Following Cineplex debacle, community-centered slate of candidates in Alameda emerges . .

This slate of candidates for city council and mayor were chosen and organized by residents and activists in Alameda who saw the existing city council sell-out the city to developers during 2005-2006 while ignoring the practically screaming protest of a majority of citizens. Their 'action-alameda' candidate slate signs are now exploding on the scene in this small city, popping up all over the place. It seems that everyone wants 'the slate' so we won't be sold out to developers anymore.

This is a great example for all the politicos in the Bay Area of what happens when they choose to sell out their cities to the highest bidder -- boot them out! And the work of local activists in Alameda is what spear-headed this effort.

Their website is -

http://www.actionalameda.org/

and the signs are here -

http://www.actionalameda.org/PDFs/ActionAlaSign.pdf


They have a pledge -

If elected this November, we, the undersigned candidates, pledge to work diligently to protect and preserve the unique character of the City of Alameda, and provide growth that will enhance the quality of life for all Alamedans.

Our six-point agenda is simple and straightforward:

1) Open government: There will be no more behind-the-scenes decisions or developer-driven debates. No more after-the-fact announcements of project plans. Residents will be front-and-center in every debate

2) Highest and best use of taxpayers’ money: Exorbitantly high project costs approved by the current Council. Costs for the Cineplex are running in the $30+ million range. We pledge to cut the fat from the city projects and design the best project solution at the lowest possible cost.

3) Community-driven development: We will return the citizens to the helm of city government. Decisions will be initiated in the community, not developer-driven. We will protect the sanctity of neighborhoods, upgrade the transit system, and provide new recreational opportunities, affordable housing and safe roadways for Alameda families.

4) Realistic traffic plan: Let’s look at what is truly feasible to build in Alameda. Let’s not waste time debating unrealistic ideas like gondolas that people won’t use, tunnels that will clog and freeway overpasses at our neighborhood intersections. We can work within our existing infrastructure to provide reasonable solutions to accommodate planned growth.

5) We’re not career politicians: The incumbents are all career politicians. On the other hand, we are three local residents who have mutually agreed that we are interested only in the future of Alameda. We will not use our Council seats as a springboard to a higher public office.

6) We’re a working team: As a slate of three candidates with an optimistic attitude we believe we can unite the community by providing responsible leadership that is responsive to the needs of all citizens. We know each other well and have worked together successfully. We’re ready to hit the ground running.

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Other stories related to this -

Nearly 100 Alamedans Come Out to Protest the Megaplex
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2005/08/02/34702.php

COURT DENIES ALAMEDA CINEPLEX CHALLENGE
http://www.stopalamedamegaplex.com/