Planning

General Plan Update: Pat favors “Smart Growth” because it makes economic sense and it improves community health. He thinks responsible rural development can be accomplished while we maintain working landscapes and healthy watersheds.

McKinleyville Planning: Pat will get the County to form the McKinleyville Advisory Committee (MAC) that we were promised in 2002. He will see that the MAC has neighborhood representation so that we can work together on issues like an eastside trail and traffic reduction on Central Avenue.

Transportation: Pat has been working actively to get some movement on the development of trails and multi-modal transport projects that can create jobs, improve community health, provide safe transit for kids and help draw visitors. He wants rails-to-trails projects now, not later, and will continue to do everything he can to make these happen. Trails Now!

Public Transport: Pat knows how much people need affordable transportation in these tough economic times. He will work hard to make sure that we maintain and improve bus service, including service to the rural eastern portion of the 5th District.

Economic Development

Alternative Energy: Solar powered water heating and solar panel electrical generation are thriving in Humboldt County and need to be expanded wherever possible. Pat serves on PG&E’s wave energy committee and he thinks there is substantial untapped alternative energy potential in biomass. Less money going out of the County for imported energy, more money circulating within our economy will help maintain Humboldt’s wealth and create economic vitality here at home.

Organic Farm Expansion: Humboldt County could double its organic agricultural production, find export markets and develop more good jobs. We need to move on this now!

Fisheries:  Pat is working actively to draw up new conservation measures to protect ocean fish and salmon. As fish stocks rebuild, he sees a renewal of sustainable fisheries in our community.

Forest and River Health

Forest Management: Humboldt County’s forests are young. We need to thin them to promote optimal growth and to reduce fire risk, while improving water quality and salmon habitat. Pat will work with the U.S. Forest Service to increase forest health projects and to establish community forests wherever practical on public and private lands. He has been part of the Redwood Forest Foundation’s Humboldt Group and understands how we may be able to establish community forests such as that called for in the McKinleyville Plan.

River Health: Salmon are one of our most valuable natural capital assets. Pat’s background as a fisheries scientist will strengthen the Supervisors’ understanding of decisions to be made concerning rivers like the Klamath, Trinity, Mad and Eel. He will work to get the County more involved in river protection and restoration and will make sure that the General Plan update supports the restoration of salmon and water quality.