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Environment
The greatest environmental challenge facing our area is the need to
balance the pressures of increasing population and development with
the need to maintain the integrity of our local environment. I'm proud
of my record in the following four areas:
Heritage Trees - The urban forest is one of the most visible aspects
of a quality, livable community. I have been a tireless advocate of
protecting heritage trees during the aggressive development efforts in
the city. I have worked on raising support for heritage trees among my
fellow councilmembers and strengthening enforcement attention by both
Community Development and City Attorney staffs.
Open Space - Over the past four years, Mountain View has significantly
added to the city's outstanding park system. I have voted to continue
to purchase parcels to landbank for future park sites. I am a vocal
advocate of extending Stevens Creek Trail through the city and I voted
to remove the area designated for a conference center from inside
Shoreline Park and reclassify it as burrowing owl habitat and
protected open space.
Recycling - When I first ran for office five years ago I had as one of my
goals the expansion of curbside recycling in the city. I am happy to
say that Mountain View now has curbside mixed paper recycling. I have
closely monitored our city's progress toward our AB939 goals and we
are on target to meet our next milestone. The next area for emphasis
is to improve participation in our commercial recycling programs.
Species - Shoreline Regional Park is an important habitat for the
burrowing owl, a species of special concern. At my first council
meeting 5 years ago, I voted against a major development project
because of the evidence that burrowing owls had been killed during the
environmental review process. I have continued to be vigilant in
maintaining safe and sufficient habitat for these owls throughout the
many development projects considered in the North Bayshore area.
Protecting our local environment is not an issue that will be solved
solely by one person, but I will continue to use my role to be a
tireless advocate for the environment.
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