November 2024 Election 2024 Fairfax Town Council Candidate Questionnaire
Nearly all bike infrastructure is planned, designed, and implemented by our local governments. Whether our communities become more bike-friendly or stay the same is largely up to elected leaders and the staff they oversee. As such, local elections, which can be won or lost by just a few votes, are a critical opportunity to push your city or town in a positive direction.
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, Marin County Bicycle Coalition cannot endorse candidates for public office, but we are able to conduct questionnaires so that you can arrive at your own conclusion. Below are the 2024 Fairfax Town Council candidates’ responses to our questionnaire on bicycling in Marin. We have made no content changes. Thanks to the candidates for their time and thoughtful answers.
Candidates’ campaign websites may be accessed by clicking on those with a highlighted name. Those who did not provide a campaign website are not highlighted.
Here are the candidates on the November ballot for the Town of Fairfax:
CANDiDATE Responded to Questionnaire
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Bruce Ackerman
CANDIDATE DID NOT Respond to Questionnaire
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Frank Egger
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Michael Ghiringhelli
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Doug Kelly
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Cindy Swift
Personal Travel
1. Do you ride a bicycle? If so, for what purposes and how often? If you don’t ride regularly, when was the last time you rode a bike (on vacation, for example)?
Bruce Ackerman:
I ride a Kalkoff eBike, a great commuter model. In earlier times (when I had time) I did many cross-state trips, In Massachusetts, New Mexico, Arizona and Colorado. I designed and made bike carts for some years in Flagstaff (primitive by current standards, but they worked!), and rode several times pulling a cart to Phoenix to get aluminum, which I cut up in the parking lot and brought home in the cart. My wife and I met on long bike rides through the desert southwest, including crossing the Navajo Reservation. All these rides were for transportation, though they were pleasurable as well of course.
Barbara Coler:
Yes, a road bike for recreation, about once per week. I’ve been riding since I was a kid, had dreams of being a bike racer (which of course never panned out).
Chance Cutrano:
I do ride a bicycle. I have a gravel bike that I use 3-4 times per week, predominately riding on road for exercise, commutes to work and public meetings, and just to avoid putting another car on the road whenever I can.
Vision
2. In your own words, describe your vision for the future of transportation in your city/town and Marin County at large.
Bruce Ackerman:
I envision a future in which the personal automobile is used much less, freeing up space taken for parking and the cost associated with car ownership. Bicycling is already a big part of that transition, but so also will be ride-sharing, car-sharing, carpooling, public transportation and of course walking – and land use planning for a compact downtown. Marin has a lot of the infrastructure in place and a favorable climate (not like riding in Ann Arbor MI and hitting black ice). I envision and will support more connection, e.g. completing the east-west corridor thru Fairfax. We are convening a committee to update the Bicycle-Pedestrian Master Plan in Fairfax.
The Fairfax Climate Action Committee, which I am now Council Liaison to, has consistently promoted bikes and e-bikes, and is now designing an e-bike rebate program to recommend to Council.
Barbara Coler:
My vision is multi-modal modes of transport with great sidewalks in all downtown corridors, with bike lanes/paths throughout Marin to make our cities/towns/county more walkable/bikeable and with a multitude of e-chargers throughout Marin.
Chance Cutrano:
I envision seamless integration of various transportation modes, including pedestrian infrastructure, bicycles, and public transit within and between our communities here in Marin. This includes:
• Improving our Town centers to be more pedestrian-friendly, with wider sidewalks, traffic-calming measures, and mixed-use developments that reduce the need for long-distance travel.
• A county-wide network of safe, well-maintained protected bicycle lanes and paths for all ages and abilities that connect residential areas, business districts, schools, and recreational spaces
• A robust (e.g., more frequent service) and efficient (e.g., electrified) public transit system, including the expansion of current Marin Access programs for older adults and mobility changed residents
Safety
Traffic deaths and injuries are on the rise, both nationally and in Marin (this includes all road users, not just bicyclists). The Transportation Authority of Marin has adopted a “Vision Zero” policy, an explicit goal to eliminate traffic deaths in Marin by 2050. However, some projects that would improve road safety may result in more near-term traffic congestion or less on-street parking.
3. Do you see prevention of injury and death for all road users as the highest priority for Marin’s roads? Or should congestion and delay for drivers be minimized, even where this increases risk for pedestrians and bicyclists? How will you weigh these competing priorities?
Bruce Ackerman:
Safety, and the resulting increase in the number of people willing to bicycle and willing to let their kids bike, is the priority. Congestion is not linear—it increases sharply with the last increment of additional cars, so therefore a modest decrease in automobile use due to more bicycling will improve congestion.
Barbara Coler:
Prevention of injury and deaths for all road users should be a priority. Near term traffic congestions and less on-street parking should be a lesser priority to improve road safety yet I believe we can still minimize congestion by performing work at less traffic heavy times.
Chance Cutrano:
The prevention of injury and death for all road users should be the highest priority for Fairfax’s roads. This aligns with the Town’s vision statement in the Local Road Safety Plan (LRSP). However, we must also address concerns about congestion and parking thoughtfully.
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Safety First: Any road design or traffic management decision should prioritize the safety of all users, especially the most vulnerable ones. In Fairfax, this is particularly important given that:
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32% of collisions involved bicyclists, higher than the countywide rate of 19%.
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16% of collisions involved pedestrians.
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80% of pedestrians involved in collisions were crossing in a crosswalk at the time.
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Data-Driven Decision Making: Utilize comprehensive traffic/circulation studies and accident data to identify high-risk areas and implement safety measures. For Fairfax, this means focusing on:
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Updating the Town’s Circulation Element.
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Addressing the High Collision Network segments identified in the LRSP, particularly Center Boulevard/Broadway from Pastori Avenue to Claus Drive and Sir Francis Drake Boulevard from Marinda Drive to the Town border.
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The Center Boulevard/Broadway segment has a collision rate of approximately 198 collisions per 100 million vehicle miles traveled (VMT), the twenty-second highest rate among the 70 countywide High Collision Network segments.
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The Sir Francis Drake Boulevard segment has a rate of 140 collisions per 100 million vehicle miles traveled, ranking 30th countywide.
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Confronting the primary collision factors: unsafe speeds (27% of collisions), improper turning (16%), following too closely (11%), and pedestrian right-of-way violations (11%).
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Public Education and Engagement: Expand existing programs like Safe Routes to Schools and Street Smarts Marin to educate the public about road safety. Partner with local businesses and the school district on educational efforts and campaigns along hot spot corridors, especially when phasing the implementation of new safety measures.
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Implement Safety Improvements: Work with the community, the Chamber of Commerce, the Town Planning Department, the Department of Public Works, and public safety personnel to engineer and enforce traffic calming improvements (e.g., speed cushion, protected bike lanes, bulb-outs, sidewalk widening). Evaluate timed parking enforcement and other circulation improvements where safety improvements necessitate the removal or rearrangement of on-street parking.
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Regular Evaluation: Continuously monitor and evaluate the impact of implemented changes on both safety outcomes and traffic flow. The LRSP recommends tracking metrics every two years and updating the plan every four years.
Climate Change
The California Air Resources Board has stated that, even with the aggressive adoption of electric cars, Californians need to drive 25% less by 2030 to achieve the state’s greenhouse gas reduction goals.
4. What concrete policies and projects in your city/town would improve mobility for people of all ages and abilities while reducing overall driving?
Bruce Ackerman:
Creating other alternatives to the personal, single-occupant auto. Fairfax has recently completed an extensive sidewalk improvement program, and has vastly improved wheelchair mobility with curb ramps.
It is interesting to see the public appreciation of the parklets (sidewalk dining), which began during Covid but have stayed vibrant. When I chaired the General Plan Advisory Committee, the community workshops we organized envisioned a more lively outdoor space on Bolinas Road, achieved by opening up Elsie-Bank streets and connecting to SFD so there would be a better path for car traffic AND a more human-centered Bolinas Road.
Barbara Coler:
Standing up our Bike/Pedestrian committee to update our Bike/Ped Plan & implementing once completed. Continuing our sidewalk repair/replacement cost share plan which I initiated in 2015 and we keep increasing – now it is a $2,000 with permit fees waived. Improving/increasing our bike lanes. Encouraging carpooling, telecommuting, work at home policies and using Zoom and telephone for meetings.
Chance Cutrano:
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Walking: As stated in our Town’s 2030 Climate Action Plan, establishing and maintaining pedestrian infrastructure is a great way to reduce overall driving (“vehicle miles travelled”). While Mayor of Fairfax, I was proud to propose a one-time expenditure of approximately $170,000 to create smoother sidewalks in the flats of Fairfax and address 1,121 trip and fall hazards in Town.
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Biking and E-mobility: In addition, encourage bicycling, e-bikes, and e-scooters as an alternative to automobile travel. To ensure people of all ages and abilities feel safe, we need to continue to maintain and improve bicycle infrastructure consistent with the Town’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan and Complete Streets policies. Here are a few of my accomplishments to date:
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As a Town Councilmember and representative on the Transportation Authority of Marin, I played a pivotal role in including the Cross Marin Trail (San Rafael to Fairfax) in Marin’s 2023 Countywide Bicycle Network Gap Analysis;
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Secured nearly $300,000 in competitive bicycle and pedestrian grant funding (Transportation Development Act “TDA” Article 3 funds) to implement new curb cuts and update our 2016 Bicycle Pedestrian Master Plan, and
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Helped coordinate the maintenance and rehabilitation of a regional and local roadways via a new 5 year pavement improvement plan and a proposed $18M road bond on the ballot this November.
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I’m currently working with Town staff on proposals to refresh our Town’s bike spine, add new traffic calming measures on Broadway, and improve pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure around Marinda Drive, Marin Drive, and Glenn Drive along Sir Francis Drake Blvd.
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Age-Friendly Transit: Finally, for mobility challenged older adults, I believe we need to continue to support, expand, and effectively communicate about the myriad programs offered by Marin Transit’s “Marin Access” Program, including paratransit, Marin bus fare assistance, the volunteer driver program (STAR and TRIP), the Marin Catch-A-Ride pilot program, and more.
TRAILS
In the birthplace of mountain biking, there are few legal single-track trails for people who bike. MCBC and our partners at Access4Bikes are working to expand access to trails for people riding mountain bikes.
5. Do you support building new or opening up existing single-track trails on public lands to mountain bikers? Please explain your answer.
Bruce Ackerman:
This is obviously contentious, but for at least one single-track trail I’ve ridden on I see no reason it should not be legalized (though inexperienced riders would need to be warned that it’s not trivial to navigate, as I discovered).
You might recall that in 2021 I worked with Tom Boss at MCBC to create a flyer for distribution in bike-oriented local businesses, encouraging respectful riding. That was part of my response to citizens who wanted bike access cut off to the Elliot Preserve – I hoped that if cyclists coming down Repack would slow down for the short stretch across Elliot it would mitigate those concerns. Signage to signal the transition into the Preserve was also planned with MCOSD.
Barbara Coler:
Depending on the property and the mt. biking – with speed limits and rules for using the land softly.
Chance Cutrano:
I do support building new or opening up existing single-track trails on public lands to mountain bikers.
New or opened trails can create better loops and a more integrated network of trails. This allows for open space users to spread out, potentially reducing conflicts between different user groups and mitigating overuse of existing trails.
Furthermore, building new trails or modifying existing ones provides an opportunity to properly engineer trails that can reduce resource impacts. Modern trail design techniques can minimize soil erosion, protect sensitive habitats, and create sustainable routes that require less maintenance over time. Opening new trails can allow for the decommissioning of legacy trails that were not designed for all user groups and may negatively impact natural resources. This process can help restore damaged areas while still providing access for mountain bikers.
That being said, a comprehensive approach to trail management is essential. This includes a collaborative decision-making process involving a variety of stakeholder groups, thorough environmental impact assessments, strong user education programs promoting responsible riding and trail etiquette, and ongoing monitoring with adaptive management strategies. I also believe we need to maintain a balance between different trail uses, keeping some trails closed to bikes, this may include weekly, seasonal, or permanent closure depending on the particular case. This can allow us to balance recreational access with environmental protection, promote stewardship among mountain bikers, and allow for adjustments based on observed impacts.
I feel this is a balanced approach focused on the outcome of creating a diverse, sustainable trail system that provides high-quality experiences for a variety of users who seek to explore and enjoy our open spaces while preserving the ecological integrity of our public lands.
Wrap Up
6. Why should people who ride bikes (or those who might want to ride but don’t currently) vote for you?
Bruce Ackerman:
Because I see all sides and work for creative solutions – with a strong bent toward bicycling.
Barbara Coler:
As I said, I have been a biker since I was a kid, since moving to Marin in 1989 I have road biked all over Marin, trying to be courteous to all. I am for standing up our Bike/Ped Committee in 2025, implementing the plan over time, improving and increasing our bike lanes.
Chance Cutrano:
As an elected official, a Transportation Commissioner, a Ross Valley Safe Routes to School Task Force member, and a committed advocate for sustainable transportation, I’ve consistently delivered results that benefit cyclists and all those interested in alternative modes of transportation. Here’s why cyclists and potential cyclists should consider voting for me:
Climate Action Through Transportation: My professional background in conservation has driven me to do everything in my power to avert the worst of the climate crisis. I recognize that one of the biggest challenges we face in Marin is getting people out of their cars and providing a variety of safe and efficient alternatives. Bicycling is a cornerstone of this strategy, and I’m committed to making it a viable option for more people.
Collaborative Approach: I work closely with cycling advocacy groups, transportation experts, and community members to ensure that our cycling initiatives meet real needs and have broad support.
Proven Track Record: In my first term, I’ve successfully delivered on important multimodal improvements both locally and regionally. These aren’t just plans on paper – they’re real, tangible changes that have made cycling safer and more accessible in our community. I get things done, and my record speaks for itself.
Future-Focused Planning: I’ve laid the groundwork for additional bicycle and pedestrian safety initiatives that will be implemented if I’m elected to a second term. My approach is not just about quick fixes, but about creating a comprehensive, long-term strategy for multimodal improvements.
In summary, if you care about having a leader who not only understands the importance of cycling for our community’s health, environment, and quality of life, but who also has a proven track record of turning plans into reality, then I’m your candidate.
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