Larry Bragman for Fairfax

IJ recommends Bragman, Tremaine
for Fairfax council

THE THREE candidates for two seats on the Fairfax Town Council are a microcosm of the small town and its feisty, freewheeling politics.

All three are longtime residents and deeply committed to Fairfax. All three have strong opinions and viewpoints and aren't afraid to make them known. They also are in sharp disagreement on key issues, which gives voters a real choice on Nov. 6.
William Madsen, 44, a San Francisco firefighter and veteran member of the town Planning Commission, is challenging incumbents Larry Bragman, 53, an attorney, and Lew Tremaine, 48, editor of Family Works magazine.

Tremaine is seeking his third term on the council and Bragman, who is finishing a term as mayor, his second.

While all have strong credentials, residents should re-elect Tremaine and Bragman. But Madsen raises some valid points that the two incumbents would be wise to heed.

He says the town needs to do a better job of managing its finances and relies too much on Measure F, the tax measure that will expire in 2010. He says the Town Council is out of touch with many residents and that many, including himself, have been "marginalized." He says the town needs to keep looking at sharing police services with San Anselmo as a way to save money.

Bragman and Tremaine defended Measure F, saying it gives Fairfax much-needed financial independence and has restored residents' confidence in town government.

Bragman says financial stability allows the Town Council to "forge a model of environmental and social justice. To give people some hope."

Tremaine and Bragman say their experience makes them the best choice. They say the town is doing a better job of providing services and that the hiring of Town Manager Linda Kelly has brought a needed sense of professionalism to a Town Hall that often was perceived as being indifferent, and even hostile, to residents' needs.

Madsen agrees Kelly has done a good job, but questions the big raise she received this year. He agrees the Town Council is getting along better, but says the public too often doesn't feel welcome.

All three candidates stress the need to preserve and protect the character of Fairfax, while making the town more bicycle- and pedestrian-friendly.

Tremaine is proud of the town's ban on plastic bags and wants Fairfax to be a role model on such issues.

Fairfax faces big challenges, including creating affordable housing without making traffic worse or changing the town's character. Residents also need elected leaders who resist the urge to grandstand about national and international issues and take care of the town's business. Bragman and Tremaine seem to have gotten that message over the past year.

Fairfax residents are fortunate to have three candidates with experience who know how the city works.

William Madsen would bring a fresh perspective to the council, but too often he lets his combative nature get the best of him. That is a shame, because he also raises valid concerns, including about the budget and public access, that his opponents and other members of the Town Council would be wise to consider carefully.

The IJ endorses Lew Tremaine and Larry Bragman for Fairfax Town Council on Nov. 6.