Application for Consideration of Appointment to the Coastal Advisory Committee (CAC)
Thank you for your interest in being appointed to the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District's Coastal Advisory Committee. The CAC's job will be to review, discuss, and recommend revisions to specified District policies related to the San Mateo County coastal area under consideration for annexation by the District, and will include the responsibility of gathering input from a wide range of community and special interest groups on the Coastside. The District policies to be reviewed include those concerning eminent domain, land acquisition, and agricultural land use.
Please answer the following questions, which will help the existing members of the CAC to select representatives for the three "at large" seats available. The intent of appointing such individuals is to ensure that there is adequate representation for Coastside interests which are otherwise un-represented, or under-represented, on the CAC. "At large" members must live within the area under consideration for annexation. Please limit your answers to the space provided. Please write legibly. This form must be returned to the District office, 330 Distel Circle, Los Altos, CA 94022-1404 (fax: 650-691-0485) by 5:00 p.m., Friday, February 12, 1999.
1) Briefly describe your reasons for wanting to participate on the CAC.
As a 23 year resident of the Coastside, I see an Open Space and Agricultural District covering the Coastside as a significant element in the protection and a long need (sic) resource to protect the character of the Coastside. I am concerned that the level of support evidenced in the advisory vote does not reflect the truly high level of support for protection of open space and agriculture. I believe that I have the experience and expertise that will assist the District in shaping changes that can address the concerns expressed by the sizable no vote.
2) Please describe your personal or professional interest in and knowledge of Coastside land use and land conservation issues, and what expertise or experience you will bring to the CAC.
3) What is the Coastside interest which you feel is un-represented or under-represented on the CAC, and what are your qualifications to represent those interests?
As an author of HMB Measure A - I went for a growth rate of 3% over the objections of some members of the Neighbors Alliance who wanted a 1 or 2% rate of growth in the initiative. I listened to objections raised to growth control and impediments to its passage, defense and implementation -- Measure A received 70% of the vote!
At the District's meeting in HMB last year, it was clear that my and the voices of many others who expressed sincere concerns were not adequately addressed -- hence a significantly lower level of support at the polls than should have occurred!
4) Do you own property in the coastal area under consideration for annexation? If so, please briefly describe its location, size, and use. (It is important for the CAC to be aware of any potential conflicts of interest that may arise that might be relevant to its deliberations.)
The only property, within the proposed area of annexation, owned is my personal residence on the Coastside. All adjacent property is developed. The property to the West is State Park and Rec land.
5) What clubs, organizations, or interest groups do you belong to or are you affiliated with?
Please see item 2.
6) Please provide a brief description of your desired outcome of the work of the CAC.
I would like to see the CAC provide recommendations to the District which when implemented would result in a demonstrated level of Coastside support at the polls of at least 70%. I believe this a realistic personal objective.
Ken Johnson
401 Beach Avenue
Half Moon Bay, CA 94019
(650)726-5847