Dotson beats LaForce in East Bay Regional Park District contest
By Mike Taugher
Contra Costa Times
Article Launched: 11/04/2008 09:01:20 PM PST

A pair of environmental activists squared off in the sole competitive race this year for the East Bay Regional Park District board of directors, with Whitney Dotson, a retired public health program director and Richmond community activist, emerging as the victor... Read the full story

Drawing on my 40 years in Public Health and many years in community natural area protection,
I can make an important contribution as an East Bay Regional Park District Board Member.

I will continue to work for open space access and maintenance of natural environments for physical health and psychological well-being.

Since 2005, I have served on the Park Advisory Committee.  During my tenure the committee voted to support the East Bay Regional Park District's Board of Directors presentation of what is now referred to as Bond Measure WW, the extension of Measure AA which was passed in 1988.

I will spearhead the collaboration of stakeholders to provide appropriate access to Park District open spaces and resources and enforce environmental management, conservation and restoration.

Where there have been barriers, I will make it a priority to create social marketing strategies that promote equal access for all communities with special emphasis on low income and disabled populations.

I will work to create interactive environmental education centers in each geographic region of the Park District, in partnership with other regional agencies and local school districts to educate youth on East Bay ecosystems.

Finally, I will work to develop a strategy to address historically controversial issues such as dog use, grazing, habitat protection by isolation, bicycles, trails, horse use and others, to reach consensus through negotiation that respects the rights of all concerned.

I ask you to support me in this endeavor by electing me to the East Bay Regional Parks District Board, and through our collective efforts continue to protect our regional parks.