Candidate for
Councilmember; City of Berkeley; District 5

Berkeley needs leaders who listen, seek win-win solutions, and put ideas into action. With an amazing pool of local talent, our city should be a model of good government: relevant, respectful, well managed and responsive to community opinions and needs.

As Councilwoman, I will focus on serving District 5 in tangible ways, and get back to the basics of governing. We need a long range plan for economic development; a vibrant, appropriately-scaled downtown; comprehensive support for local business; alternative transportation that serves our District; attention to infrastructure, safety and other essentials; and an end to costly, time-consuming brouhahas.

Some of my priorties will be:

ACCESSIBLE, ACTIVE LEADERSHIP

-- Full time, hands-on representation that seeks out, respects and values community input

-- Pro-active, innovative solutions and quick response to local concerns

-- Town Hall meetings and an interactive website to solicit input, and keep residents informed

-- Organization of District 5 for Earthquake and Disaster Preparedness, Crime Watch and to increase neighborhood connections

-- Increased transparency and access to government, including a strong Sunshine Ordinance

SUSTAINABLE NEIGHBORHOODS

-- Explore shuttle service linking residents to commercial areas and downtown

-- Enhanced public transportation, and amenities for walkers and bikers

-- A model carpooling program to get residents to and from work

-- Small green initiatives with big impacts - going fluorescent, replacing wasteful fixtures, recycling, shopping local and consuming sustainably produced products

GREEN, RESPECTFUL DEVELOPMENT

-- Quality new developments that harmonize with their neighborhoods; considering set-backs, step-downs, green spaces and parking

-- A revitalized downtown heart for our city with a mix of old and appropriately scaled new buildings; enhanced transportation and parking; lively culture and commerce; greenery; and inviting common spaces

-- LEED-certified new developments and the greenest building of all - reuse of existing structures

LOCAL BUSINESS FOR THE LOCAL GOOD

-- A vigorous Shop Local initiative to support independent businesses, reduce driving and maintain the character and diversity of commercial districts

-- A long range economic plan to attract, retain and support business - and expand our tax base

-- A Local Purchasing program for large enterprises, including UC Berkeley

COLLABORATIVE RELATIONS WITH UC BERKELEY

-- Actively pursue improved relations and pro-active resolution of differences

-- Seek partnerships to benefit the local community, with an emphasis on schools and youth

Please visit my website, http://www.sophiehahn.com, for more information.