Contra Costa County, CA November 7, 2000 Election
Smart Voter

Infrastructure

By Mark A. Ross

Candidate for Member, City Council; City of Martinez

This information is provided by the candidate
Government's main responsibility is infrastructure maintenance (roads,parks, water, etc.) and services(police, City hall service, etc.) in these orders. LET'S GET THE BASICS ACCOMPLISHED FIRST IN MARTINEZ...
My vision of government, on a municipal level, starts with the streets- both above and below. A city such as ours has to get the basics correct in such a manner that it is not an issue. Unfortunately, that is not our current state of affairs in Martinez. Deffered maintenance of our infrastructure has hampered our ability to propsper in Martinez. Despite being in an economic boom time and a thriving county, our economic propects are brightening only as we start to address these issues. Since being elected in 1996, I have succesfully led the efforts to restore the marina, ease downtown flooding, and solve our parking dilemna downtown. All of these infrastructure oriented items are crucial to our economic revitalization- they are prerequisites to any efforts to attract business and hence consumers bearing tax dollars into our community.The lack of these improvements is why previous efforts at marketing have failed in this endeavor. I am changing these prospects as you read this- by restoring our City to a level of elemental functionality that will attract investment to our Downtown.
My vision of my hometown's future is laden with the success of our past: as a host to governmental and legal entities, and as a dining and recreational destination for East Bay residents.I see a new boom led by restaraunts and a wider variety of shops as a result of eased flooding due to our beautiful Alhambra Creek Project.
The Marina, restored with the help of better management and up to $19 million of new investment scheduled, will draw thousands through our town, hopefully leaving tax dollars here and leaving with memories of a fabulous marina.
Our new Intermodal (train and bus station) will likewise draw not only visitors, but new residents wishing to be able to walk to transit accessing their jobs.
We still have work to do. Parking is still a fundemental problem in search of an elemental solution- a garage with a mix of retail and residental space. Without it, we are forever limited in our efforts to attract any business that have any real hope of success.
Our roads, while improving in some areas, still need work. Your tax dollars have been spent on other municipal needs to the extent that we may never catch up. But we need to try, and that effort will continue with your support of my vision of Martinez.
In addition to my efforts to just get our basic infrastrucure back to functionality, I've led Martinez to the fore in other areas. From a skate park, to acquisition of open space, the continued pioneering of using the Internet to help shape government's priorities: all have been my pleasure to deliver to the worthy citizens of Martinez.
And by the way, I 've returned just about every phone call ( or e-mail) in the past four years. Missed only one council meeting as well.
I enjoy several things about this position of honor you have entrusted to me, but mostly I have enjoyed keeping the promises I made in 1996:
> Voter-friendly government through use of neighborhood
council meetings and community internet chats.
> I have increased the budget from a paltry reserve of
$1600 to a healthy $3 million,while still fighting for
better delivery of services through a reorginization of
city hall.

> Fostering enhancements the business districts through
attention to the infrastructure, thereby enticing
future invesments. Easing flooding, parking solutions,
retention of the county, and other infrastructure
priorities are securing our economic propspects.

> Open space and the environment were also listed as a
priority in 1996. I have helped in the procurement of
open space not only as a councilmember, but as a
private citizen as well. I believe our Alhambra Creek
Project and the marina restoration will also improve
our enviromental quality of life.
In addition, I successfully fought to be the first
Martinez representative as a Director on the vital
Bay Area Air Quality Management District.
I will continue to lead the efforts to protect our
environment, continuing the legacy of Martinez and
John Muir.


These are the reasons I ask for your vote on Nov. 7. I
have basically kept my promises to get stuff done. But
there's more work to do: Continued infrastructure improvements,
City hall budget and reorganization, business enhancement,
the environment, county retention, parking, and more.
With your vote, I'll continue to keep my promises, and
the promise of Martinez.
Thank you for your time!
Ma

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