George Flamik District 1 Supervisor
Issues:
My main goals for District 1:
Infrastructure Improvements
Fixing sidewalks, repairing streets, adding stop signs and finding ways to alleviate parking problems. Looking into the feasibility of public utilities.
Graffiti Reduction and hopeful abatement
I believe in a mandatory minimum community service with a fine for graffiti infractions. The District Attorney's office is reluctant to prosecute these crimes. By instituting a mandatory minimum fine (Maybe $500 with $250 going to the DA's office and $250 to the police department), would be a better deterrent to graffiti.
We need to provide subsidized paint for property owners that are victims of graffiti.
Improving Public Transportation
Having ticket machines at selected bus stops, will reduce the time of people entering the bus having to fumble around with crumpled dollar bills into the existing fare system. If we could have these ticket machines accept debit cards, I believe it would increase revenue by people not having to search for change to pay the fare which would increase rider-ship.
Increasing proof of payment personnel on the various transit lines. This will save or increase revenue in a number of ways: A) Increase revenue received from current fare jumpers B) Help with boarding and exiting issues C) Help provide seating for the elderly and disabled (these seats are often not made available to those in need) D) Provide a more pleasant/safer riding experience, resulting in more rider-ship E) Reduce infrastructure/graffiti damage to transit lines, resulting in saving money to make these repairs or replacements.
We also need: transit signal priority at some signals, increased enforcement of bus zones, dedicated bus lanes in peak hours and directions, and low floor buses which would reduce overall transit time with level boarding.
We may also need modifications to existing labor agreements that would provide greater confidence in the availability of personnel to properly implement an effective transit policy..
The City's Financial Situation
I want to make sure that the city is solvent financially, if we continue to spend more money than we can afford our bond rating will drop and we will soon be facing a compounding deficit. The direct opposite of Albert Einstein's ninth wonder of the world – compound interest. If we are not solvent financially, all of the programs that people want will be unavailable and result in a possible drop in essential city services.
We need to encourage businesses to come and be based in San Francisco. Creating signage in other languages besides English would be a big help, with minimal cost, to help tourists get around in San Francisco. Improvement of our port facilities to encourage cruise ship traffic, docking, departures and arrivals would increase tourist spending in San Francisco.
Golden Gate Park
I would like to see the horse stables rebuilt in the park. All children, especially those with special needs, should have the opportunity to have interaction with horses. Funding for this could come from grants, riding fees, and lessons.
The park rangers need access to the SFPD directly from their cars.
Violent Crime
More input from the police, residents and others in these violent prone areas to suggest possible solutions. I have witnessed my share of shootings lately, in broad daylight. The 911 center is not working that great, for all the money we spent on it (experienced first hand). The DA needs to spend less time on the campaign trail and concentrate on the job here in San Francisco.
San Francisco Schools
The current student assignment process is flawed. It does not allow children to attend public schools close to their homes. This is a mistake and must be changed. Children attending school close to their homes would increase more parental involvement in their children's activities. Restore the arts in the schools. Support of the "Leap" program.
Frequently asked questions regarding the environment
What are the top 3 environmental issues facing San Francisco?
1. Storm water runoff
2. Reduced natural environments and urban greening
3. Long-term water supply
What can the city do to improve San Francisco’s natural and urban environment?
There are many challenges to San Francisco’s environment. Although it is often times necessary to distinguish between natural and urban environments, I think one of the things that we all must do is start looking at the environment of San Francisco as one unified unit. The interaction between our natural environments and our built environments are often conflicting, but they each have the ability to serve and enhance each other. Putting this perspective of interaction and enhancement of both environments to create a better San Francisco into each and every aspect of City management will help carry San Francisco into the future.
How do you think we should balance the recreational uses with protecting San Francisco’s natural areas and green spaces? What can the city do to better provide natural habitats, parks, and more trees?
Recreational areas that are clean, close and usable are critical for the high density housing we have in San Francisco. Natural areas and green spaces in San Francisco are subjected to a high level of use, and in most areas they should be. There are some areas where impacts damage natural environments and these need to be protected as necessary. Creating true natural habitats in San Francisco is a difficult challenge and has limited applications. However, there are certainly ways to improve parks and plant more trees.
If we look at the City as the combination of natural and built environments as one unit, we find opportunities for improvement. Parks, natural environments and trees can be incorporated into building, road and storm water designs to intercept, capture and filter storm water runoff. With a unified vision we can start using natural resources to solve some of our most pressing problems and create better parks and natural environments at the same time.
What measures would you take to encourage San Franciscans to get out of their cars?
This question goes through my head often while I am on the bus looking at people driving, and I don’t have any single solution that solves the problem. I know that I have driven when I could have taken public transportation, just because I didn’t have a place to leave my car without getting a ticket! Especially, when I visit family out of the Bay Area I find that not having parking for 2-3 days, results in my driving when I could have otherwise taken a bus to Bart, to Amtrak and not have to sit in traffic. I’m sure I am not alone in this.
We also have many people who drive into the City from other areas. The City needs to continue to work with our neighbors to develop regional transportation plans.
How do you suggest we address environmental justice issues in San Francisco?
Our most run down areas are the best opportunities to create new environments that incorporate natural systems that support and serve the built environments. These new environments are also going to be where new jobs and new industries are created.
Environmental Justice issues have been a part of society since the Industrial Age and to a certain extent before then. My grandparents used to tell me that the smells from the mills and factories was the “smell of money being made.” The next “smell of money being made” are green industries.
What, if anything, would you do to change the way the City manages its water supply, waste water, and storm water runoff?
The City has a joint system for sewer and runoff, when storms drop more water than our sewer systems can handle, we face severe problems. Urban forest, urban vegetation and systems that capture and use the storm water runoff are ways the City can immediately begin to reduce the amount of storm water runoff.
What are some concrete steps you will implement as a Supervisor to help our city do its share to address global warming?
The California Climate Action Registry recently adopted protocols for Local Governments to address greenhouse gas emissions. They also adopted protocols to use urban forestry to offset emissions. There are projects in San Francisco with partner nonprofits that qualify right now to capitalize on those emissions. Planting trees does not do it all, but it is something we can do right now, and done correctly we can help solve other concerns like storm water runoff.
Infrastructure Improvements
Fixing sidewalks, repairing streets, adding stop signs and finding ways to alleviate parking problems. Looking into the feasibility of public utilities.
Graffiti Reduction and hopeful abatement
I believe in a mandatory minimum community service with a fine for graffiti infractions. The District Attorney's office is reluctant to prosecute these crimes. By instituting a mandatory minimum fine (Maybe $500 with $250 going to the DA's office and $250 to the police department), would be a better deterrent to graffiti.
We need to provide subsidized paint for property owners that are victims of graffiti.
Improving Public Transportation
Having ticket machines at selected bus stops, will reduce the time of people entering the bus having to fumble around with crumpled dollar bills into the existing fare system. If we could have these ticket machines accept debit cards, I believe it would increase revenue by people not having to search for change to pay the fare which would increase rider-ship.
Increasing proof of payment personnel on the various transit lines. This will save or increase revenue in a number of ways: A) Increase revenue received from current fare jumpers B) Help with boarding and exiting issues C) Help provide seating for the elderly and disabled (these seats are often not made available to those in need) D) Provide a more pleasant/safer riding experience, resulting in more rider-ship E) Reduce infrastructure/graffiti damage to transit lines, resulting in saving money to make these repairs or replacements.
We also need: transit signal priority at some signals, increased enforcement of bus zones, dedicated bus lanes in peak hours and directions, and low floor buses which would reduce overall transit time with level boarding.
We may also need modifications to existing labor agreements that would provide greater confidence in the availability of personnel to properly implement an effective transit policy..
The City's Financial Situation
I want to make sure that the city is solvent financially, if we continue to spend more money than we can afford our bond rating will drop and we will soon be facing a compounding deficit. The direct opposite of Albert Einstein's ninth wonder of the world – compound interest. If we are not solvent financially, all of the programs that people want will be unavailable and result in a possible drop in essential city services.
We need to encourage businesses to come and be based in San Francisco. Creating signage in other languages besides English would be a big help, with minimal cost, to help tourists get around in San Francisco. Improvement of our port facilities to encourage cruise ship traffic, docking, departures and arrivals would increase tourist spending in San Francisco.
Golden Gate Park
I would like to see the horse stables rebuilt in the park. All children, especially those with special needs, should have the opportunity to have interaction with horses. Funding for this could come from grants, riding fees, and lessons.
The park rangers need access to the SFPD directly from their cars.
Violent Crime
More input from the police, residents and others in these violent prone areas to suggest possible solutions. I have witnessed my share of shootings lately, in broad daylight. The 911 center is not working that great, for all the money we spent on it (experienced first hand). The DA needs to spend less time on the campaign trail and concentrate on the job here in San Francisco.
San Francisco Schools
The current student assignment process is flawed. It does not allow children to attend public schools close to their homes. This is a mistake and must be changed. Children attending school close to their homes would increase more parental involvement in their children's activities. Restore the arts in the schools. Support of the "Leap" program.
Frequently asked questions regarding the environment
What are the top 3 environmental issues facing San Francisco?
1. Storm water runoff
2. Reduced natural environments and urban greening
3. Long-term water supply
What can the city do to improve San Francisco’s natural and urban environment?
There are many challenges to San Francisco’s environment. Although it is often times necessary to distinguish between natural and urban environments, I think one of the things that we all must do is start looking at the environment of San Francisco as one unified unit. The interaction between our natural environments and our built environments are often conflicting, but they each have the ability to serve and enhance each other. Putting this perspective of interaction and enhancement of both environments to create a better San Francisco into each and every aspect of City management will help carry San Francisco into the future.
How do you think we should balance the recreational uses with protecting San Francisco’s natural areas and green spaces? What can the city do to better provide natural habitats, parks, and more trees?
Recreational areas that are clean, close and usable are critical for the high density housing we have in San Francisco. Natural areas and green spaces in San Francisco are subjected to a high level of use, and in most areas they should be. There are some areas where impacts damage natural environments and these need to be protected as necessary. Creating true natural habitats in San Francisco is a difficult challenge and has limited applications. However, there are certainly ways to improve parks and plant more trees.
If we look at the City as the combination of natural and built environments as one unit, we find opportunities for improvement. Parks, natural environments and trees can be incorporated into building, road and storm water designs to intercept, capture and filter storm water runoff. With a unified vision we can start using natural resources to solve some of our most pressing problems and create better parks and natural environments at the same time.
What measures would you take to encourage San Franciscans to get out of their cars?
This question goes through my head often while I am on the bus looking at people driving, and I don’t have any single solution that solves the problem. I know that I have driven when I could have taken public transportation, just because I didn’t have a place to leave my car without getting a ticket! Especially, when I visit family out of the Bay Area I find that not having parking for 2-3 days, results in my driving when I could have otherwise taken a bus to Bart, to Amtrak and not have to sit in traffic. I’m sure I am not alone in this.
We also have many people who drive into the City from other areas. The City needs to continue to work with our neighbors to develop regional transportation plans.
How do you suggest we address environmental justice issues in San Francisco?
Our most run down areas are the best opportunities to create new environments that incorporate natural systems that support and serve the built environments. These new environments are also going to be where new jobs and new industries are created.
Environmental Justice issues have been a part of society since the Industrial Age and to a certain extent before then. My grandparents used to tell me that the smells from the mills and factories was the “smell of money being made.” The next “smell of money being made” are green industries.
What, if anything, would you do to change the way the City manages its water supply, waste water, and storm water runoff?
The City has a joint system for sewer and runoff, when storms drop more water than our sewer systems can handle, we face severe problems. Urban forest, urban vegetation and systems that capture and use the storm water runoff are ways the City can immediately begin to reduce the amount of storm water runoff.
What are some concrete steps you will implement as a Supervisor to help our city do its share to address global warming?
The California Climate Action Registry recently adopted protocols for Local Governments to address greenhouse gas emissions. They also adopted protocols to use urban forestry to offset emissions. There are projects in San Francisco with partner nonprofits that qualify right now to capitalize on those emissions. Planting trees does not do it all, but it is something we can do right now, and done correctly we can help solve other concerns like storm water runoff.
