Protecting Our Neighborhoods from Flooding is a Priority

Palo Alto has made improvements in San Francisquito Creek to reduce potential flooding from "Choke Points" as the water flows to the Bay.

One major "Choke Point" that continues to keep areas of Crescent Park including areas of the Duvenek / St. Francis Neighborhood Association is the Chaucer Street Bridge. Progress has been made in creating plans for this solution, but the unresolved funding essentially keeps residents in this area hostage to the threat of another flood season.

This is a matter of public safety and that is the primary responsibility of the City. Based on reading and discussions with City Council members, the most immediate source of funding would come from Measure B, if that Water Management and Flood Control Initiative passes.

The continuation of a modest parcel tax for the Water District is an easy solution, and it address levies and tidewater flood control, as well as taking steps to protect water quality. Now the Water District has received some deserved criticism for mismanagement of past funding, but that seems like a poor reason to keep from providing funding for real needs that serve the greater good. If you follow insurance rates, keeping homes out of floodplains and removing floodplains is an excellent investment where everyone wins.

Knowing we can keep a watchful eye on the future financial stewardship of the Water District, let's get behind Measure B and deliver a solution to all of our neighborhoods. I know my area was the recipient of lower insurance rates from public works storm drainage projects, so I think we can have compassion for areas that still need solutions. With the Measure B funding, and a dose of help from a Palo Alto City Council, the City can deliver on its primary responsibility of safety for life and property of its residents. We cannot accept anything less.

Timothy Gray, Candidate for Palo Alto City Council