Candidate for
Member, Town Council; Town of Fairfax

WHERE I STAND.

I intend my election to the Council to be the first step in establishing a culture of competence in Town government. I think most Town residents who attend Council meetings are stunned both by the incivility of the dialogue between council members, and by the absence of sustained focus on the long-term issues impacting our Town. The result is that critical issues to many of us are not being addressed adequately. During my first year on the Council I will focus on the following:

1. Clarifying the planning process - I want new families in Fairfax to set down long-term roots. They will only do so, however, if the Town does not make it impossibly difficult for them to add an extra bedroom or bathroom when their family expands. The Town must publish clear user-friendly rules on the requirements to obtain a permit for small home improvements. I believe people want to comply with the permitting requirements and do what is right + but the Town must provide us with clear basic information to do so.

2. Managing the budget - The State budget crisis is impacting the budgets of small towns across California. In Fairfax, we face the threat of a budget deficit in excess of $300,000 in fiscal year 2004-2005. The challenge for the new Council will be to adopt creative strategies that ensure our ability to close this deficit while providing a high level of services and maintaining our unique character as a small town.

3. Establishing long-term direction for the Town - I want the Council to look beyond issues of monthly concern and incorporate into its work a focus on near and long-term challenges. The first step in this process is completion of the Town's General Plan, which has implausibly been under review by a General Plan Advisory Committee for over 4 years.

If there are other issues that concern you, please contact me at 460-9760 or via e-mail at Weinsoff@ix.netcom.com.