Berkeley, CA November 7, 2000 General Election
Coming soon more information.
We endorse Margaret Breland (Democrat). In relationship to the other strong candidate, Betty Hicks (Democrat), Margaret will be a better vote on environmental and animal protection issues even though these are not heartfelt issues for her. With one exception, she has voted correctly on all environmental issues. She also eventually voted for the very moderate spay and neuter ordinance.
Her opponent, Hicks, is heavily financed by local developer money and what is even worse, she supports having Berkeley tax payers subsibize private business development (without the taxpayers owning the portion they subsidized). Hicks has raised approximately twice as much money as Breland, with over $2000 coming from 4th street development interests.
The next best candidate, after Breland, is Jon Crowder (Democrat) but his campaign appears to have little chance of success and this is a critical race, so it is best to support Breland.
The most knowledgeable candidate and probably the most independent of any faction is Carrie Olson (Democrat). She has been active in the Berkeley Landmarks Preservation Commission and neighborhood issues for many years. Carrie also brings good technical knowledge and skills to the Council because of her work in computer technology and urban planning activities. Carrie Olson supports the moderate spay and neuter ordinance recently enacted. http://www.carrieolson.com/
Tom Kelly (Green) would probably be a little stronger on urban environmental issues (what little is left of our natural environment in Berkeley!) as it is an active interest.
Miriam Hawley (Democrat): Mayor Shirley Dean, who has received more developer funding than any other Councilmember and who has been a consistent vote for the developers, has strongly endorsed Hawley. She probably would show some allegiance to the Mayor on this issue. It is unknown how independent she will be.
Betty Olds (Democrat) incumbent, showed real compassion and voted for the spay and neuter ordinance recently passed. She has not, however, been a very good vote on UC over-development issues. Betty Olds is closely aligned with Mayor Dean on most issues which on some fiscal matters is good but on local environmental issues can be negative.
Norine Smith (Democrat), will be clearly better on the issues of UC's heavy handed over-development.and mistreatment of the local environment. Smith is also actively involved and interested in reforesting denuded areas of the urban landscape and protecting Berkeley from more high rise buildings.
YES on Measure S - Parks Maintenance Tax Increase
YES on Measure W - Parks Maintenance Tax Reauthorization
This is to make up for a shortfall created when Prop 218 was passed which caused a funding change in the landscape district. Even though this site is acutely conscious of the heavy tax load on Berkeley citizens, we support this measure because it is reasonable funding for maintaining the small number of parks in such a dense, urban area.
John Selawsky (Green), current Chair of Berkeley Community Environmental Advisory Committee, has been the only Board member to be strongly active in expanding the eco-literacy program, which teaches children about their natural environment including encouraging edible gardens and landscapes at each school. He also recognizes the importance of good nutritional education. Selawsky is aware that Board members should be more cognizant of fiscal management and mismanagement issues.