Help ensure strong Coastal Commissioners
Posted April 22, 2005 / Updated May 24, 2005

• Background    
• What's happening
• What you can do    

CGF needs your help to make sure that our state Coastal Commission is comprised of decisionmakers who will follow the mandate of the Coastal Act to safeguard the California Coast. The seat of the Commissioner representing the Central Coast is opening next month, and because his pro-Coast voting record is an abysmal 25%, we're asking the Assembly Speaker to make a new appointment for the next term.

Please join us in asking Assembly Speaker Fabian Nuñez to call for nominations for this seat on the Commission, rather than simply reappointing the incumbent.

Background
Formed in 1976 with the adoption of the Coastal Act, the Coastal Commission is charged with protecting coastal resources, fending off inappropriate development and defending public access.

The Legislature recently enacted fixed four-year terms for Commissioners, meaning that the "appointing authority" can no longer replace Commissioners at will. This improves the independence of the Commission, and will help if new Commissioners are truly qualified individuals committed to coastal protection.

However, it also means that it is more important than ever to ensure that Commissioners will implement the Coastal Act and preserve coastal resources.

back to top

What's happening
The Commission's Central Coast appointment (representing San Mateo, Santa Cruz, and Monterey Counties) expired May 20, 2005. The incumbent, Dave Potter, is one of the weakest Commissioners on coastal protections.

To review the 2004 voting records of all the Coastal Commissioners, visit the Sierra Club's chart.

Assembly Speaker Fabian Nuñez, the appointing authority for these seats, can choose whether to reappoint Potter for another four-year term or to call for a list of prospective candidates.

This is a great opportunity appoint a strong Commissioner who will uphold the Coastal Act and protect coastal resources.

back to top

What you can do

1. Speak up!
Please ask Assembly Speaker Nuñez to "call for the list" of prospective Coastal Commission candidates for the Central Coast region, and to appoint a Commissioner who will uphold the Coastal Act. Time is short: please take action today!

Write to:
   Assembly Speaker Nuñez
   State Capitol Building
   Sacramento, CA 958140

   Assemblymember.nunez@assembly.ca.gov
   Fax (916) 319-2146

As always, please send a copy to us so we can track the efficacy of our work: Fax (650) 968-8431 or action@GreenFoothills.org.

2. Support Committee for Green Foothills.
Become a CGF member or make a donation.

back to top