A Third Party

To whom it may concern,

Bipartisan politics is caused by the absence of a strong third party. Now that one of the most successful US Mayor's in modern history might have to create his own political party to run for a third term in New York City, things might be changing. While this is no Ross Perot, and the Mayor of New York City is certainly not the President of the United States, it is still a high office. Along with the organic growth of the Green party in the nation's West, winning several local elections, and an independent Senator in Congress, there are some relative, visible gains for third party interests. While party's have evolved, died, changed names, and gained favor over the course of American history, the political system has changed very little since the time of the Federalists versus the Anti-Federalists. With all the promises to end bipartisanship in Washington, the unification of the two parties portends the demise of one and the rise of another, or at least an opportunity for a third party to rise to relevance? How does this administration intend to court third parties in this new political reality?

GUNNAR HAND, AICP

The End of the Iraq War

To whom it may concern,

Thank you for setting a course to end combat missions in Iraq and pledging America's long-term commitments to peace, prosperity, and independence in the Middle East. I have only one concern; If things do go terribly wrong in Iraq after our evacuation, is the United States willing to go back into this country for a third time and stabilize it?

GUNNAR HAND, AICP

An End to the Cuban Embargo

To whom it may concern,

For over forty years, America’s embargo on Cuba has done virtually nothing to end communism and promote democracy in the country. It has arguably done the exact opposite by rallying the people of Cuba around its government and against its large, imposing super-power neighbor. In the past, whenever changes in foreign policy toward Cuba were discussed, a very small yet powerful Cuban-American exile community in Miami has terminated the debate. How can we vilify communist Cuba when we turn around and expand trade with China and Vietnam, supply humanitarian relief to North Korea, and send billions of dollars to socialist Venezuela for oil? While the proximity of a communist country is a slight to the world’s beacon of democracy, the embargo denies the Cuban people what has historically changed public sentiment and ended communism in other countries; the pervasive power of American culture. We have also denied American goods and services to a brand new market, and are currently missing an opportunity with Raul Castro. How will this administration begin to roll back this embargo, and what would be the goal of this change in foreign policy?

GUNNAR HAND, AICP

State of the Nation

To whom it may concern,

Similar to his inaugural address, during the State of the Nation, the President spoke to virtually every concern of mine then explicitly outlined a course of action that focuses on energy, education, and health care. While he cited many specific policy changes and budgetary corrections, I am curious as to the procedure that was undertaken when writing his first budget. The President spoke of how he would cut two trillion dollars out of the national deficit by eliminating programs that do not work. What was the criterion by which these programs or budget allocations were judged to be ineffective? Was there a cost benefit analysis and threshold developed or was it based more on a change in national priorities as a whole?

GUNNAR HAND, AICP

Bank Failures

To whom it may concern,

With the release of the second $350 billion for the Troubled Asset Relief Fund, many Americans are now hoping that this money will be used for its original intent. The first round of TARP funds did little more than reduce quarterly losses for major banks and in fact did nothing for the secondary market, which is where these assets began to implode and where the capital for lending is currently stagnating. If a bank is too large to fail, then it should be broken up by the government, since capitalistic competition has failed to do so on its own. Alan Greenspan has spoken on this failure of the market and these institutions to self-regulate. Now, before we inject more money into these banks, albeit with a significantly more stringent set of conditions attached, we must rethink this strategy and weight it against nationalization and bankruptcy. Will this administration allow these larger financial institutions to fail like it has allowed 19 smaller banks to fail so far this year and how will the administration of the second round of TARP funds differ from the previous? While recognizing the efforts to make the second round of TARP more transparent and accountable, how has your strategy changed in regards to both the banking industry and stemming the wave of housing foreclosures?

GUNNAR HAND, AICP

A Series of Focused Stimulus Bills

To whom it may concern,

There have been recent murmurs that one or two more stimulus bliss will be needed in order to pull the US economy out of this recession. I believe that a significant amount of the consternation surrounding the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act was that it was an unfocused piece of legislation. Granted, the recovery demands an all encompassing response, but through the many tax breaks and expenditures, the goal of job creation was clouded by both the Act’s sheer size and the myriad of topics that it covered. If in the future a new stimulus bill is being considered, I would propose that this bill be broken down into its component parts (transportation, energy, health care, education, environmental conservation, etc…). Through this approach, you can begin to reassess the taxes and expenditures surrounding a single subject and then more thoroughly root out what will or will not spur the economy. While many policies are interrelated, this type of approach would also have the added benefit of working not necessarily towards short term job growth, but clarifying the need to set a new foundation for a more prosperous and equitable economy and society. For example, health care is the number one expense for private companies. If health care were to be made more affordable, flexible, and equitable, then employers would have more money to reinvest in their core businesses. Additionally, I believe that this type of strategy would improve transparency and the public’s perception of what the government is doing to remedy our current crisis. Will this administration seek another stimulus bill, and if so, how will it be different from the first one? Will it be focused on short-term recovery or long-term growth?

GUNNAR HAND, AICP

Centralized Planning

To whom it may concern,

The city and regional planning profession has had a tumultuous history. While city planning originated with the ancient Greeks, the city planning profession has only recently developed as a legitimate enterprise. From its early rise in zoning law, through its descent as the implementers of Urban Renewal, to its resurgence as the promoters of sustainability, the planning profession has sought to continuously improve our built environment and protect our natural environment. While the theories have evolved over time, planning is a central component in all government actions. The role of government is to master plan our society, and the planning profession seeks to implement these policies through the design and management of the physical environment. However, planning has been a solely local affair. Most States that do practice some level of planning only regulate local government actions and guide local decision-making. There has been virtually no federal support for the planning profession outside of scoring higher on grant applications if your local community has a "plan". When will the federal government begin directing local governments, via States, to do real planning?

GUNNAR HAND, AICP

National Sustainability

To whom it may concern,

First defined by the United Nations Brundtland report as providing for the needs of the current generation without compromising the needs of future generations, sustainability is an all-encompassing term that can be difficult to fully comprehend. As a global idea, it will take hard work to narrow down the scope of sustainability to fully realize it through the millions of potential and mostly local implementation projects and programs. Reducing vehicle trips, using low VOC paints, installing on-site renewable energy production facilities (solar, wind, geothermal), planting trees, expanding and building bike lanes, developing a high speed rail network, capping industrial smoke stacks, producing electric cars, and preserving open space and protecting farmland are just a few of the myriad actions that all work towards sustainability. They also address the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. When discussing sustainability, however, there is much more than just environmental sustainability. Sustainability extends to fiscal, social and cultural indicators as well. As the country moves ahead with energy independence, a new "green" economy, and combating climate change, how will these other factors of sustainability be addressed by the federal government?

GUNNAR HAND, AICP

Federal Tree Planting Program

To whom it may concern,

In terms of sustainability, trees are amazing. They reduce storm water run-off and the urban heat island effect, they produce oxygen and remove carbon dioxide from the air, they provide shade and they can even lower electricity bills. Not to mention that they are nice to look at and bring a sense of nature to an otherwise man-made, urban environment. And the many species of trees allows urban foresters to tailor the specific constraints of a site (climate, road width, clearance, various obstructions, etc...) to the appropriate tree. While many local governments support tree planting initiatives, the federal government seems to only care about urban trees on Arbor Day. How can the federal government work with local jurisdictions to encourage a comprehensive, nation-wide, and on-going tree planting program?

GUNNAR HAND, AICP

Black History Month

To whom it may concern,

I am deeply concerned about race relations in this country. My generation, I believe, has been raised with a heightened attention to tolerance. In fact, I think that we are at times overly cautious about being politically correct. This "cowardice" prevents us from engaging in discussions about race, religion, and politics even with our close-knit circles. Why is it so taboo to talk about what my friends call "important stff". I was emboldened by Attorney General Eric Holder's comments today, and I believe that there is much more than a voluntary segregation of our communities, but a structural imbalance of resources and policy. As a city planner, I can see this neglect, environmental injustice, and economic malaise in many of the minority communities that I serve. I cannot think of anyone better to actively engage and empower these communities than you. During Black History Month, how do you intend to promote race relations in America? And more importantly, how do you intend to break the cycle of what I hope is unintentional inequality?

GUNNAR HAND, AICP

Taliban Rule in Pakistan

To whom it may concern,

The new Pakistani government has now deemed it necessary to release control of the Swat Valley in the North-West Frontier Province to Taliban sharia law. I am almost lost for words, seriously! With the world behind us, we start this war on terror by pushing the Taliban out of Afghanistan, where they subsequently retreat to a lawless territory in Pakistan. Then Pakistan ostensibly gives them safe haven in their country. And we all know that this area is and will continue to be used to conduct raids on American and NATO troops in Afghanistan and god knows what else. It is severely disappointing to know that the staging ground for the enemy in the Afghanistan war is now legitimately in the hands of the Taliban. This is a complete breakdown in diplomacy and I am flabbergasted over how America and the world seemed to just let this happen. Accepting this new reality, we might as well let the ethnic Pashtun Taliban declare independence, ignite a civil war in Pakistan, and then blow them off the map as well (the Taliban, not Pakistan)! So, does this mean that cross-border attacks by US troops and warplanes will increase without the concern of Pakistan's territorial integrity?

GUNNAR HAND, AICP

Baha'is of Iran

To whom it may concern,

Often America's economic and geopolitical interests conflict with our more ideal, moral founding. On various occasions and with various leadership, these conquests have often devolved into imperialism. It is one of these founding pillars, the freedom of religion, that I fear we are resigned to defend on the international stage. The Baha'is of Iran, a small religious sect, are currently undergoing persecution in Iran. In fact, they have been consistently persecuted since the Islamic Revolution of 1979. With so much on the agenda between America and Iran, will this watershed case regarding human and religious rights be overlooked when this administration begins its direct diplomacy with Iran? Can the sanctions placed against Tehran be used to develop religious tolerance in this country?

GUNNAR HAND, AICP

President's Day

To whom it may concern,

On this federal holiday we remember the Presidents who steered us through troubling waters, and who time and again corrected our country's course through history. Today we face even more daunting challenges, wrestled by a dire sense of futility that breads apathy. Democracy requires participation, and as the world becomes more complex, the ways in which we interact with government must change. Accessibility is the responsbility of civil institutions, and the people together with privte business must be responsible for initiating change. This country has been in need of a new beginning, its own ethos. In America, we celebrate those leaders whose actions inspire us today.

GUNNAR HAND, AICP

Community Service in America

To whom it may concern,

This country is so expansive, diverse, and majestic. A mix of cultures, ethnicities, creeds, and races all vying for a better life. The Peace Corps sends adventurous, noble Americans out into the world, and Ameri-Corps keeps that same spirit local to provide community service. While the weak dollar and the financial crisis has made international travel for some unattainable, a new program should be developed to encourage intra-state tourism, travel, study, and service. With such a huge focus on local participation during this past election, how will this new administration use its grassroots organization to continue change in this country? How will they now use a political campaign to organize the entire country?

GUNNAR HAND, AICP

Happy Valentine's Day

To whom it may concern,

Happy Valentine's Day!

GUNNAR HAND, AICP

Director of Urban Policy

To whom it may concern,

Within the last decade, and for the first time ever, more people live in cities than in rural areas. As a city and regional planner, I have great hope that this trend will spur economic revitalization, social interaction and tolerance, preserve open spaces and increase the efficiencies of our built environments. The creation of an urban policy director is a great step forward. Will this administration look to the city planning profession for long range policy planning?

GUNNAR HAND, AICP

Floodplain Protection Zones

To whom it may concern,

As one flies across the country, looking down you see mostly agricultural land with patches of native vegetation around rivers, streams, and other topographical depressions. The erosion and chemical content from fertilizer of run-off degrades these restricted, non-contiguous micro environments. Connectivity is imperative for biological diversity and species survival. Will you consider expanding floodplain protection zones to achieve safety, health, and ec0-benefits?

GUNNAR HAND, AICP

United Nations Reform

To whom it may concern,

Kofi Annan recently said the UN is not effective so long as the reigns of power rest with those who won a war over 50 years ago. While these powers still hold much of the influence in the world, globalization has significantly leveled the playing field. A more equitable distribution of power at the UN could reform the institution back into efficacy while generating more participation and cooperation. Will the US seek UN reform, and how will our approach change there?

GUNNAR HAND, AICP

Cash for Clunkers

To whom it may concern,

A provision coined "Cash for Clunkers", modeled after a successful California program with quantifiable emissions reductions, was removed from the stimulus bill. Instead, the Senate version included an amendment that would deduct the interest one pays on their car loan as well as the sales tax charged in the purchase for any car. While I understand the need to stimulate this industry in particular, must we do so in a way that neglects strategic benefits for sheer profit?

GUNNAR HAND, AICP

Affordable Housing

To whom it may concern,

Affordable housing is quickly becoming a national issue. While the downturn in the market is actually making housing more affordable, it continues to increase as a share of total household income. Congress' affordable housing trust fund must find a sustainable source of funding, and it must be tied to local changes in housing policy. Similar to Hope 6, government should be developing mixed-income communities. Will your housing policy focus on local, fair share housing?

GUNNAR HAND, AICP

Problems with the Isreal-Palestine Two State Solution

To whom it may concern,

Ever since the Gaza Strip was set aside from the West Bank, the two populations of Palestinians have been diverging in terms of government, politics, economics, and civil society. The non-contiguous nature of these two Palestinian territories is indicative of their inability to reconcile with Israel and now with each other. A two State solution will never work so long as Gaza remains a lone Palestinian enclave. How will you reconcile these differences to make peace?

GUNNAR HAND, AICP

Environmental Economic Incentives

To whom it may concern,

Consumer spending generates 2/3 of the American economy. For too long our collective pop conscience and global means of production have removed us from direct responsibility, causing severe apathy for how goods are made. It is a classic case of out of site, out of mind. Government should use this economic stimulus to lead private citizens and business. Incentives should be developed to foster "green", local, and equitable consumption patterns. Is this in the bill?

GUNNAR HAND, AICP

Structural Economic Recovery

To whom it may concern,

The financial crisis is an opportunity to not only shift into a green economy, but alter the structure of economics itself. When a bank or company is too big to collapse, that is a failure of capitalistic competition. For the past 30 years, our debt and GDP have been diverging, essentially creating no real growth. Our manufacturing base shifted to building suburbs and consumption. Will we use this recession to change our systems of growth, or only try to save them?

GUNNAR HAND, AICP

Economic Stimulus Bill

To whom it may concern,

Too much of the proposed economic stimulus bill funds projects that bolster our crashing petroleum based economy. We are throwing money away when we spend on highway expansion and saving suburban housing tracts. The real test of this bill will be its funding for transit, inter-city high speed rail, and the electrification of our transportation sector. The President has promised to move us into a new green economy. How will this bill allocate funding to support this?

GUNNAR HAND, AICP

US African Policy

To whom it may concern,

Since colonial times, the outer world's engagement in Africa has been from a distance, and could be characterized by the slogan "Resources first, Africans second". There is genocide in Darfur, human rights abuses in Zimbabwe, and a jihadist safe haven in Somalia. While the fight against AIDS has been valiant, no direct engagement has occurred since the US left Mogadishu. With an African-American president, in what new ways will the US now engage the African continent?

GUNNAR HAND, AICP

Climate Change and Pollution

To whom it may concern,

Climate change has become the centerpiece of the environmental movement. As such, we have begun to focus on greenhouse gases, our carbon footprint, and the maintenance of our existing ecosystem. While ignorance, misinformation, and apathy compete against science and reason, we must frame the issue accordingly. The goal should be to not pollute anything anymore! So, how will climate change be dealt with, and what of all other environmental degradation and pollution?

GUNNAR HAND, AICP

Urban Street Lighting Project

To whom it may concern,

In urban areas, virtually all street lights are designed and built for the automobile. These schemes waste energy, value automobile over pedestrian safety, and emit destructive light pollution. Most city dwellers have to travel miles to see the night sky. If all lighting was designed for the pedestrian, we could save energy (LED), direct the light downward and prevent glare, and create an amazing pedestrian environment. Is this an eligible economic stimulus project?

GUNNAR HAND, AICP

Endangered Species Act

To whom it may concern,

A critical issue surrounding the Endangered Species Act is its ability to preserve the habitat of a threatened plant or animal. Mostly, we are preserving this habitat from our own encroachment. Too many policies, tax structures, and ill-conceived developments have been built in ecologically sensitive places. For the intrinsic beauty of nature, sustainability, and economics, we must refocus how we grow. So, what role will the ESA play in this administration?

GUNNAR HAND, AICP