Campaign Issues of Bob Gragson

Bob Gragson

14 Highland Dr., Ukiah, CA 95482
Cell: 707-367-7319 | E-mail: bob@gragson.com

2004 Campaign:

CAMPAIGN ISSUES

Sustainable Neighborhoods

Develop a massive, low-cost educational campaign to inform residents about oil and natural gas depletion and the effect it will have upon their lives and their community
Develop a city-wide energy conservation program
Develop community gardens
Develop a municipal composting operation
Develop a plan on how to meet the needs that will come with oil and natural gas depletion
Develop incentives for using fewer cars within our community including bicycle and pedestrian only zones within the city
Develop a process for neighborhood issues to be mediated before going before city council
Develop a community equipment library for healthcare and other needs
Improve bicycle and pedestrian safety throughout our community
Upgrade existing parks and expand parks to underserved areas
Reconfigure downtown to make it more people-centered and business-friendly
Promote cultural arts and after-school activities
Enforce existing speeding and noise ordinances

Sustainable Economy and Relocalization

Develop strategies for decreasing the electrical energy needs of our community
Develop a community currency (e.g., Ithaca Hours or Salt Spring Island Dollars) like over 100 communities in North America -- and thousands more overseas -- to bring our local economy back under local control and stimulate local economic activity
Create incentives for business development of locally-owned and operated artisan trades -- glass making, blacksmithing, coopering, cloth production, etc. -- essential in a post-petroleum economy
Develop a Living Wage Ordinance
Increase housing options, especially near downtown
Decrease traffic congestion during peak hours
Develop car co-ops
Protect neighborhoods, hillsides and agricultural lands from poor planning decisions and overdevelopment
Ensure adequate water and energy supplies through conservation and resource management
Promote and support local downtown businesses

Sustainable and Open Government

Develop a city energy budget before a city financial budget each year
Establish a city council with five ward seats and two at-large seats to create better representation of all neighborhoods on council
Implement Instant Runoff Voting (IRV) in city elections to ensure all candidates are elected with a 50% majority
Ensure rigorous citizen oversight of city agencies
Hold regular "town hall" forums on critical issues
Develop a "youth corps" active in strengthening our community
Encourage citizen participation in decision-making
Undertake quarterly door-to-door voter registration drives sanctioned by the city