Public Comment

Four years ago I entered the race for mayor with a simple promise—that we would turn a new page in Berkeley’s political history by setting aside the old political divisions and working together to make Berkeley the very best it can be. We have been remarkably successful—governing with civility, supporting our kids and schools, making Berkeley an environmental leader again, and creating affordable housing. 

But we are just getting started. I have worked with people throughout Berkeley and I believe we share a common vision for our future. I am running for re-election to help make the vision of a healthy, vibrant, and green city a reality.  

I am very proud of the unprecedented breadth of support for my re-election, including Congresswoman Barbara Lee, 15 current and former City Council members, three former mayors, Berkeley firefighters and police, the Berkeley Democratic Club, Berkeley Citizens Action, Cal Democrats, and the Wellstone Democratic Club. 

Making Berkeley the greenest city 

in America 

We will redouble our aggressive efforts to be the greenest city in the country with cutting edge environmental policy, expanded parks and playing fields, and a thriving “green” economy. Berkeley was already named the third most sustainable city in the United States in a recent peer reviewed study. Our pioneering efforts to use biodiesel fuel, share our fleet of hybrid cars with the public, implement free transit passes, build green buildings, and provide healthy food choices have all been replicated around the country. We are now on the verge of pushing the green envelope even further with ballot Measure G. If passed in November, Measure G will direct the City to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80% over the next 30 years.  

I am honored that my environmental leadership has been recognized with an endorsement by the Sierra Club and many environmental leaders. 

Supporting kids and families  

In 2004 the Wellness Foundation named Berkeley the #1 Teen Healthy City in California—but we can’t stop there. Academic and long-term success for our kids means providing them with the support they need to lead healthy and active lives. In my first four years as mayor I tackled these issues by strengthening the partnership between the City and the School District and by helping to raise over $500,000 in federal, state and private funding for new initiatives.  

I launched Project BUILD—working in partnership with UC Berkeley and our health departmentcto provide literacy tutors, nutrition education and physical activity to low-income elementary and middle school children during the summer months. I helped expand public health and social services in the schools and raised $5 million for the development of a new sports field complex on Gilman Street near I-80, soon to be providing thousands of children and families valuable playing space. 

In my next term I will work with the community to develop a Healthy Berkeley Kids report card so that we can set clear and measurable goals and hold ourselves accountable to give every child in Berkeley the help they need to succeed. 

I am honored to have the endorsement of the Berkeley Federation of Teachers, a majority of the Berkeley School Board, Chair of the Berkeley Parks and Recreation Commission, and leaders in early childhood education and health. 

Build a strong, vibrant economy 

This is perhaps the most exciting time in downtown Berkeley in a generation. During my first term, I helped initiate efforts to create a world-class hotel, museum, and public plaza at Center Street. Those projects are now well underway. In my next term I will continue to support these efforts with the goal of bringing as many as 400,000 new visitors a year to the downtown and doubling the size of our successful arts and entertainment district.  

Our neighborhood shopping districts are community gathering points and an economic engine for the city. I vow to cut the red tape, making it easier for new businesses to open in existing storefronts. I will ensure that my nine-point plan to revitalize Telegraph Avenue is fully funded and fully implemented.  

I am honored that my efforts to build our economy have been recognized by the endorsement of the Berkeley Chamber of Commerce and business leaders from across the City. 

Protect neighborhoods from inappropriate development 

New development is bringing vitality and energy to our downtown and major transit corridors as well as reducing traffic by allowing people who work in Berkeley to live in Berkeley. To ensure that new development does not negatively impact the residential neighborhoods nearby, we will continue to restrict major new development to main transit corridors, improve our rules to ensure new buildings “step down” to abutting homes, and insist on excellent design. Next year, I plan to ask the City Council and the planning commission to craft “neighborhood conservation zones” creating unique standards to protect the character of our low-density residential neighborhoods. 

As part of this work we will continue to hold UC Berkeley accountable for being a good neighbor. We benefit greatly from having the world’s best public university in our midst, but we must ensure they live up to the partnership we signed last year. This includes taking the University to court if necessary to stop the planned massive new underground parking garage and sports training facility on Gayley Road.  

I am honored that my efforts have been endorsed by over 300 people from every neighborhood in Berkeley. 

I am proud to serve as your mayor and I ask for your support for another term. For more information or to get in touch, please go to my website at www.tombates.org.