We all suffer with the traffic congestion and pollution caused by ineffective transportation options. The City of Cupertino is an important player in transportation issues.

• The City is responsible for our maintaining local streets and bike lanes
• The City has representation on the Valley Transportation Authority, which has primary oversight responsibility for mass transit and local highway projects
• The City manages land use decisions which can greatly impact the traffic situation
• The City contributes to the leadership of the Valley Transportation Authority - In fact I serve on the Policy Advisory Committee of the VTA

Transportation, traffic and smog are a major problem in Silicon Valley. Our long-term prosperity is threatened by these problems, and concerted action is necessary to improve the situation. I will work to get Cupertino greater representation on the VTA board. I will work to make sure that VTA projects are cost-effective and well-managed. I will work to create policies that help employers increase the use of telecommuting and alternative work schedules, both of which can reduce the peak load on our congested freeways. Silicon Valley's position as the most internet connected community on Earth should be used to develop effective ride-sharing alternatives. The City can also be a leader in alternatives to the traditional internal combustion engine driven automobile. This includes bike-friendly transit corridors and pilot projects in alternative-fuel vehicles and electric vehicles. The City government is an employer, and as such has a responsibility to be an example for other employers. All employees are given an Eco Pass to use on local mass transit, car rides home if an emergency occurs when they walk or bike to work and flexible work schedules when possible.

As your City Council Member, I will push for common sense solutions to breaking traffic gridlock including: synchronizing lights, linking Cupertino, Mountain View and Sunnyvale with light rail, better maintenance of our streets and roads and continued investments in bicycle and pedestrian-friendly policies. I will also work with the local schools to find ways to reduce the dangerous traffic bottlenecks that appear near schools weekdays.