Why HarrisonburgSummits.com

WhyKai.com isn’t the best online space to record what happens at Saturday’s Mayor’s Sustainability Summit, so I created a new website and blog to share information about it and future summits.  HarrisonburgSummits.com is designed such that summits on other issues (e.g. intercultural, health, safety, etc) can also be captured and archived on the same website.

On Saturday, at the first summit, you will see the website in action, as the day’s schedule and reports will begin being adding to the site.  These reports will be submitted by people who attend the event.  Since the reports are in blog form, discussions can continue on each topic during and after that day.

I am also extending an invitation to people who would like to be a ongoing contributing blogger on sustainability issues after the summit.  As other summits on other topics happen, I’ll extend an invitation to people who want to blog on those issues.

Why Creigh Deeds for Governor

I believe Brian Moran’s dedicated work for women, civil rights and open government are inspired and I believe Terry McAuliffes’s emphasis on economic development is timely and informed - and all three candidates for the Democratic nomination for governor would make us proud and keep building the traditions established by Mark Warner and Tim Kaine.  However, for reasons stated above, I believe Creigh Deeds is the right candidate for this race.

For Harrisonburg and the Shenandoah Valley, I endorse Creigh Deeds for governor and urge all local Democrats to turn out on the June 9 primary to vote for him in the primary.

Why Editorials Matter

So, what does a editorial’s title have to do with being mayor - and why would I comment on it?  After all, someone wise said, “Never pick a fight with a man who buys his ink by the barrel.”  In normal circumstances, I’d heed that advice.  But the Primate Obama headline in the Daily News-Record (our only local newspaper of record) is such an inexcusable and offensive example of being out of touch with the values and sensibilities of the constituents I serve that I feel compelled to comment.  It’s outrageous and hurtful for many in our community, including myself.  Any explanation about the double-meaning not being intended must be dismissed as too hard to believe or highlighted as shocking incompetence given the author and editor is a professional wordsmith.

As mayor and council member, I’m working with my fellow council members, the city staff, and our residents to create and maintain a constructive environment in which we can convene our community’s conversation about how we move forward.  Racism is perhaps the most deeply rooted, least discussed, least understood, and most potent issue facing us (yes, we’ve made progress; no, we haven’t finished the conversation).  To wantonly fan this flame as an editor in the only paper of record is beyond inexcusable.

Why Refer Chicken Issue to Planning Commission

There were a number of possible options to take at the council meeting after the Harrisonburg Backyard Chicken Project presented its proposal Tuesday evening for allowing city residents to have egg-laying hens in their yards.  One option was to not move forward in exploring the issue at all, another could have been to actually adopt a new ordinance allowing chickens.  Of course, neither of those would have been the most prudent without further exploration.

The council voted unanimously to refer this issue to the Planning Commission for further review.  This will allow a number of things to happen: staff can prepare a presentation for Planning Commission on the related considerations they have in considering chickens being allowed, planning commissioners can make a recommendation to council and explore how such a change would relate to landuse and zoning ordinances, and everyone has the opportunity to find more answers to the questions around the issue.  If council moves to vote on allowing or denying chickens, there will be a full public hearing at a council meeting. 

For me, this is a prudent move to allow staff and planning commissioners to give their input and to continue asking and answering related questions.  I am still undecided about the issue and look forward the results of this referral.  Thanks to everyone for your input - even the person that showed up to the council meeting dressed in a full-body chicken suit!

Why Park-to-be-Named Across from the Daily News Record

At Tuesday evening’s meeting, the council unanimously approved designating the “grassy lot across from the Daily News Record” as a park.  This space, which is by the Farmer’s Marker Pavilion and is where Fund Fest and Blacks Run Clean Day happens, has never officially been designated a park area, and thus has been managed as, well, a grassy lot.  

The city council agreed that designating this space as a park will help preserve it as one of the few green spaces downtown.  A tentative site plan, including stage and permanent bathrooms, was also agreed upon in concept, however no city funds were allocated to adding these capital improvements. If and when funds become available, these structures will be added.  Also left open is the name of the park, which we will determine at a later date.

I know green space and recreation areas are important to city residents, and am pleased we were able to take this action to designate a new park in downtown Harrisonburg.  Any suggestions for names?

FYI: Draft ‘09-10 Harrisonburg Budget Online for Review

There’s no better way to get insight into the commitments of your government than looking at the current and proposed budgets. At Tuesday’s City Council meeting (full agenda), there will be a public hearing on the proposed budget for the next fiscal year. Have a look. I encourage everyone to read the City Manager Budget Letter for an overview on how the budget reflects adjustments for the economic conditions.

Some highlights, all quoted from the draft budget:

FYI: Mayor’s Summit has 30+ Partner Organizations

Updated April 21, 2009   Click Here For Full Information on Mayor’s Sustainability Summit

The Sustainability Summit scheduled for May 30 is gathering support and interested. I am still accepting partner organizations, which can be businesses, organizations, departments, clubs, or groups that agree to be represented at the event and advertise it as they deem appropriate. Email me if you would like to become a partner. Here’s the good company you’ll join:

Tell Kai Why Chickens - Or Not

The issue of allowing residents in Harrisonburg to have chickens in their backyard has been documented on blogs and the newspaper. While I have had few people contact me directly, I am interested in learning more what I can about the issue before it comes before council. Contrary to what has been reported, there will NOT be an agenda item on this topic at Tuesday’s (April 14) council because information wasn’t provided in time by the citizens interested in allowing chickens to be in the backyard.

Feel free to post your thoughts and comments here - thanks!

FYI: Harrisonburg’s Ongoing “Green” Initiatives

The city’s website has just been updated with a catalog of ongoing sustainability-related and “green” projects that currently exist.  I share it here to highlight these efforts and underscore the shared commitment of the city and its residents for a more sustainable future.  Many of these efforts - if not all - have been inspired and supported by city residents partnering with the city.  Check it out!

Updated!  See below for a long list of initiatives put together by Thanh Dang.

Why Mayor’s Sustainability Summit

Our community is rich with people, organizations, businesses, and projects committed to environmental and energy sustainability. As mayor, I have received more comments, questions, and ideas that fit into this larger theme than any other. Renewable energy, local foods, preparing for a post peak-oil world, green space, bike share programs, energy conservation initiatives, climate change - they’re all part of this conversation. What would be possible by connecting projects, people, businesses, and ideas to intentionally focus on more sustainable living in Harrisonburg and the central Shenandoah Valley? Let’s find out.

Saturday May 30, 2009 is slated for the first Mayor’s Sustainability Summit for Harrisonburg and the central Shenandoah Valley.  More information will be available here as we move forward in the planning.

Currently, I am seeking partner organizations for the event.  Partners commit to being represented at the event and advertising it as they deem appropriate.  I also need a few more positions filled on the steering committee - contact me!