Joe Bertram

Party: Democratic

Age: 52

Job: State House, legislator.

Born in Boulder,Colo.. In Hawaii since 1966, arrived from mainland

Lives: Kihei

Contact: , joebiii@juno.com

Job history past 10 years:
Greenways Activist. Waiter/Valet.

Ever run for public office? When? Outcome?
5 x in last 30 years, lost.

Other civic experience or community service:
Maui Planning Commission. Bicycle,Smart Growth Advisory Committees. Kihei Community Association. Kihei Youth Center. Maui General Plan Advisory.

Anything else you'd like voters to know about you?
Pres. Public Access Trails Hawaii, One Voice for Liveable Islands,Maui Physical Activity and Nutrition Coalition.

1) Why are you running for office?
I LOVE MAUI.

2) With state revenue growth slowing, what are your top three priorities for government spending?
DLNR, Charter & Public Schools,Human Needs.

3) What steps should the state take to reduce dependence on imported fossil fuel?
Make walking and biking fundamental for transportation and recreation,move to decentralized alternative energy sources,create trains and TOD for all islands,grow our own food.

4) What's the No. 1 thing needed to improve Hawai'i public schools?
18-1 student/ teacher ratio in charter school context.

5) How should the state respond to financial difficulties at public and private hospitals?
Revise Certificate of Need to facilitate private investment ,remove all from procurement process.

6) What is the No. 1 quality-of-life issue facing Hawai'i, and what would you do about it?
Auto centered development-establish "Green Infrustructure "for interconnected web of natural areas in and around our communities with pathways,parks and plazas ,create mixed use town /neighborhood centers connected by rail.

7) What's the No. 1 piece of legislation you'd work to pass in 2009?
Legalize Marraige and Medical Cannabis for all.