Hill, Patterson: Local leaders in sustainability

Tired of the endless bickering about national presidential politics? Yeah, we are too. We think Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton should throw in the towel and allow some media time to be used for real issues like climate change, our failing economy or the Iraq war – all of which are interconnected if you think about it. But if you’re like us and are looking for multiple opportunities to voice your choice, then we encourage you to take a break from the race for 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. and focus your attention on the race for 1055 Monterey St.

That’s right, it’s the big building with trees on top near the Fremont Theater. Inside, decisions are made that shape our community and day-to-day lives, such as the amount of renewable energy we buy, the way we get to and from school, and the amount of affordable housing we can access. These decisions are determined by a board of five county supervisors. On June 3 you have the power to elect two individuals who can change the policy needed for sustainable development in San Luis Obispo: Adam Hill and Jim Patterson.

Adam Hill is running to represent the 3rd District, which includes Avila Beach, Pismo Beach, Grover Beach and much of San Luis Obispo. As the former president of the county’s Food Bank Coalition and an advisory member of the Workforce Housing Coalition, Hill is an established community leader.

The 3rd District candidate is an outspoken advocate for smart growth, increasing the amount of affordable housing, public transportation options, and mixed-use development. Hill is also committed to local job creation and wants to work with Cal Poly to incubate businesses and begin growing a green economy in San Luis Obispo. This will provide career opportunities allowing students to stay, live and work in meaningful jobs on the Central Coast. As a Cal Poly lecturer for the past 13 years, Hill understands the challenges facing students and will undoubtedly be a strong advocate on student issues at the county level.

Jim Patterson is running for re-election for San Luis Obispo’s 5th District, which includes the Cal Poly campus, the surrounding neighborhoods, Santa Margarita and Atascadero. Patterson is a Cal Poly natural resources management alumnus and the current chairperson of the County Board of Supervisors. As 5th District candidate, Patterson is working to identify and quantify our natural resources, take inventory of our greenhouse gas emissions, plan for smart growth, and increase alternative transportation. He has proven leadership in sustainability through his experience as a former board member of ECOSLO, former chairperson of the Air Pollution Control District, and current board member of the Strategic Energy Alliance for Change. Patterson regularly attends community and environmental events, and actively engages in discussions with residents to foster public participation.

Sustainability starts at the local level; emissions and pollution affect local people, local flora and fauna, and the environment. Hill and Patterson represent a new type of government official who sets priorities based on sustainability principles. And their political abilities transcend into many areas of their lives, giving them the true “green” credibility that is often criticized by eco-experts. When asked “What do you drive?” at the local political forum at Focus the Nation, students learned that Hill drives a hybrid and that on sunny days Patterson can be seen biking from Atascadero to work in San Luis Obispo.

Leaders in sustainability have been emerging at all levels, from our recently elected student body president to our national presidential candidates. Electing leaders at the county level is just as important to create tangible sustainable solutions, one step at a time. The Empower Poly Coalition has endorsed Hill and Patterson because they have a strong understanding of the challenges facing our generation and are positioned to make San Luis Obispo County a leading community in sustainability.

Chad Worth and Nancy J. Cole are industrial engineering and city and regional planning seniors, respectively, and environmental columnists for the Mustang Daily. They encourage everyone to find their voting location at smartvoter.org and vote on June 3.