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Model resolutions or legislation?

Ben on Maui — Mon, 10 Apr 2006 23:10:42 -0700

Suppose for a moment that a city, county, or state legislative body was open to considering a bill or resolution that could move us toward effective, sustainable relocalized economies and communities. What would be the most important aspects of that legislation?

Support or subsidies for local sustainable agriculture?
Subsidies, rebates, and effective rate structures to encourage renewable energy installation?
Support for public transit, bike trails, and centralized pedestrian-friendly communities?

What would such statutes look like?

Does anyone have sample legislation? It would be a shame to reinvent the wheel if some have already been developed. Is there a collection of them somewhere where we could tap into them? How about a forum to develop some?

Maui Post [cheap] Petrole (Hawaii)

Model resolutions or legislation?

Ben on Maui — Thu, 13 Apr 2006 00:33:08 -0700

Perhaps we can compile model language for bills / resolutions for submission to local governmental bodies and agencies, or political parties. Many exist [San Francisco's renewable energy initiative comes to mind] but I have not been able to find a compilation to peruse. Anyone interested in helping on such an effort to bring some of these together in one resource?

Ben on Maui
maui_relocalized@mac.com

Maui Post [cheap] Petrole (Hawaii)

You have to crawl before you can walk

Davage — Mon, 09 Oct 2006 23:52:52 -0700

It's been a while since anyone posted here, and I'm guessing that if the Maui group is still together, it is probably still small.

Ben, you spoke of legislation. Not to be rude, but I don't think your there yet. A small group simply does not have the resources or man-hours to gain sweeping legislation. But that does not mean all is lost; you can network.

Instead of screenings, make up a presentation (30-40 minutes with 20 minutes at the end for questions is pretty standard). Make a slide show, be ready to take your audence from clueless to basic understanding. When you've practiced, forget lawmakers (for now) and present your call to other local interest groups. Sierra Club, Habitat for Humanity, local college organizations, as diverse a population of community go-getters as you can find. Well established groups can become useful allies for when you are ready to present legislation, and the act of getting them will draw more talent into your own relocalization organization.

If you put your heart into it and make enough friends, you may soon find yourself giving your presentation to neiborhood boards, college campuses, and buisnesses...even without directly affecting legislation you may have a positive impact on Maui and all the islands.

-Nick on Oahu

Maui Post [cheap] Petrole (Hawaii)