A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

*As the city's demand for energy expands beyond the capability of the present sources, we should begin to introduce cheaper, cleaner, renewable sources. The city should make the necessary arrangements to establish several such options viable through municipally owned alternatives that will leave us less vulnerable to rate increases. This is a public security and safety issue.

*Neighborhood trusts could manage assets, particularly the massive number of abandoned buildings. The restoration of these structures can provide job training in cooperation with the unions. After initial funding by the city, the subsequent sale and rental of these buildings will provide funds for ongoing projects.

*Cheap, mass transit is essential if we are to escape our undue reliance on fossil fuels. The dismissive rejection of an intra-urban rail system must be revised.

*A series of smaller scale projects on the riverfront can be of equal or greater use to the people of the city than the big-ticket construction projects like the cultural center or a new stadium.

The most important part of the electoral process is to have deep discussion about the direction of our community. These are suggestions that I believe are worthy of our consideration.