Jen Thille

Age: 46

Hometown: Sebastopol

Occupation: Appointed incumbent, recent Dominican University graduate (Green MBA in Sustainable Enterprise)

Background: Sebastopol City Council member (2008 - present); Sebastopol Planning Commissioner (2006 - 2008); Sebastopol Community Emergency Response Team founding board member; fellow of Leadership Institute for Ecology and the Economy; steering committee member and co-site manager for Sustainable Enterprise Conference, Ad Hoc Committee for Energy Vulnerability

Web site: www.votethille.com

Priorities:

LOCAL ECONOMY

Problem: Loss of tax revenue, property tax and takings by the state have left us cash strapped and with a serious budget shortfall

Solution: Promote local businesses, the arts, and the food and wine industry that capitalize on our strengths; revitalize our local economy by promoting businesses that will serve long-term community needs

TRANSPORTATION

Problem: Traffic, fuel cost, dependence on oil and climate change require that we find other ways to get around

Solution: Pass SMART; create efficient bus routes and a downtown shuttle service (when feasible); create more walkable and bikeable streets; and locate jobs, housing and shopping closer together

UNSUSTAINABLE GROWTH

Problem: Rapidly losing valuable open spaces and farmland. People moving into rural areas also use more resources and make cars a necessity

Solution: Smart growth and in-fill that puts housing, jobs and shopping closer together, uses less resources and reduces need for car trips