Recently I had the opportunity of answering the Sierra Club's questionnaire and wanted to share my viewpoints with you the Brisbane Voter.
Sierra Club Question 1: Historically, the club considers your past record as the best indicator of your future concern for the environment. What have you done to protect natural resources and the environment?
Jameel's Response:
This has been a part of my professional activity for decades. From 1970 to 1974, I was a member of a research team at the University of California studying the global impact of carbon. I developed a model to predict the impact of the global carbon cycle. The results of these studies were published in two technical journals. In 1974, I researched and published technical papers on the distribution of pesticides in San Joaquin County. In 1978, I was assigned to study the environmental impact of liquefied natural gas facilities proposed to be sited at Point Conception, Santa Barbara and Oxnard, California. From 1978 to 2003, I worked for the State of California Public Utilities Commission. I was responsible for reviewing environmental impact reports (EIR) prepared by various government agencies and private developers for the construction of railroad crossings.
I have also conducted several traffic/transportation studies for various transit and railroad -related projects.
Since 2000, I have been a member of the Brisbane Planning Commission, where I have reviewed EIRs for all types of development within the city. I am also a member of the Brisbane Open Space Committee. This committee is an advisory committee to the City Council, responsible for making recommendations to the Council on open space acquisition, the Open Space Plan, green building initiatives, renewable energy sources, recycling ordinances, etc.
Sierra Club Question 2: What do you regard as the major environmental and conservation issues facing Brisbane and the Bay Area as a whole? What will you do about these if you are elected?
Jameel's Response:
Brisbane currently faces two very large projects that will have major environmental and conservation consequences:
Sierra Club Question 3: What is your plan to help Brisbane reduce its greenhouse gas emissions?
Jameel's Response:
Brisbane Brisbane currently does not have a baseline measurement of CO2 emissions. Because of the unique topography and weather conditions, CO2 emission levels never reach an inversion level here. However, the citizens of Brisbane are cognizant of the impact of CO2 on global warming: Brisbane probably has more hybrid cars per resident than any other city in San Mateo County. However, Brisbane can do more by joining Supervisor Jerry Hill of San Mateo County in adopting the Sustainable Silicon Valley Initiative, which is targeted towards reducing greenhouse emissions.
Sierra Club Question 4: Tell us about your philosophy of land use planning. How should Brisbane guide development to meet future needs of new job opportunities, market rate and affordable housing, shopping, and parks and public spaces?
Jameel's Response:
Any successful land use planning should consider first and foremost the needs and desires of the citizens. It should be well balanced in terms of intelligent growth based on well proven ideas with successful planning, taking account of the city's fiscal and security needs, senior and low income citizens housing needs, and the need to preserve our precious natural resources and open spaces, and the use of alternative sources of energy.
Brisbane ’s General Plan, cited as the best in the State, includes policies to address most of these issues. However, Brisbane must now adopt definite green building and alternative energy policies. I will also recommend changes to the current planning codes by looking at the form-based codes adopted by other cities in California.
Sierra Club Question 5: California faces enormous growth pressures which will impact all resources. What is the city's current policy to encourage water efficiency and what leadership will you provide in this area?
Jameel's Response:
All new developments are currently required to incorporate water efficient plumbing fixtures, water conserving irrigation systems and drought resistant landscaping. Brisbane currently does not have a rebate subsidy for existing housing. If elected, I will push for rebate programs as well as an aggressive education program. I will also make sure that all city facilities practice water conservation measures.
Sierra Club Question 6: The City of Palo Alto is considering the adoption of a Zero Waste Policy and Strategic Plan this Fall. Adoption of this plan could include recommendations mandating certain recycling behaviors and/or banning materials from being placed in garbage containers or brought to the City's landfill. Would you consider creating and adopting a Zero Waste Policy and Strategic Plan for your City and will you actively work to implement zero waste programs in your City?
Jameel's Response:
The citizens of Brisbane are already doing a remarkable job of recycling and cleaning up our streets. A mandatory requirement for zero waste management would be difficult to enforce. However, I certainly believe in educating and encouraging our citizens.
Sierra Club Question 7: Please list your endorsements:
Jameel's Response:
Sierra Club Question 8: Tell us about your campaign readiness (funding, volunteers, and organization).
Jameel's Response:
Having run once before, I will use the same approach and support.
Sierra Club Question 9: Please include below an exact copy of your ballot statement as submitted to the County at filing.
Jameel's Ballot Statement:
Candidate Statement for Brisbane City Council
Haji Jameel
Age: 60
Occupation: Engineer
Hello, my name is Haji Jameel. My family and I have been residents of Brisbane for the past 8 years. Together, we hold a great appreciation and respect for the people and pristine quality of life in Brisbane. I am genuinely committed to public service and working collectively among the residents of Brisbane by listening and responding with intelligence, dignity, respect and resolve toward all challenges our community must face.
Why should you cast your vote for me? First, I'm keenly devoted to helping Brisbane maintain and improve public safety and its natural environment. Equally important, I am desiccated to finding viable sources of revenues for the City of Brisbane. Furthermore, my educational background, professional experience and former record of community involvement strongly qualify me for the position of City Council Member. AS for my academic credentials, I hold masters degrees in Civil and Mechanical Engineering. My professional career spans over 30 years in geotechnical engineering, ecology, environment reviews, transportation studies, Federal and State standard development, fire and rail safety. For the past 27 years, I worked for the State of California, overseeing the safety of transit systems and major class 1 railroads. I have served on numerous technical committees on transportation and fire safety at the state and federal level. As for my community service in Brisbane, I am a member of the Brisbane Lions and have served on the Planning Commission for the past several years.
I envision the City of Brisbane achieving excellence by making thorough and intelligent reviews of two major developments currently before us: the Baylands and Quarry Projects. With my expertise, I would help the community acknowledge and analyze critical safety and environmental issues regarding these projects so that we the citizens of Brisbane can make intelligent decisions. The other important issues that are of concern to me are: parking, acquiring open space, preserving our mountain, creating fair funding mechanism for Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP), maintaining the quality of life for residents, making our roads and infrastructure safe and functional, adopting a green building ordinance and form-based building codes, and providing affordable housing for our seniors and low income citizens through the Redevelopment Agency and community groups like Habitat for Humanity. I have the expertise, vision and passion to successfully face these challenges.
Your vote for me will ensure an intelligent and prosperous future for the City of Brisbane.
Contact Haji Jameel By:
E-Mail: jameel@jameel.us
Phone: (415) 467-4154