November 2024 Election 2024 San Anselmo 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 San Anselmo 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 San Anselmo:

CANDiDATE Responded to Questionnaire

CANDIDATE DID NOT Respond to Questionnaire

  • Guy Meyer


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)?

Eileen Burke:

I am a very active bicycle rider. I own and ride a Specialized Roubaix road bike, a Rad Power electric bike, a Felt Nine-5 mountain bike and a Peloton. I am on at least two of these bikes 3-5 times a week. I ride the electric bike for errands within a few miles of my home in San Anselmo. I ride all the other bikes for exercise and recreation all over Marin and beyond. I also ride the road bike in benefit/fundraiser rides a couple times a year. This year I rode the MCBC Jane Fondo and the B4BC benefit ride in Tahoe. The longest benefit ride I have completed is the San Francisco to Los Angeles AIDS Ride.

Ford Greene:

Yes. I ride my mountain bike up Mount Tamalpais, White Hill, San Geronimo Ridge, Line Mountain, Loma Alta, etc between 3-5 times per week for decades. I use my bike for local errands and have do so for decades. I have done many centuries and double centuries including the Terrible Two, Devil Mountain Double, Central Coast Double, Knoxville Double, Lost Coast, Davis Double etc. I made the finisher’s list on La Ruta de los Conquistadores, the three-day stage race across Costa Rica, four times. I finished Paris Brest Paris in 84 total hours. Due to spine issues I no longer can ride my road bike.

Kurt Johnson:

I ride a bicycle pretty much everywhere I conveniently can, most frequently taking my son to school at Wade Thomas elementary school

Yoav Schlesinger:

I used to love going out on long road rides. Rides of 30, 40, even 50 miles were a regular chance to connect with the outdoors and the world around me. But that changed after my father was involved in a terrible collision on one of his own rides. It was a fairly significant accident caused by a reckless driver who wasn’t paying attention. My father suffered serious injuries. The driver, in a panic, placed my father into the vehicle and rushed him to the hospital. His injuries eventually healed, but my mother forbid him from riding again given the risks. And I similarly made the painful decision to step away from something that had previously brought me so much joy.

My father’s accident was a reminder of the risks cyclists face every day, and I became more focused on the issue of bicycle safety than actually riding. If cyclists aren’t safe, they won’t ride—it’s as simple as that. My commitment to ensuring safer roads for cyclists is deeply personal, and it’s my mission to make sure that no one has to make the same decision I did—to give up something they love because they no longer feel safe.

Chantel Walker:

Yes, I ride my bike for fun and exercise.


Vision

2. In your own words, describe your vision for the future of transportation in your city/town and Marin County at large.

Eileen Burke:

I expect residents of San Anselmo and Marin will continue to be on the forefront of adoption of electric cars and bikes as their primary modes of transportation. Though I wish we had better public transportation options, lack of use and useful schedules and routes have made public transportation options less desirable in Marin than they are in other areas.

I expect we will continue to improve and expand EV charging in our Town – which we are already doing. I also envision and eventual adoption of hydrogen fuel as the primary automotive power.

Ford Greene:

The increase in traffic congestion resulting from the increase in housing construction will force people onto bikes. There should be increased frequency of public transportation so as to make it more available and practical.

Kurt Johnson:

I would like San Anselmo (and Marin County) to be a model for how to effectively create infrastructure so that bicycles (not cars) are the dominant source of transportation to the extent practical. Climate change is the foundation of my campaign. The single largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in personal transportation: emissions which can be avoided through replacement of internal combustion engine vehicles with bicycles.

Yoav Schlesinger:

My vision for the future of transportation in San Anselmo is one where we prioritize safety and accessibility for all residents, creating a system that works for people of all ages, abilities, and needs. That means shifting away from a car-centric worldview and building a more balanced transportation network that encourages walking, biking, and other alternatives to single-occupancy vehicle trips.

For me, that vision is made up of a few key elements:

1. My top priority is ensuring that our roads are safe for all users—pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers alike. This includes creating more protected bike lanes, improving sidewalks, and implementing traffic-calming measures that slow down cars in high speed areas. I want everyone to feel safe walking or biking to school, work, or around town.
2. Transportation should align with our climate action goals, which means reducing car trips and encouraging active transportation. We would all benefit if public transit were more reliable and efficient, were more people to drive EVs, and were walking and biking more natural choices for short trips.
3. My vision includes a system where walking, biking, transit, and driving are all integrated. More bike lanes connecting to transit stations, safe bike storage, and improved pedestrian access to public spaces. People should have the freedom to combine different modes of transportation easily and safely.
4. I want to create walkable, vibrant neighborhoods that make it easy for people to access shops, parks, schools, and services without needing a car. We should focus on high density, affordable housing development, so we can reduce the distance people need to travel for everyday needs.

In other words, my vision is about creating a transportation system that enhances quality of life for everyone—making it easier and safer to move around town. It’s a future that ensures San Anselmo is a place where families, businesses, and individuals can thrive.

Chantel Walker:

I see active transportation and EVs as the future of Marin County. We can make Vision Zero investments in our roads and pathways to improve the safety of infrastructure and expand opportunities for biking and walking across Marin. Transit ridership is vital, and some transit users rely on a bicycle to connect to transit. Transportation represents more than 50% of San Anselmo’s local emissions which demands all of us to think how we can get out of fossil fuel cars and grow opportunities for active transportation for the health of our planet and human health.


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?

Eileen Burke:

There is no question that we would build San Anselmo and Marin differently if we were building it today. We would incorporate safe bike and pedestrian passage everywhere. But we aren’t building it fresh today – we are retrofitting an already built environment that has physical and logistical constraints. We should incorporate bike and ped safety where possible within the limits of these constraints.

The action I would take in terms of weighing competing interests is slowing down speeding drivers on residential streets. This goes hand in hand with making streets safer for bikes and peds. In San Anselmo, the most effective means of slowing traffic has been the use of speed bumps or cushions, and I advocate installing them on all residential streets that are not main automotive arteries. I believe bikes and cars should be separated on main automotive arteries. That said, I am a realist. I do not support actively making it more difficult to drive or own a car by taking away parking or closing a substantial number of residential streets to cars. The Marin IJ today (8.27.24) noted that 91.4% of households own an auto. I expect we will continue to be auto dependent though those autos will likely be clean fuel autos.

Ford Greene:

Having been the subject of a hit and run collision by a car while descending White’s Hill on my road bike into Fairfax in June 2001 that despite wearing my helmet caused me a grand mal seizure, state of the art road rash and five days in Marin General’s ICU, I know about traffic risk. On the drivers’ side, the highest priority is getting their noses out of their phones while driving. On the bike side, the highest priority is wearing a helmet and being heads up. Given that Marin is largely built up, the most likely way of decreasing traffic will be for people to walk, ride bikes and/or take public transportation. It is unlikely that driver congestion can be decreased. If anything, it will increase. The sheer inconvenience will compel erstwhile drivers to find transportation alternatives.

Kurt Johnson:

I think the correct answer to this question will vary depending on the specific project location in question. Related factors include not only immediate tradeoffs between traffic congestion parking and bicycle access but also the “fit” within a broader policy framework of a desire to increase bicycle use. We are still not doing what we need to do to reduce greenhouse gas emissions quickly commensurate with the urgency of climate science. Local government has direct jurisdiction over transportation and roads. San Anselmo just commenced upon an update of its General Plan, which provides an opportunity to systematically plan for expanded bicycle infrastructure which should be prioritized in capital improvement plans. The development of the Town General Plan could be the forum to seek to finesse and address these competing policy objectives.

Yoav Schlesinger:

When considering our roads, the highest priority should be the prevention of injury and death for all road users, including pedestrians, bicyclists, and drivers. Safety should not be compromised, even if it means increased congestion or delays for drivers. The goal should be to create a transportation system that protects the most vulnerable users while maintaining an efficient flow of traffic.

But that doesn’t mean that congestion and delays for drivers should be disregarded. The challenge is to find a balanced approach that enhances safety without causing undue hardship for drivers. This could involve:

1. Implementing better infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists, like protected bike lanes, wider sidewalks, and safer crosswalks, can significantly reduce risk without necessarily increasing congestion. Traffic-calming measures like roundabouts or speed bumps can slow down cars where necessary, making roads safer for everyone.
2. Educating all road users on safe practices and enforcing traffic laws consistently can contribute to a safer environment. Campaigns that raise awareness about the risks of speeding, distracted driving, and unsafe crossing can reduce accidents.
3. Encouraging the use of public transportation, carpooling, or walking and biking can reduce the number of vehicles on the road, which means reduced congestion and improved safety for those who aren’t driving.

I would prioritize safety first while seeking innovative solutions to manage congestion, which will lead to a more sustainable, livable town and County.

Chantel Walker:

Safety should be our highest goal for pedestrians and cyclists even if it means delays for cars. Putting in the new rapid flashing HAWK lights at the Saunders crosswalk is a great example of San Anselmo moving in the right direction for safety even if it slows cars for a few more seconds on Sir Francis Drake Blvd.


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?

Eileen Burke:

In San Anselmo, we are situated in a narrow, geographically constrained valley and we are a small town. Most residents live within 1-2 miles of downtown or a central shopping area. Most also live within 1-2 miles of a park or recreational open space area. Therefore a high percentage of our residents who can walk and bike in town are already doing so. For those who cannot bike or walk regularly, small local shuttles with reliable routes (including for school kids) is probably the best way to reduce automotive trips.

Ford Greene:

Increased population density and intolerable traffic congestion will compel people to leave their cars. Alternative transportation for seniors who cannot get around easily is a priority. They cannot ride bikes.

Kurt Johnson:

I would like to see dramatically improved local bicycle infrastructure, “safe routes to everywhere.” I was glad to see the recently developed enhanced bicycle infrastructure in San Rafael for the Third Street corridor and can easily envision similar efforts for all other artery transportation routes, e.g. Butterfield in San Anselmo. I was disappointed that it was controversial to propose enhancing bicycle access through Sorich Park in order to more readily enable bicycle access to Terra Linda.

Yoav Schlesinger:

To meet California’s greenhouse gas reduction goals by reducing driving while improving mobility for people of all ages and abilities, here are some concrete policies and projects that we should implement in San Anselmo:

– Develop safer, protected bike lanes and pedestrian pathways, especially in areas around schools, parks, and downtown.
– Expand programs that promote biking and walking to school, improving safety for kids and reducing short car trips.
– Install speed bumps, raised crosswalks, and roundabouts to slow traffic in residential and commercial areas.
– Focus new housing development in areas that are already well-served by transit or are close to core services, allowing residents to rely less on personal vehicles. This includes zoning flexibility and density bonuses for developers who create affordable, multi-family housing near transit hubs.
– Work with regional partners to offer incentives or subsidies for e-bike purchases, especially for lower-income residents, making it easier for people to replace car trips with cycling.
– Install secure e-bike parking stations and charging infrastructure around town.
– Launch public campaigns to encourage the community to shift away from single-occupancy car use in favor of biking, walking, and carpooling.
– Organize car-free days or open streets events where certain streets are closed to vehicle traffic, encouraging people to walk or bike and experience alternatives to driving.

By taking these steps, San Anselmo can move toward reducing driving, cutting greenhouse gas emissions, and improving mobility for residents of all ages and abilities.

Chantel Walker:

Making our roads safer for bikers and pedestrians through the implementation of Vision Zero policies will make San Anselmo safer for all people. Supporting Safe Routes to Schools is key to ensure the safety of our youth and of folks in all ages that are on the roads


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.

Eileen Burke:

I would take this on a case by case basis – examining where single track trails were proposed, what/where single track trails already exist, how opening trails would impact alternative uses (hikers, casual walkers, horse riders), how opening trails would impact the environment and watershed. I’m not against single-track trails but believe that all forms of recreation for all ages should be encouraged.

Ford Greene:

Yes. In the early 1980s I first sought to participate in organizing for increased access and became politically involved with Marylin Price and others to increase single track access. I think the organization was the precursor to MCBC. I support increasing the availability of single-track trails for mountain biking. So as to facilitate multi-user cooperation and harmony, I think the single track should be higher up on Tamalpais (like Northside and International) where there are fewer hikers. I think MMWD recently missed the opportunity to do this. I also support providing access in Sorich Park by providing different trails for elderly hikers and mountain bikers.

Kurt Johnson:

I support opening up and developing new single-track trails on public lands to the extent to which it can be done in a way which is commensurate with pedestrian safety.

Yoav Schlesinger:

The decision to build new or open up existing single-track trails on public lands to mountain bikers requires a balanced approach that considers the interests of various user groups, environmental sustainability, and community values.

Why I’m in Support:
– Mountain biking is fun – full stop – and allows people to enjoy our open spaces, not only on foot, but also on two wheels.
– Expanding access to mountain biking can boost local businesses like bike shops, coffee shops, bars and restaurants, as cyclists make their way through the County. It has the function of being of mutual benefit to both the bikers and the merchants.
– Public lands should be accessible to a diverse range of users, including mountain bikers. Allowing access to single-track trails can ensure that the needs of different outdoor enthusiasts are met.
– In certain cases, as with the Sorich Trail, allowing mountain bike use will provide a much-needed connection between San Anselmo and Terra Linda, and the respective services offered by both.

Notes of Caution:
– Any decision to open or build new trails should be guided by environmental impact assessments. Mountain biking can lead to erosion, habitat disruption, and other environmental concerns. Trails should be designed and maintained to minimize these impacts, possibly through seasonal closures or restrictions in sensitive areas.
– Single-track trails are often used by hikers, runners, and equestrians. It’s important to manage potential conflicts between different user groups. This could involve implementing clear rules (e.g. restricting Class 3 e-bikes and creating single directional travel) and signage to ensure safety and enjoyment for all users.
– Decisions about trail access should involve input from the community, including all stakeholders such as environmental groups, hikers, mountain bikers, and local residents. A collaborative approach will ensure that these changes reflect the values and needs of the community.

The goal should be to create a balanced, multi-use trail system that benefits everyone while preserving the environmental integrity of our open spaces.

Chantel Walker:

Yes. Community engagement is key to foster partnerships and trust between the biking community and those who are wary of opening up new singe-track trails. Marin is home to mountain biking, and we should celebrate this by expanding access in thoughtful ways.


Wrap Up

6. Why should people who ride bikes (or those who might want to ride but don’t currently) vote for you?

Eileen Burke:

People in San Anselmo should vote for me because I have consistently gotten things done in our town, particularly when it comes to parks and community recreation. When I was elected 4 years ago I promised to lead the renovation of Memorial Park. I did so with a complete rehab and painting of our ‘dinosaur’ playground and installation of new irrigation, drainage and grass – the first time the fields had been replaced in almost 100 years! Now I’m leading the final phase – a complete rebuild of the west side of the park, from the tennis courts to the snack shack.

When it comes to bikes, I am a cyclist and understand the concerns and desires of cyclists and I value bike commuting as much as bike recreation. Currently I am actively seeking a bike route from San Anselmo to the Sorich Park ridge that accommodates bikes and pedestrians without compromising the experience of hikers and bikers of all ages. This is a difficult endeavor because it requires balancing the interests and community concerns of a variety of stakeholders. I am particularly adept at doing so, and at finding win/win solutions that leave no group behind.

I can’t promise I will always put bikes first, but I can promise I will balance the interests of all groups in the interest of the best outcome for all members of our community now and in the future.

Ford Greene:

I served as one of your town council members for 15 years from 2007 to 2022. In politics we often witness how age can be disadvantageous. No one escapes Time, but it can show us whence we came and the path forward.

Elected officials often forget what public service means. They forget who they represent, what their purpose is and how to accomplish it.

I valued you by being prepared, clearly stating my positions regarding issues, actively listening and, when appropriate, changing my mind. Respecting voters’ intelligence, I protected public feedback, efficiently running meetings as Mayor evenhandedly, openly, with warmth and humor. Cooperating with staff and council, I modelled good government.

Consistently independent, I uphold what is right; was the only councilmember who voted to protect Memorial Park from becoming an ineffective flood control basin and against an unnecessary $9,000,000 park tax.

I want to go where the committed, involved citizens of San Anselmo want our town to go. I want to move per our citizens’ desires, not per an elected official’s agenda.

Kurt Johnson:

The foundation of my campaign is climate change: increasing bicycle usage is a critical strategy to effectively reduce greenhouse gas emissions and reduce local traffic.

Yoav Schlesinger:

People who ride bikes—or those who might want to but don’t currently—should vote for me because I am committed to making biking safer, more accessible, and integrated into our community. As I’ve already noted:

– I support protected bike lanes, safer intersections, and traffic-calming measures to reduce accidents and make biking a viable and safe option for all. My focus is on creating streets where everyone can feel safe riding.
– I’m an advocate for more bike-friendly infrastructure, like secure bike parking, bike lanes that connect to key destinations, and improved signage. I also support e-bike charging stations to encourage even more people to consider biking as an alternative to driving.
– I’m focused on reducing overall car trips, improving public transit, and encouraging active transportation, which benefits the entire community. Less traffic means safer streets for cyclists, and I want to make biking an easier choice for those looking to drive less.
– Biking should be for everyone. Whether you’re an experienced cyclist or someone who’s thinking about getting on a bike for the first time, I want to ensure that San Anselmo provides a safe and welcoming environment for you to do so.

I want to work to make San Anselmo a more bike-friendly town, so people who ride or want to ride should support my candidacy! Let’s go, San Anselmo!

Chantel Walker:

I support active transportation modes, including biking, and believe that our community is stronger when fewer people are reliant on their cars and have the option to ride a bike for recreation or their commute.


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