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* Platform *
| Issues from the unsuccessful 2005 Public Advocate race. Old CFB link
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1. City administered
food facilities (public schools, hospitals, mental hospitals, and
jails) should offer a vegetarian menu in addition to the standard menu.
This will lead to a kinder, gentler, more compassionate world with less
fear, bullying, alcoholism, and misery; and its good for the environment and will
result in
lower long-term health care costs. I think vegetarianism is a crucial ethical choice for an individual and a society.
2. THE WTC SITE is some of the most important real estate in the world, but over several years a corrupt process has produced plans that are impractical, mediocre, and meaningless. These plans will be a failure; they should be scrapped and other plans considered. For example, versions of the WTC Towers Memorial plan were prefered by the majority of sampled victim's families and the public. These plans featured conventional historical memorials and optional modern Twin Towers. These plans are more practical, meaningful, attractive, and secure. Start over without the LMDC and PA, otherwise expect a fiasco.
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| Better WTC Site proposals |
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3. There should be experimental programs with: power naps for city workers, multi-band radios for emergency workers, adjustable volume sirens for emergency vehicles, voting reforms, tax incentives for stores not to have metal gates, and water purification for Central Park lakes. Fusion voting corrupts third parties and should be eliminated. (For suggested voting reforms click the yellow VOTING REFORM link at page bottom. If you want more choices than democrats or republicans, support INSTANT RUNOFF VOTING.)
4. NYC government should have complete control of the MTA.
5. Decriminalize pot:
Marijuana should be taxed (perhaps $50/oz) like cigarettes and regulated like alcohol.
It should be legal to grow, use, or sell. Legalization could be tried on a trial basis.
Other states should try it too. Many people imprisoned just for drug
offenses should be released.
6. There's a financial
crunch and the Public Advocate's office is probably over staffed. With
the advent of 311 and more efficient city government the 40 employees
could be reduced. I would cut my salary in half as an example. I don't
want a city car, bodyguard, media consultants, etc. The office will not
be used for self-promotion. If elected I will try to form coalitions
with city council members to support issues on this platform. Rudy Crew
might be paid a consulting fee on the schools from the Public
Advocate's budget.
7. The best way to treat city garbage could be modern local separation/incineration facilities. Garbage separation and minimizing air pollution would have priority over electricity production. This could be tested first. Commercial organic waste and other specified waste would be collected and treated separately. Sludge disposal might also be improved.
8. Change the fountain sculpture
and artwork in the Foley Square vicinity. This stuff should be sold,
moved, or donated, and replaced with something better, maybe even
classical. Cool art like the Central Park Gates and Washington Square lampshades should be kept longer.
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| Imagine Mike Bloomberg in Albany |
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9. The government in Albany has too many problems. New York City should try to be more independent and separate its finances more from state government. This could solve the New York City budget crisis, and in the long run might help upstate too. There is a slim chance Mike Bloomberg could straighten out Albany, but he is unavailable to run for governor.
10. More indoor parking construction should be encouraged, possibly with more tax incentives.
11. City Hospitals: Doctors need easier access to patients medical records (while maintaining patient confidentiality). As an experimental program patients could have some of their medical records listed on a website. Doctors would have access to these records with a password. This would help patients get out of the hospital sooner and get better care both inside and outside the hospital. (Mayor Bloomberg is implementing this.)
12. There are other issues of concern to the public such as the homeless, health care, gay rights, etc, etc. Although the City Council and mayor's office address these issues, the PA office will also have a few people to address these issues.
In my opinion the US should copy the Swiss immigration system, but allow more citizenship.
This campaign does not accept contributions or matching funds.
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