us all. We need to take greater steps to guarantee people access to better coverage, while still delivering service to those who have no where else to turn. Greater attention needs to be given to public health issues such as AIDS, long-term care, and violence prevention.