Weinsoff

The idea of a "new localism" is not one I am familiar with. But if I understand it correctly, I think our Town comes very close, in its politics and economics, to the ideal of localism. In the weekend campaign walks that I began in mid-August, I have been privileged to share a few moments with hundreds of residents, and not surprisingly discovering that we have a great wealth of community talent. At a time when the state and Town budgets are stretched thin, I think we can call upon residents to assist with the development and implementation of some Town projects. Where a project is defined, the commit of time is reasonable, and the experience is productive, many in the community have expressed to me their interest in taking on a role.

I think we can employ this voluntary labor in many ways. The one I have spoken with residents about every weekend is our need to clarify the permit process for modest additions to our homes. Expanding families must be able to add on a small bedroom or bathroom. If they are not able to do so, they will move to another town and we will lose the next generation of families. The process of obtaining a permit for these home improvements projects, however, is recognized by almost everyone as seriously flawed. While the Town's planning staff, given the time and resources, could draft and implement an improved permit process, I think we can jump-start the process by calling upon a number of the architects, structural engineers, and contractors who reside in town to lay the groundwork for an improved program. The model for a successful permit process is found in the programs in place in other town building departments. We have to import the best of these programs, tailoring them for application in Fairfax

Tremaine

I authored our Formula Retail Business ordinance, which regulates Chain stores that might desire to come to our community. I have been a strong supporter of our merchant owned business community and its resident serving character and have worked with the chamber of commerce in its efforts to strengthen our locally owned business. The character of our business community has served us well. We were one of a handful of communities in California to have an increase in sales tax revenue in the months following the 9/11 terrorist attacks and we have seen increases in sales tax revenue (as compared to the previous year) in nearly every quarter over the past 4 years.

Prum

Having been raised in an area that has lost most of its local businesses in favor of corporate restaurants and stores, I know the value of supporting locals. I always try to buy what I need from local shops before leaving the area and encourage others to do the same.

Bragman

Like many local residents in Fairfax, I try to do as much of my shopping in our Town. I purchase most food at Good Earth and the local Farmers Market. I am a dedicated Bookbeat regular and purchase most books through Gary. In my opinion, the slight cost difference is offset by the savings in time and fuel. I also try to hire local workers to do projects and maintenance. I feel it is very important to encourage the diversity of the community by supporting our local people and paying them a living wage.

Over the next four years, I would like to see the Town establish a working internet site that provides a workable tool for local residents to access Town Hall and provide links for local businesses and service providers. The internet sight should provide forms such as building permits along with explanatory text so that local residents can learn how these processes operate. Eventually the sight should provide a means to actually purchase simple permits by credit card for routine home improvement projects such as new windows, roof, or water heater that require permits under State statute. The Town website should also be a repository for local ordinances as well as provide citizen access to the agendas of the Town Council and other governmental bodies. The sight should also provide useful links to other databases such as other governmental entities and statutory libraries.

Hailer

This is my area of expertise... Having lived in the community all my life I've witnessed the healthy local economies of small businesses in San Anselmo and Fairfax. With the growth in popularity of "super-stores," the health of some of these businesses has begun to deteriorate. In Fairfax, we have a booming night life. Our day time shops are hurting, though.

At College of Marin, I taught a course in small business start-up and management. I want to bring my skills as an economist into discussions with the Chamber of Commerce and see the Town Council partner more strongly with the merchants in town. We can provide more selection than we currently have and promote a 'stop and shop locally' campaign. I would love to take input from people on this topic as I would like to spearhead this campaign. I hope our community will get involved by attending some General Plan meetings. Information is available at town hall.