11 Apr R. A. *Bo* Prudente – 2012 Candidate for Place 5 Austin City Council – Answers to Multi-Environmental Issue Questionnaire
Each 2012 Austin City Council candidate was sent a Multi-Environmental Issue Questionnaire with 28 questions broken into seven subject areas. The blank questionnaire as well as information about the live, televised May 23rd Election 2012 Green Forum is here. Below are the written answers submitted for R. A. "Bo" Prudente, who lists his profession as "safety professional Capital Metro".
General
· What do you believe that Austinites think are significant environmental issues? How do you plan to address those?
. "WATCHA GONNA DO WHEN THE WELL RUNS DRY"?
—.WATER—
With an awakening to the possibility of a continuing drought ,
the depletion with insufficient replenishment of fresh drinking
water, the reservoir half full to start the summer, the billions of
dollars in agricultural losses, rice farmers facing an irrigation cut-off,
wildlife suffering, growth in population and development, water is the
lifeblood of our economy, the supporting pillar of our entire
infrastructure. Few actually realize that our entire infrastructure lies on
a solid foundation of fresh water yet, we are complacent that the
LCRA, to the tune of up to $60 billion and at at least 5 years
minimum, will "create" an ample supply of fresh water. I, and others,
are skeptical. Austin needs a guaranteed alternate source of fresh
water, free from the LCRA's austere regulations and their plan that is
not a guarantee that we will have an ample supply of fresh to sustain
our future needs. This crisis has taken its' toll on agriculture to the
tune of $7 billion in losses. The rice farmers are going to suffer this
summer with the LCRA shutting down irrigation to their paddies.
Wildlife have also suffered. This water shortage, that could get worse,
is a fine thin thread connecting every aspect of our economic, social
and, of course, environmental survival yet, what City level official or
candidate for public office is addressing this number 1 concern?
—DESALINATION—
Why not? With thousands of miles of oil and natural gas pipelines
already in existance, a water pipeline is feasible. Oh, but it cost too
much! Are we going to put a price on protecting our future? The
Texas Transportation Commission has already dropped billions of
dollars, that did not exist, into Austin roadways to ease traffic
congestion and is slated to drop more, that does not exist, for more
roadways to ease traffic congestion. That is insane! As long as there
is growth, there will be traffic congestion. Once the idea of the need
for an alternate source of water is put on the table, people should
wake up to the fact that we can control the future. Do we need more
roadways and ignore the issue of water? I could go on. This issue
stands on its' own and I have much more to say on this subject.
—-AIR POLLUTION—-
By far, the biggest contributor to air pollution is vehicle exhaust. The
building of more roadways to allow for more vehicular traffic is a part
of the battle between special interest groups and environmental
concerns. With SH 45 on paper, that will allow for an additional
30,000 vehicles daily, creating an additional source of air pollution
to an area that, up to now, has not seen the vehicular traffic that
contributes to this environmental issue. We can't eliminate cars but,
if it comes down to chiming in on SH45, I would vote NO!
—-LANDFILLS—-
What better way to pollute the ground than to dig huge holes and
fill them up with MSW (munical solid waste-trash) and cover
them up? I have a plan to Co-op both the water and electricity. As
a City of Austin utility customer, I believe that we, the utility rate
payers, should unite and form a coalition to put both of the utilities
under the ownership of "we the people". This would eliminate
austere legislative oversight by the LCRA and the water "lease rights"
connected. This could be a potential economic "boon" as it would
create jobs, create income from surrounding communities, keep the
water rates stable and affordable, The energy source to make this
possible is MSW. Desalinating ocean water takes a lot of energy. By
utilizing MSW, with wind and solar as a supplemental energy source,
there will be absolutely no fossil fuels involved except maybe a starter
to begin the process. This same process could be used to produce
electrical energy at the same time! Using electrostatic precipitators
to eliminate particulate matter and the capture of gas emissions, I
would like to see any plan that, seeing today's environmental, social
and economic concerns, would be a direct and resourceful address
in taking "green" to the next plateau. Also, by keeping the energy off
of the grid and only utilizing it in Austin, I believe that Ercot, PUC, and
other regulatory powers that control the electrical grid, may be limited
in the regulatory oversight thereby allowing a stable and affordable
future rate to be enjoyed by all.
· What positive contributionshave you made to environmental efforts in the past?
I have been outspoken, "preaching" to anyone that would listen to what I had to say. That has been successful as I manage to draw crowds and people ask questions. I have also contacted Governor Perry's office as well as all of our state leaders and our Representatives in D.C. I even had one-on-one with Congressman Lloyd Doggett concerning the water situation and the hope of diverting Transportation $$$$ into a fund to study the feasibility of desalinating ocean water. No adequate responses. I have also sent letters to the editors of both the Austin American Statesman and the Chronicle. The letters have not been printed however, soon after, articles started appearing reflecting my concerns and in some cases, mirroring my letters.
· What is the role of the sustainability officer and what changes–if any–would you like to see to increase sustainability practices Austin?
This person, if he/she is going to do the job properly, will have their hands full, especially if he/she is in any way is looking at the "Imagine Austin comprehensive plan". That is a good plan however, many target areas of the plan are inadvertantly(?) being attacked by the special interest groups in their endeavor to develop Austin and has widened the gap that separates those that can afford to live in Austin and those that can't. Gentrification is a product of business. Buy low and sell high. What area of town does this fit? I am curious to see how this problem is resolved, if indeed, it is. Utility rates are sky-rocketing and people from middle, low and fixed income, along with gentrification, are in a serious financial bind. Again, I am watching to see how this is going to be resolved. On any given night there are approximately
2,300 homeless sleeping anywhere they can find that protects them from being arrested under the guise of "camping". 25% of our children live in poverty. Section 8 housing has such a long waiting list that is virtually impossible to get on and the number of people needing such assistance is growing daily. Water and electricity is entering the crisis stage. Yes, I would like to see just what a sustainability officer is going to address first and the results will show if this is a just a PR position or if this is this a serious endeavor to shore up the "Imagine" plan. I will remain skeptical until I see positive results.
· What is your strategy for engaging YOUTH and SCHOOLS in sustainability initiatives?
YOUTH and SCHOOLS=KNOWLEDGE……Knowledge through education is the seed for understanding that our environment needs to be protected first before any aspects of the infrastructure. A knowledge of what will happen if we run out of clean water, air, trees, wildlife and the showcase of natural habitat, that if not preserved by good management, will disappear due to "economic development" that is now showing its' ugly side.
Food
· What steps do you believe the city can take to ensure long-term sustainability of our local food system, including production, marketing and distribution, and preparation and consumption? How can the City make good food easily available and affordable for all of us living in Austin?
This is a very good question that covers more area than there is time or space available to address. Once again, the increasing
WATER and ELECTRICITY rates, are the underlying factors in the production, marketing, and preparation for consumption of our local food system. Good food requires that we fight the force feeding of GMO corporations that have created a monopoly of controversial foods. We should be on a public campaign, educating the public surrounding that controversy. As for affordability, much of what is offered at grocery stores are "corporate" controlled and are priced at "profit margin" rates. These corporate controlled prices are the indicators of restaurant menu prices as well. Another underlying factor in sustainability of local food sources is "economic growth". Many land portions that were previously farmland have been rezoned for commercial development. The buy-out and development for commercial purposes of these properties have eliminated much home grown foods. This is a problem created by "growth". Now what we get at the farmer's markets around town are foods grown outside of Austin, small plots in Austin and greenhouse foods. Why are "organically grown" foods much costlier? We should also be promoting, through public campaign, the importance of not only buying local but, educating the importance of organic foods while showing the bad side of "poisoned" inorganically grown foods. The City Manager's Sustainability Officer should be addressing this issue with input from all concerned as to how to look to the future in food sustainability and affordability.
Development and Transportation
· How will you take use of resources and resource availability into account when making decisions about local economic development and incentives?
It's time for the City Council to take command and start making decisions that is for the better of our City. Again, WATER is at the forefront of our resources that can cripple or worse, collapse our local economy. One economic indicator of progress is the housing industry. We have plenty. One problem about that industry is that if it slows down, then there is a "slump in the economy" that the status quo will fervently fight to get back up.
The question is, "where and when will growth stop"? It won't. It will keep going. With this rate of growth that Austin is "enjoying", who is profiting? What adverse effects is it creating and where is it taking Austin? Have you heard the story of the Pied Piper?
· Do you support construction of SH 45 SW? Why or why not?
NO! The construction of SH45 will deforest a large area, affect natural habitat, add 30,000 vehicles daily to an already congested traffic grid, collect a concentrated amount of exhaust pollutants on the roadway that will run-off and find its way to the many recharge zones located throughout and general noise pollution.
· Going forward, what are your plans for improving Austin’s pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure?
There are many areas of Austin that are in need of sidewalks and ramps for accessibility. If elected to the City Council, I will push for any and all transportation projects to include, by first priority, sidewalks and ramps for accessibility. As a matter of safety, the second priority will be for bicycle projects. All other transportation issues, 3rd priority.
· Campaign finance reports for Council candidates are not due until the end of April, after Early Voting starts. In the past, candidates have made environmental promises which some believe were undermined by the influence of political donations. In the interest of disclosure and transparency, will you tell us who is bundling contributions for your campaign?
I am proud to say that I have —0— dollars in my campaign. A
recent question from the Real Estate Council of Austin asked if I
would, if RECA endorsed candidates, accept an endorsement from
RECA. My answer was "NO". I perceive the responsibility of an
elected official to represent the people for what is best for the
people. I am for a good economy but when special interest
ignores dwinding resources, attacks economically depressed social
classes, Corporations worth billions looking for corporate welfare,
developers that have tentatively agreed to include a percentage of
affordable housing in their plans only to renig to a lower
percentage later, appeals and lawsuits to get their way, I can only
say that there is a need for a City Council member(s) that will not
only make promises but, if elected, will take charge and not back
down in the face of powerful special interest groups that are
adamant on taking Austin in the wrong direction. I have not
solicited any campaign money. What I am soliciting is to believe
in what I have to say that, if elected, will bridge the gap between
greedy special interest groups, the people and the environment
that are feeling the effects of mis-managed growth.
· What will you do to create or attract high-wage, family-supporting green jobs to the Austin and Central Texas areas? What will you do to ensure that hard-to-reach populations and communities of color have access to these green jobs?
With the creation of a water desalination/electricity plant, that, in
itself. would create many jobs. With the High-tech industries
moving to Austin through "allurement" of tax abatements, I would
require a contract of employment to the city that would eleminate
staffing filled by moving workers in from out of state. There must
be an understanding that at least half of those positions will be
filled by local personnel that will be comprised, by priority, by
economic status (middle, low and fixed income) and ethnic/
minority communities. Also, the corporation should have an
educational development program for economically deprived
young people that would provide on the job training that would
be a plus for the corporation as well as planting a seed for the
future that would benefit both. The same goes if the
water/electricity plant came to fruition.
· Politicians often say they are against suburban sprawl – yet they approve water and sewer lines and zoning changes that create it. How are you different? How will you ensure that development pays for itself, i.e. the extension of water and wastewater lines? Do you support or oppose giving a discount on electric and water rates to ratepayers living outside the city? Why or why not?
As stated previously, due to environmental concerns, I would vote
no on issues I deemed would be detrimental to sustainability of
our current way of life, or what is left of it however, if I am
outvoted, I would like to see developers held to an even higher
standard than what now exists, providing all the funding for
water/wastewater lines. Additionally, if Austin is as green as it
claims to be, I would also propose that every development be
required to include gray water for toilet and irrigation use,
supplementary electrical provisions (wind generators, solar)
solar water heating and rooftop solar panels. Expensive?
Yes, it could be but, Do they want to develop? Pay the price.
Many are already paying the price of "growth" and cannot afford
it. If those folks outside of Austin are buying utility service from
Austin, let's put them in the same category of Austin. I believe
that a utility customer in the category of a low or fixed-income
bracket should be exempt from a utility rate hike. The water rates
in Austin are already the highest of the 10 largest Texas cities
with rate hikes scheduled in advance for the next 4 years. We are
being raked across the coals now and it is only going to get
worse. How can a person's fixed income that is not being
adjusted to the cost of living survive against this atrocity?
· Between urban rail, expanding the current light rail system, bus rapid transit, a monorail system or HOV lanes on major roadways, toll lanes which transportation options do you believe would be best and worst for Austin and why?
For the record: I am not against any of these transportation
projects however, Austin is painting itself into a corner financially
due to a number of infrastructure misalignments such as
affordability, water and electricity, shortage of tax dollars for
needed projects including a shortage of tax dollars to fund the
trail of lights and downtown christmas decorations to name a
few. I am now believing that our city budget is a lot worse that
we have been led to believe. At this time I am against
transportation anemities such as rail, until at which time the
financial importance of other much needed issues are alleviated.
These transportation issues have only 1 outcome–allowing more
traffic to move here and to keep our congestion current. It does
not seem to matter how much $$$$ are pumped into
transportation to relieve traffic congestion, it just allow more
vehicle traffic to move here to keep up the congestion.
· As more families are forced to move further out of Austin to find housing they can afford, our traffic is becoming more congested, earning us another distinction as the third most congested city in America and our air quality deteriorates as a result. What would you do to address these interconnected issues? How would you help more residents secure affordable housing in the city?
This economic success story has reared its' ugly head in many
ways. Vehicle exhaust emissions are by far the most blatant.
Often a bluish gray haze looms over Austin. That is the
environmental side of the original argument years ago about how
growth will play a big part in the quality of the air. Now, history
has proved the environmentalists correct on that aspect. How do
"we" reverse it? You build more roadways and move
corporations here to add to this unfolding environmental
nightmare! At this point I can see only one way. There needs
to be an educational campaign to educate the people as to how
this economic "blessing" has an equal and opposite effect and
how it is eating away at parts of our infrastructure that could,
if not addressed immediately, drop our economy on its' head.
The status quo is in charge. There are 2,300 homeless people
without a place to call home. Section 8 affordable housing is a
3 year long waiting list. Gentrification is alive and well. This
economic story is a living nightmare for many that can't afford
the high cost of living in Austin. I propose that I were elected, a
50% in taxes for corporations moving to Austin be funding
affordable housing along with holding developers to their
tentative agreements on the percentage of affordable housing.
There should be more to add to developer contracts that
addresses affordable housing. The number of people needing
assistance due to economic challenge is not declining.
· Do you believe that the Formula 1deal is an “historic agreement” for sustainability? Please explain why or why not. What are your concerns around Formula 1 and what should be done to mitigate the impacts?
No…..First, Bernie Ecclestone, President of Formula 1 racing, is a billionnaire. Back in November, when the construction stopped and workers walked off the worksite, due to Bernie demanding $25 million up front, guess what? He was in a German courtroom testifying on his former lawyer's trial on charges of tax evasion of $25 million dollars that supposedly Bernie hired him to shield him from paying that money! This sounds like a crook!
This information was kept from the American public. I do not see sustainability as the destruction of habitat has taken place
for what I see as a commercial adventure that produces a whole lotta $$$$ for the Formula 1 people and tax revenue for the city of Austin. The Thousands of cars that will be pouring into Austin for this event will only add to the poor quality of air in our city. I can't think of any way mitigating the environmental impact that has already taken and the future impact of our air quality. The damage has been done and will continue.
Zero Waste
· The City Council has passed a plan to reach 90% diversion of our discards from landfills by 2030 and 95% by 2040. Would you support any changes to the Zero Waste plan? Phase 1 of the Universal Recycling Ordinance (URO) requires all multifamily buildings, office buildings, and institutional properties in the City to recycle. In Phase 2, the City will add a citywide policy for diverting compostables. Phase 3 will include single-family residences in the requirement to recycle and compost. Do you support all three phases of this ordinance?
This plan is 18 to 30 years from now. No, I do not support it. I have stated that to deal with MSW and to eliminate landfills, I support using MSW as an energy source. No Trash-No waste.
· Do you believe Austin should ban certain problem materials, such as styrofoam, to keep them out of our waste stream? If so, which materials should we target? If not, how will you deal with problem materials?
How can we target a specific item when there other waste items just as bad that aren't being targetted? Let's target MSW in general.
Water, Streams and Trees
· The health of Barton Springs and its aquifer are always a concern to us. How would you use land acquisition to protect the aquifer? How much would you allocate for this purpose in upcoming bond packages? What new ideas do you have to stop pollution of our waters?
The only reason to use land acquisition to protect the aquifer is to keep special interest from benefitting by purchasing the land for commercial development. I would allocate as much as possible in this endeavor. I would oppose development where run-off poses a danger to our streams that feed the aquifer.
· Austin’s residential water rates are among the highest in Texas, and unless Water Treatment Plant 4 is put on the shelf, the cost of water will continue to rise. How will you stop the increase in Austin’s residential water rates?
The LCRA has already sold off $30 million worth of water/sewage treatment plants to Cirix, a for profit foreign
water corporation (Canada). Monarch water has already stirred
controversy over raising water rates in Pflugerville by 60% and sewage by 30%. New Braunfels, also Monarch, were shocked to hear that Monarch was going to raise their water rates by 100%+. There are othe water companies waiting to get a piece of the water pie. There is a looming propect that due to the future of the availability of water, we will be at the mercy of whatever company is supplying the water. Water is a business. The current City Council is treating is as so. I propose that all middle, low and fixed income rate payers be exempt from future rate hikes due to income increases thqt are not keeping pace with the rate hikes and therefore they cannot afford those rate hikes.
· We’re in one of the worst droughts in Texas history yet we are still watering our lawns. What stronger measures do you see as necessary to conserve water beyond the city’s current goals? How do we get to 140 GCPD or less?
Watering our lawns is a part of sustaining the environment. This water crisis and being put on water restrictions is frightening. The only real answer is to get an alternative water source that will free us from the austere bondage of water conservation that if we stay with the LCRA to be our source of water, may prove to be the wrong decision.
Austin has lost thousands of trees during the recent drought, posing a serious threat to our urban forests. What will you do on the Council to protect and replenish these forests? How do these concerns figure into your priorities when it comes to drought response?
I am the only candidate to speak out on the only answer to the water solution—We need an alternate and dependable source of water—.
No incumbents have addressed this issue. Saying that, if I am elected, you can bet this issue will be presented. We cannot protect our forest if there is not enough water to protect them with. This forest issue may be a warning shot for the future. If we go through another serious drought, which is very possible, then the chain reaction of environmental disaster will be well on its' way to creating an end to our way of life and life as we know it. How many freight trains of water every day would it take to keep Austin hydrated?
· The City of Austin is currently engaged in a public input process to amend the Watershed Protection Ordinance to help preserve east side creeks. Based on this input the Watershed Protection Department will probably recommend headwater setback buffers to be set at 64 acres in east Austin and the ETJ. Would you support or oppose allowing developers to use expanded creek protection setbacks as part of their Park Land dedication requirements?
Oppose
Air
· What air improvement strategy or set of strategies would you advocate to help clean our air? How can the City leverage its purchasing power to impact air quality?
Short of banning cars, there's education on public transportation. Peope buy cars to drive and are not going to park them in their garage to take alternative transportation. With the urban deforestation I see that of every tree removed is removing a source of "air filter". Trees "breathe" in carbon dioxide and "exhale" oxygen. I believe that is called photosynthesis. That is another good point in the Heritage Tree ordinance. The City could expand on its' tree planting program however, with the drought and water restrictions, you have one idea to supporting our environment by watering trees and on the other hand you have water restrictions that prevents that endeavor. You have two sides pulling in different directions. Fix the problem with WATER and everything would fall into place a lot easier.
· Pure Casting Foundry emits toxic metals and carcinogenic compounds/particles through the manufacturing process of steel and aluminum products. Residents have registered odor complaints from this facility and others, most of which are located East of IH 35. The TCEQ has installed an air quality monitor on top of Zavala Elementary, which is located directly south of Pure Castings. Would you support the passage of an air quality nuisance ordinance as part of the solution? Also, What steps would you take to relocate this facility in order to protect the health of the children at Zavala Elementary and area residents?
Pure Casting should be put into the same category of coal
emission output. The EPA is getting strict about emissions. Why
is a plant emitting toxic metal and carcinogenic
compounds/particles allowed to do so in a heavily populated
neighborhood? It should be required to contain emittance from
such toxic production. Moving the plant would not stop the
emittance released into the air. An ordinance to prevent such
practice should be explored.
Energy and Austin Energy
· Fayette finally has sulfur dioxide scrubbers installed after many years of delay. Fayette doesn’t have SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) technology to reduce NOx emissions that contribute to ozone. Fayette has not installed the technology to control the fine particles (PM2.5) that cause premature deaths and asthma attacks within a few hundred miles. Do you support getting Austin out of Fayette, and off of fossil fuels and nuclear power altogether? How do you propose that we do so?
I support getting out of Fayette and off of fossil and nuclear fuels
altogether. My previous announcement of MSW energy using
electrostatic precipitators to manage particulate matter along
with wind and solar as a supplemental energy source.
· As the board of directors for Austin Energy, the City Council sets environmental policy for our electric utility. What are your environmental priorities for Austin Energy for the next 3 years? What will you do to increase energy efficiency savings so that we meet our 300 Megawatt savings goal by 2020? Proposed hikes to minimum charges are a disincentive to conservation. Will you raise minimum charges for residential users, and if so, by how much?
Stop using coal and get away from Nuclear. If we were to put 2
MW wind generators in strategic areas of town, there would be
a drop in the demand for energy, especially in times of extreme
heat where the demand is highest. If you were to place a 2 MW
wind generator at Barton Creek Mall, where there is a higher
elevation and better access to wind, the usage being produced by
wind generator and paid to Austin Energy will not go to support
any energy producer but will bypass that part and go straight to
the Austin Coffer. The ones that hurt the most by rate increases
are the middle, low and fixed income bracket. They should be
exempted as their cost of living allowance (income) may not be
adjusted in a timely manner to keep up with the rate increases.
· Currently Austin's water rates have 5 tiers. The lowest "lifeline tier" is less than 10% of the highest tier. Do you support a similar rate structure for Austin's electric utility?
No
· The City Council adopted the Energy Conservation and Disclosure ordinance in 2008 as a key component of the Climate Protection Program, with the goal of retrofitting older properties with energy efficiency measures at the point of sale. The program has not yet lived up to expectations, with only 5% of properties sold retrofitted. Would you support some energy efficiency improvements when a home is sold?
Yes
· What role does rooftop solar energy have in Austin’s renewable energy mix?
It would reduce the demand on electricity. It should also reduce the electric bill of the property owner. There would be emissions from electrical production.
Other resources to learn more about Prudente:.
- Prudente maintains a facebook page
- Here is a video of Prudente sharing his campaign priorities:
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