[Mpls] ...Hooverville Transportation Plan & Ward 2 race

[Cam Gordon]

Dear List Members,

I just wanted to take moment to comment on some of Gary Hoover's concerns 
and present some of my policy ideas relating to the environment to the list 
for consideration.

I am running for Minneapolis City Council to help make Minneapolis a great 
city that we can all be proud of and where our children and our 
grandchildren can lead healthy and fulfilling lives.

One of my top priorities is to make Minneapolis a national leader of 
environmental sustainability. 

People want to reduce their dependency on cars.  We know that walkable 
communities are healthier, more livable communities.  We know that more 
bikes, car sharing, buses, street cars, light rail, commuter rail and more 
transit-supportive development can all be part of a state-of-the-art 
transportation system that works for everyone.

Gary and Bill Kahn's recent posts mentioning pedicabs points the way to one 
small and relatively easy step we can take in the right direction. It is 
time to ease the restrictions on this small business initiative that has 
been stalled for years. With some focused effort and leadership in city 
hall, I am convinced that we can make this a part of our city life.

Additionally, by using thoughtful and proactive planning practices we can 
provide adequate housing and jobs for everyone without destroying 
neighborhoods or creating unwanted sprawl.  It is time for Minneapolis to be 
a city people look to from across the country, for how to lower greenhouse 
gas emissions, clean up polluted land and improve green spaces, lakes and 
rivers.

We can make Minneapolis a leader in waste management, energy conservation 
and clean energy production.

I propose a Green City Initiative where waste reduction, energy conservation 
and clean energy production are priorities. We must improve reuse and 
recycling efforts and set goals for reducing the amount of waste we burn.  
Let's ensure that our own public buildings use the best conservation 
practices possible and that they are ready to take advantage of 
technological advances in alternative energy use, and reusable and 
environmentally sensitive building materials.

We need an energy plan focused on reducing our dependency on fossil and 
nuclear fuels. This plan should include the development of a municipally 
owned and democratically controlled power company that can be responsive to 
the will of the people and foster the development of alternative, clean 
energy.

Environmental considerations ought to be part of every city decision.

To do that will take changes in policies, regulations, and, perhaps more 
importantly, in the culture of our city government itself.

Part of this must include directing city procurement policies towards 
greener products and practices, passive solar construction, 100% 
post-consumer recycled chlorine free (and when possible tree-free) paper, 
recycled carpets and clean fuels.

An ongoing focus on Greening City Government will stimulate development of 
more ecologically wise products and services and save the city money at the 
same time. It will include:

- Energy Efficiency Impact statements for new construction and energy audits 
of existing buildings,
- Increased use of energy efficient vehicles, hybrids and increased use of 
biodiesel fuels,
- Greater use of nontoxic, reused, recycled and recyclable materials 
throughout city government,
- Significant gains in waste reduction and increased reuse and recycling 
throughout the city,
- Better energy conservation practices, including more energy efficient 
traffic and street lights.

It is also essential that we address the are serious environmental health 
problems that we face.  We can do more to keep our air safe and clean up the 
lead, arsenic and other toxins found in homes and soil throughout the city. 
We must set clear standards and expectations for industries that cause 
pollution and we must be willing to hold them accountable.

This is only a part of what we can accomplish with a committed and concerted 
effort. To learn more about me, our campaign and my ideas for making this a 
more just, democratic, safe and vibrant, as well as sustainable, city I 
encourage to visit our web site or contact me anytime.

Yours, in peace and cooperation,


Cam Gordon
Proud Seward resident and

Green Party and Sierra Club endorsed candidate
For Minneapolis City Council Ward 2
www.camgordon.org
612 296-0579
cam at camgordon.org