Kern County, CA November 7, 2000 Election
Smart Voter

Growth: Planning for Our Future

By Sue Benham

Candidate for Councilmember; City of Bakersfield; Ward 2

This information is provided by the candidate
I will bring leadership and vision to plan for our city's future.
Bakersfield is one of the fastest growing areas in the state. Unquestionably, Bakersfield's growth will continue. The question is what kind of growth will we have? I believe that we can achieve sustained economic growth without succumbing to further urban sprawl and leapfrog development. The recent Greater Bakersfield Vision 2020 process demonstrated that residents view urban sprawl, uncontrolled development and residential encroachment on agricultural land as paramount concerns.

To help the city direct its growth:

  • I will facilitate the growth of our existing businesses and also attract new enterprises which meet clean air requirements and provide high wage jobs.

  • I will work to provide incentives for property owners to encourage in-fill development. Such incentives could include fee waivers or reductions and a "fast track", though comprehensive, review and approval process.

  • I support development in the northeast, to balance the development we've had in the southwest and northwest. I will also work for redevelopment and economic development in the Baker Street area and in the southeast where revitalization and job opportunities are needed.

  • New commercial and industrial development should mitigate its negative effects to adjacent properties by such means as attractive landscaping, inverted lighting and architectural standards.

  • I will work for continued revitalization of Downtown, the heart of Bakersfield.

  • I advocate a revised tree ordinance to insure that commercial and industrial parking lots have an adequate shade canopy.

Next Page: Position Paper 2

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