Why Kai is Running
I hope to earn your vote for a seat on the city council in Harrisonburg by focusing on the following issues:
Smart Growth - Harrisonburg is changing quickly, and I believe we need to be proactive in making sure we preserve our open space, control traffic, and build smartly. We should use the principles of smart growth, “an urban planning and transportation theory that concentrates growth in the center of a city to avoid urban sprawl; and advocates compact, transit-oriented, walkable, bicycle-friendly land use, including neighborhood schools, streets that work for everyone, mixed-use development with a range of housing choices.” (source)
Citizen Education - “A popular government without popular information or the means of acquiring it, is but a prologue to a farce, or a tragedy, or perhaps both.” - James Madison. I feel it important that we do all that is reasonable to provide the public opportunities to learn about the processes and issues facing their community. We need a working partnership with local government and the public, such that the public can constructively engage the decision-making processes related to the issues they are concerned about.
Open Government - The biggest resource in Harrisonburg are the people: business owners, community leaders, artists, parents, teachers, and youth. After being involved with dialogue and civic engagement projects for nearly 10 years, I have come across exciting and practical ways that Harrisonburg could use to be more open and responsive to citizens’ ideas - your ideas. Watch this video to get a taste of the possibilities: AmericaSpeaks
Downtown Revitalization - Downtown is the heart of Harrisonburg and I’m committed to continuing the renaissance. Using the available retail, living, and office space downtown is a wonderful way to continue building on the momentum that so many people, businesses, and organizations have contributed to in the last decade. Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance, with whom I work with closely each week, is to be commended for their dedication.
Energy Efficiency - Harrisonburg has taken a leadership position on environmental issues in the last few years, and I hope to take this progress to the next level. We can do our part in environment stewardship by encouraging energy savings and energy efficiency, reducing carbon emissions, managing storm water runoff into Blacks Run, reducing waste, and more. Let’s be the first city in the Shenandoah Valley to sign the U.S. Mayors’ Climate Protection Agreement.
City Dog Park - Did you know Harrisonburg doesn’t have a dog park? It’s time! I want to work towards creating a fenced-in space for pet owners and families to gather and let their four-legged friends run off some steam - and make their own new friends! This would keep pet owners from needing to let their dogs run loose in parks and other open areas.
More descriptions for issues such as education, infrastructure, and transportation coming soon!
