Jerry D. Martin's Response
to the 2007 Environmental Questionnaire

1. How do you value city beaches, and what do you see as priority issues for them?

Jerry D. Martin: Our beaches make Ventura the wonderful city it is. We have the obligation to maintain clean beaches with easy access to ensure Ventura remains “The Jewel of the Southern California Coast.”

2. How will you correct the current lack of safe north/south bicycle routs within the Ventura Avenue community, and the lack of connection to the ocean?

Jerry D. Martin: We must continue to maintain and improve the Ventura River Bike Path and create Avenue bike lanes with adequate bike path signage and improved access to the beach at Figueroa and California Streets.

3. The architecture “2030 Challenge”, which was unanimously endorsed by the US Conference of Mayors, calls for energy reduction of all new and renovated buildings incrementally over the next 25 years, until in 2030 they use no more energy to construct and operate than they produce. Should Ventura sign up to take the challenge? How could we begin to accomplish the goal of “carbon neutral” buildings by 2030?

Jerry D. Martin: Without question we as individuals, city, state and federal governments must promote the research and use of alternative fuels. The clean spin off business this research and development would create would strengthen our economy, decrease our dependence of foreign fuels and clean the environment. Locally, through the use of education, tax incentives and building codes, we can adopt standards which require energy efficient design.

4. What changes would you promote for the Victoria Corridor, and how do they tie into our natural environment and quality of life?

Jerry D. Martin: We must develop an alternate connection between highway 126 and highway 101 to ease the traffic gridlock on Victoria Avenue. I do no favor the introduction of a “Big Box Retailer” for the Victoria Corridor and I would promote the development of mixed use small commercial and moderate density residential community at the existing K-Mart center to establish a walkable friendly neighborhood.

5. What actions will you take as a city council member to ensure that the greenbelts and farmland surrounding the City of Ventura are protected in perpetuity, and that any future growth is accommodated within the city's existing footprint utilizing the principles of smart growth and sustainability?

Jerry D. Martin: We must manage the growth of Ventura with intelligent design while maintaining a vibrant economy with the use of existing building and compatible infill. Smart growth, “green building “principles and continued support and funding of SOAR initiatives will help protect our farmland and greenbelts.

6. Would the protection of the Ventura River benefit the City of Ventura? If so, how?

Jerry D. Martin: The protection of the Ventura River is important to the city for its clean waters, fisheries and clean open space. The protection of the river is mandatory for Ventura, our ocean and our beaches.

7. Are you prepared for sea level rise inherent in continued misuse of fossil fuels? (This question was submitted by a youth organization.)

Jerry D. Martin: I am not sure I have the required expertise to comment on a rise in sea levels, but as I have previously stated, I believe we must develop alternatives to fossil fuels.

8. The protection and improvement of environmental quality affects people from different economic strata in different ways. How will you bring together your vision of social justice and your commitment to environmental issues?

Jerry D. Martin: Protection of our environment is the responsibility of all of us. The main argument for moving away from traditional power sources such as fossil fuels is the fear of damage to our economy.

I believe education, the promotion of research and development of new technology for clean water and clean air will strengthen our economy and our quality of life.

9. How will you promote green business, so that a thriving economy and a thriving environment become one in the same?

Jerry D. Martin: If we manage Ventura with intelligent design, and use “green building” principles such as the new WAV project in West Ventura, we will promote a thriving economy and clean environment.

10. Should the city of Ventura take affirmative steps to implement Community Choice so citizens can purchase locally generated renewable power? Why or why not? (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Community_Choice_Aggregation)

Jerry D. Martin: Yes. Although the implementation of a Community Choice Program would be a substantial undertaking for the city, the rewards of efficient renewable power and local rate control would be worth the effort.

11. What is your attitude about the city collaborating with civic groups in substantial and meaningful ways on community initiated projects?

Jerry D. Martin: I believe the city should promote community involvement and work closely with community councils and civic groups to ensure intelligent growth while protecting our open space, hillsides and historic culture.

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