Benicia City Council, Kari Birdseye, Terry Scott

Marilyn Bardet: Tough Development Issues

Kari Birdseye and Terry Scott, both proven community leaders

By Marilyn Bardet, October 23, 2022

Marilyn Bardet, Benicia CA

Over my 35 years as a resident in Benicia, I’ve addressed many city councils on tough development issues, and I know it’s time for real change.

For Benicia, persistent issues of sustainability haunt my thoughts about the future and fate of the quality of life in our historic town. This year, in keeping with community values enshrined in our city’s forward-looking general plan, I will be voting for Kari Birdseye and Terry Scott, both proven community leaders, whose distinct experiences and and fresh ideas will inform and invigorate council debates, inspire public involvement, and lead toward decision-making that fairly and transparently aims for “the good of the whole”, not least, the environment.

Right now, owing to state laws and regional requirements, more and more housing development is being called for.

But will such housing be affordable? Who will really benefit? Who will pay the price? Where is new housing most appropriate to be located? How much more housing is sustainable, all things considered?

So much hangs on getting things right, proactively, anticipating a different future, since there’s no more time to waste preparing our city for predicted basic changes — owing to climate impacts and persistent drought— which conjure the urgent need for workable, feasible solutions with public understanding and buy-in.

I trust Kari and Terry to each be thoughtful leaders who will take reasoned, evidence-based action:

    • to improve air quality by reckoning with sources of pollution;
    • ensure water-saving and eco-friendly conservation;
    • preserve our precious historic resources as our legacy;
    • and seek diverse opportunities for economic development with attention to reducing our carbon footprint.

For all these reasons and more, please join me in voting for Kari Birdseye and Terry Scott!

Marilyn Bardet
Benicia, CA

More letters, news & links about Kari here on the BenIndy

And best of all – Kari’s website!