When we asked Councilman Kevin Faulconer for his opinion on some of our favorite Downtown issues, he gave long, thoughtful answers. We shortened them.

• The Quiet Zone for horn blowing midnight trains: “This one is frustrating to me. It is one that I am committed to but one that, as you look into it, has multiple agencies (involved). They all have their own positions. If implemented, we will have one of the largest quiet zones in the country.”
  
  
• The Harbor Drive pedestrian bridge, now double its projected $12 million cost, so Eighth Avenue can be reopened to cars: “We need to get a bridge that is functional and works, but one that is not going to break the bank. You want projects to happen but you have to do it in a fiscally responsible way. I want to see some redesigns and some options. Paying $24 million for a pedestrian bridge is simply too much money, in my view.”
  
  
• Mayor Sanders: “I talk to Jerry often... Something the mayor and I feel strongly about is (redeveloping) the civic center (by turning the site over to a private developer). Gone are the days when you are going to build a civic center strictly with taxpayer dollars. The state of California is looking at a similar approach for its buildings.”
  
  
• Downtown dining: “Now I am going to make somebody mad. For lunch I am often at the Grab and Go or The Fish Joint on C Street. I really like the clam chowder there. The last place Katherine and I ate dinner Downtown was Dakota Grill.”
  
  
• Revitalizing C Street and developing easier ways to get around Downtown without a car: “We are trying to transform C Street so it works for pedestrians and vehicles, whether it has a (trolley) loop or not.”
  
  
• CCDC President Nancy Graham: “She and I came on about the same time. She has made her own mark over there. She has been very open and receptive and we talk on almost a daily basis.”
  
  
• The Downtown Partnership: “I only have great things to say about the partnership. When it comes to Downtown issues, Barbara (Warden) has done a very good job of keeping the debate and dialogue up, especially with the private sector. For our Downtown to be a success, it is about a public private partnerships. Government cannot do it alone.”
  
  
• Michael Zucchet: “I saw him about a month ago. We see each other from time to time and have always had a positive relationship. We had a hard fought campaign. When it is over you shake hands and move forward.”
  
  
• Schools: “That is something that will be an important issue.”
  
  
• The odds of a new Downtown sports facility: “Unclear. I am focused on all the other things we have talked about.”
  
  
• Spas: Katherine, a successful businesswoman before the two married, founded Spa Tiki across the street from the Convention Center. But Faulconer wouldn’t bite when offered the chance to recommend a good day spa. “No comment.”