"Something we need in this city"

We had a debate/forum a couple days ago at city hall, sponsored by the League of Women Voters. My favorite part of the Davis Vanguard's story on the debate wasn't anything the Vanguard wrote, but rather a voter's note in the comments section:

E Roberts Musser

05/08/10 - 10:57 AM

...

IMHO, Daniel Watt did very well in this debate. He wasn't afraid to speak his mind, and used a common sense approach by giving specifics, something we need in this city. Very quick on his feet in a debate. He has shown a proven track record of effecting change in city policies, by getting the city to start the process of repealing its own unconstitutional laws. Thus Daniel already has a certain grasp of how to get things done, a surprising turn of events. He's a little rough around the edges, but he reminds me a bit of Lamar Heystek - young, idealistic, a representative for youth in this town (which is sorely needed) and ready to try to do the right thing for Davisites, without being beholden to special interests. Good job, Daniel...

Read more at the People's Vanguard of Davis: "League Candidates Forum Puts Campaign Into Home Stretch."

Suggestions from voters: Power tools, bicycles

Only a few days into the campaign, and I've been fielding calls, emails, and Facebook messages from Davis voters. Their suggestions:

Voter 1: Put forth an ordinance that gardeners can't use power tools before 10 am

Sounds like a good idea to me. Maybe "No gasoline or electric-powered tools shall be operated before 10am on the grounds of any multi-family housing unit." It's something to look into.

Voter 2: The Owner of Davis Ace Hardware blocked future bicycle criteriums in downtown Davis, she claims it limits parking and causes her to lose business. Davis has Platinum Bicycle status & the US Bicycling Hall of Fame; her attitude is a travesty! Boycott Davis Ace and write her a letter to that effect as well. The Criteriums bring money into Downtown and draw in tourist dollars as well. Support the Crits!

They're a Davis institution, held downtown in the spring and summer. These races bring people into Davis from all over California. They're a blast, and reflect really well on our community.

http://daviswiki.org/Davis_Criterium_Classic

Not good. Davis is a bicycle-friendly town -- that's part of its draw. The Criterium Classic has been a Davis tradition since 1976. I'll look into this, too.