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Fourth
District, Calaveras County, CA |
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Approach Events (Updated)
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A Balanced Approach to Housing and Jobs Calaveras County is likely to be one of California's battlegrounds as we seek to protect our quality of life in our open, rural setting. The outcome of that battle is likely to be decided by the character of how the battle is fought. On one hand, the radical anti-growth and NIMBY* groups appear willing to sacrifice economic health for rustic tradition. The other hand represents extreme libertarianism that promotes any development at any price any where. A balanced approach to county government avoids both extremes; instead, it focuses on a practical, incremental steps. California's continued growth will impact Calaveras County. State growth will be managed by a state government that primarily responds to the coastal urban voting blocs. The net impact is that Calaveras County is affected by state budget decisions and state regulations made with large metropolitan areas as the primary focus. Without a clear, effective strategy, Calaveras County could lose its local water and land use authority to outsiders. I have a strategy that can protect and enhance our local control while preserving the quality of life in our rural communities. The core element of my strategy is to use incentives to link housing and jobs. Linking housing to jobs reduces vehicle miles traveled (VMTs), which reduces pollution and commuter time. When employees are close to their employment (either physically or virtually), we have the basis for sustainable communities. Traditional volunteer services, such as the fire brigades, can flourish and again contribute to the sense of community vital to our quality of life. An example of housing linked to jobs is the integration of service workers' housing into retirement residential developments. Instead of driving to a distance job, the workforce walks or bikes to work. Not only does this reduce VMTs and congestion, but it also helps create a healthier, age-balanced community. Another example focuses on in-fill development in existing communities. In-fill may involve the refurbishing of an older home or new construction on empty lots within a neighborhood. In both cases, housing is created without expensive expansion of water and wastewater infrastructures. Link to the next Practical Step. *Not in my backyard "I'm running for Supervisor because changing times require a change in leadership." -- Lee Seaton
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Copyright 2008 Citizens for Seaton, P.O. Box 855, Altaville, CA 95221 |