Joanne Ward Speaks to the Residents of Hercules
(E-mail her and let her know how she's doing!)

Success on Multiple Issues

Education
The Library
Development
Conclusion

Prior to serving on the City Council, my community service activities were focused toward youth, education, and the library. I have served on the Community Services Commission, the Library Commission, and the Blue Ribbon Committee on Education. Currently, as a member of the City Council, I have continued this focus. I serve on the City Council’s sub-committees on Youth, Education, and the Library. These areas remain a top priority of mine, and I will continue to work to improve youth programs, education opportunities, and the successful completion of the Hercules Library.

Education
In 2000, I said “My first priority will be to work with the West Contra Costa Unified School District (WCCUSD) to assure that the educational goals of Hercules residents are met.” While the City and its residents continue to work with the WCCUSD Administration and the School Board, and while some work remains to be done, I can report on several successes:

1. Lines of communication between the City Council and the WCCUSD have significantly improved.
2. The City Council has established an Education Commission to study all school and education related issues.
3. The WCCUSD clearly understands the need to select a site for a new middle school and a new elementary school which will be located in the western portion of the City. (The WCCUSD has the responsibility to select the sites. The City Council, Education Commission, and residents can and do provide inputs).
4. Hercules Elementary School has been rebuilt and modernized.
5. A Landscape Committee has been formed to work on improving the Hercules Middle High School grounds. This will be a partnership among the WCCUSD, the City, businesses, community groups and residents. As background, this school was built with State of California funding, and the landscape budget was cut out by the State.
6. An Education Foundation is being formed in the City, and I fully support this effort.

The Library
In 2000, I said “I AM a member of the Hercules Library Commission, and I am a strong advocate for locating a new library in the City of Hercules.”

As a member of the City Council, I was a strong supporter of the effort to bring a library to Hercules.

1. In 2002, the State of California awarded Hercules a Library Grant for $6.1 million.
2. The City prepared an extensive proposal and was awarded this Grant in the first of three rounds.
3. The Library construction is scheduled to begin in early 2005.
4. The City is currently conducting a campaign to raise an additional $3.2 million as part of the Grant requirement, and I fully support this effort.

Development
In 2000, I wrote “I KNOW that Hercules needs to increase its tax base to maintain, as well as improve the quality of life in our community. This includes public safety, fire safety, and parks and recreation infrastructure. I BELIEVE this proposed development must have excellent planning and long-term vision.”

California is growing. All cities are mandated to manage this growth. Hercules participates in many regional commissions and agencies than help manage this growth. I continue to support a planned strategy of growth that includes fairness, balance, and variety.

During the last four years, numerous projects have been completed that add value to our City and help to increase our tax base which pays for services. By balancing planned growth, both residential and commercial, the actions of the City Council have made Hercules a better place to live. I have supported these projects and will continue to support projects that add value to Hercules.

Residential Development:

1. Several new residential developments were planned and built. WELCOME TO ALL OF OUR NEW RESIDENTS! I am pleased that you chose Hercules as your place of residency.
2. Residential developments were built west of Interstate 80 adding new and high quality homes to Hercules.
3. The City of Hercules has implemented a Low to Moderate Income Housing Program during 2001-2004.
4. Through the City of Hercules’ Redevelopment Agency, a 132 Multi-family Affordable Housing Development at Victoria-by-the Bay was built from 2003-2004.
5. A 50-unit Senior Citizen Housing Development, adjacent to the new library site, is scheduled to start construction on October 13th.

Commercial Development:

1. The Creekside Shopping Center was revitalized.
2. The City of Hercules approved a new 165,000 sq. ft. Shopping Center at John Muir and Alfred Nobel Drive in 2003.
3. Many new retail businesses have opened at the ORB Center, i.e., Starbucks, Legacy Homes, Flagstar Bank, Xtreme Pizza, and Washington Mutual with more to come.
4. The Venture Corporation Professional Building opened in mid-2004.
5. The Business Park has attracted many new businesses.

Park and Recreation Infrastructure:

During the last four years, several additions to the Park and Recreation infrastructure and resident programs were completed:

1. Added new playground equipment to Refugio Valley, Woodfield, and Foxboro Parks
2. Acquired a site for a Duck Pond Park
3. Implemented the Hercules Teen Youth Council (TYC)
4. Implemented the Hercules Homework Center
5. Implemented the After School Program for Hercules Middle School
6. Added air conditioning to the Hercules Swim Center
7. Approved an “active” field at Hanna Ranch Park

Transportation:

Traffic and highway congestion continue to be an issue that concerns many residents. I support many proposals that help reduce traffic:

1. By bringing quality businesses to Hercules we not only increase our tax base, but we allow residents the opportunity to shop and conduct business locally which cuts down on their driving time and expenses.
2. I support the efforts of the City staff and City Council to bring a Train Station to Hercules.
3. Working with the San Francisco Bay Area Water Transit Authority, I support the efforts to bring Ferry Service to Hercules.
4. I support the efforts to bring a better and larger Transit Center to Hercules.

Franklin Canyon…My Position:

Unfortunately, due to pending litigation, and as a sitting City Council member, I cannot comment on Franklin Canyon on the advice of the City’s legal counsel. I have a fiduciary responsibility to the residents of Hercules. I understand that this may frustrate some voters, especially since the challengers are not bound by this responsibility. I hope everyone understands that I am committed to placing the needs of the City and its residents above any potential personal political gains.

In Conclusion:

I have been very active in civic and community affairs for many years. In addition, by serving on Commissions, Committees, and the City Council, I have had the opportunity to work with other residents of Hercules to successfully complete many projects that have benefited all of the residents of Hercules.

If you support my efforts, please…

Re-Elect Joanne Ward for Hercules City Council