REPORT FROM MARIN COUNTY SUPERVISOR HAL BROWN

Here are some of the important issues I've been working on in our county and our communities.

TRAFFIC remains our most frustrating problem. Because I believe school traffic is a major contributor to congestion, I'm working closely with parent leaders, staff, law enforcement and engineers on a Safe Routes to School program. Several years ago, I created an experimental shuttle bus system in the Upper Ross Valley that carried 5,000 passengers monthly. This is an approach I'll be pushing again to attack our car-clogged roads. I also advocate closing gaps in pedestrian and bike path connections and strongly support more convenient use of our ferries to meet constituent needs, such as guaranteed space for shuttle bus users, late evening "moonlight" runs to the City, service to the ball park.

SCHOOLS are our reach to the future. No investment will repay us such dividends as our children. Although county government is not directly responsible for our schools, it's important to me to find ways to foster their prosperity. To name a few, I secured critically needed funds for Wade Thomas, Manor, Brookside, Whitehill, Bacich and Kent for help with many projects from playing fields to multi-purpose rooms.

BREAST CANCER. Marin's alarmingly high breast cancer rate prompted me to find resources to fund studies specific to Marin on causes for the increasing diagnoses we're witnessing and also worked closely with Marin Breast Cancer Watch and our county health department to bring on board for Marin the expertise of an epidemiologist.

THE ENVIRONMENT. In the 2nd district alone, I spearheaded acquisition of 320 acres of open space in the last four years; 1,000 during my tenure. I staunchly support wetland preservation. As a member of the Air Quality Board, I'm a strong advocate for public transit, carpooling and alternatives that help retain our quality of life.

CHILDCARE. Provided leadership to establish the Marin County Childcare Commission, the first such county commission in the State of California. This body addresses the increasing need of quality, low-cost childcare. A continuing challenge confronts us to find the dedicated workforce and space needed to provide care for our children.

FIRE SAFETY. Established FireSafe Marin, a model for the State, as a community-based partnership taking proactive steps to reduce fire danger in our neighborhoods.

FIREFLOW. Led a cooperative effort with fire chiefs, towns and the water district to pass a parcel tax to upgrade our countywide water delivery system and give our communities seismic and fire protection.

GUN CONTROL. Working with law enforcement, I brought forward measures banning junk gun sales and regulating firearms dealers, setting the stage for our towns to join the county in participating in this protection for our citizens.

FISCAL ACCOUNTABILITY remains a key to good governance. I've been a leader in tight-fisted management of your taxpayer dollars. Using my business background, I improved the county's insurance management, saving the taxpayers millions of dollars. Other recent savings include instigating a lighting retrofit of county buildings, saving over $250,000 a year. I'm very proud of the strong financial position of the county. While I've been in office, the county has maintained an AAA bond rating, the highest granted in the United States.

Thank you for the privilege of serving you.

Hal