[ HONOLULU CITY COUNCIL ]

3
Heeia-Waimanalo

Richard Macpherson (Mr. Mac)

Age: 53 Job: Public school teacher Past: UH graduate, peace-educator, local theatre/TV/film actor

What qualifies you to be a City Council member?

I've been a resident of Hawaii for 24 years and a public school teacher for 17. My work has taken me to Leeward and Central Oahu and for the past 12 years I've taught strictly on the Windward side ...

What is the most pressing issue in your district and what would you do about it?

Managing growth and protecting the environment is more important than ever. Windward Oahu is a jewel which attracts new residents and visitors impacting our small town atmosphere. We need to safeguard our waterways ...

Do you support rail transit as a solution to Oahu's traffic congestion?

We need to be creative by offering a host of solutions to address this critical issue affecting our island. Rail transit would be an important tool in an overall strategy to meet our growing population and energy conservation needs.

Barbara Marshall

Age: 60 Job: Broadcast journalist (retired) Past: Journalism began the preparation for the job I've just begun!

What qualifies you to be a City Council member?

I care about people and their problems and I believe strongly that they have a right to the answers to questions about how government runs. I carry out my promise ... by taking my entire staff ... for evening 3 TALK forums with residents.

What is the most pressing issue in your district and what would you do about it?

One of the great benefits of our 3 TALKs is that we are out in the community every month to give the voters an opportunity to work directly with their government. We have learned, repeatedly, that the most pressing issues are vastly different ...

Do you support rail transit as a solution to Oahu's traffic congestion?

Like all good elected officials, I will support ALL well-thought out, detailed solutions for Oahu's congestion. None of us is naive enough to believe that there is any ONE solution to this complex, mutlitiered issue.

Merrily Leigh Prentiss

Age: 58 Job: Retired Past: Retail manager and medical accountant, real estate associate

What qualifies you to be a City Council member?

Solid business experience and hands-on community leader for over 30 years with Girl Scout Council of the Pacific, American Youth Soccer Organization, Belly for Softball, Member of Outdoor Circle, Friends of Kailua Library, Keep It Kailua and Hawaii's Thousand Friends.

What is the most pressing issue in your district and what would you do about it?

Landfill -- should be continued at Waimanalo Gulch. That is the most cost-effective and Kawainui Marsh must be protected.

Do you support rail transit as a solution to Oahu's traffic congestion?

The Bus Rapid Transit is the best proposal to date for Central Honolulu. The state should provide commuter rail outside central Honolulu.