Issue Position: Transportation and Infrastructure Improvements

Issue Position

Talking about transportation infrastructure is not a very glamorous issue, but it certainly is essential to improving our residents' quality of life. When it comes to roads, California's has the second-highest number of roads in "poor" condition in the nation. And, over 70% of California's roads and highways suffer from congestion, which is no surprise to those of us who live in the Bay Area.

Getting ample improvements to our roads, highways, railways and modes of public transportation will cost billions of dollars a year, while at the same time, we have less funds coming in from gasoline taxes as gas prices are at an all-time low (as commuters we like this) and we have more fuel efficient cars on the road now that require less gas to run (great for the environment). Here are some thoughts I have on the issue of improving California's transportation system:

No Increase in the Gas Tax (for now): California has one of the highest gas prices in the nation. Contra Costa and Solano commuters spend thousands of dollars every year driving to and from work and on BART and other modes of public transportation. Although there is a need to identify funds for badly-needed transportation improvements, I do not support an increase in California's gas tax at this time as it would be too burdensome right now to our local residents and businesses. First, I believe we should be looking for ways to increase efficiencies and better monitor state spending on transportation BEFORE there is any discussion on raising the gas tax.
A More Efficient Caltrans: In a May, 2014 report issued by the California Legislative Analyst's Office, it reads: "While we find that Caltrans has achieved some successes in delivering individual projects and has made minor improvements to the COS program in recent years, the program generally lacks accountability and is not operating efficiently. Specifically, we find that the COS program currently (1) lacks performance data to adequately measure program effectiveness, (2) is experiencing a substantial decline in workload that will result in significant overstaffing starting in 2014-15. (CLICK HERE to view a PDF of the report.) In March 2016, another report issued by the California State Auditor's Office cites serious inefficiencies in Caltrans spending decisions in its road maintenance programs. (CLICK HERE to view a PDF of the State Auditor's recent report.) I believe there is much more Caltrans can do to rein in costs so more taxpayer funds can be spent on actual road and highway repairs.
Better Auditing and Oversight of Transportation Spending: I support the Legislature taking a more active role in overseeing program efficiencies, spending priorities and efficiencies or lack there-of in California transportation spending. Where are we excelling and providing excellent service? Where could we do better? Are there duplication in programs and budget efficiencies we can identify? How can we allocate more funds for actually improving roads and highways -- by tightening the bureaucracy in State Government? These are questions I will ask if elected to represent you in the Assembly.
Autonomous Car Technology: Car technology has come far to make driving on the road safer, including the use of self-braking cars that will break to avoid an accident even when the driver doesn't. I am also intrigued with the development of new technology that will allow for the operation of autonomous, driver-less cars. As Mayor, we negotiated an agreement with major car manufacturers to test autonomous car technology here locally at the Concord Naval Weapons Station. It is now the largest autonomous car test site in Northern California. While we are far from approving driver-less cars, I strongly support and encourage the testing of new technologies that will make driving safer so as to save lives.

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