For years, Joe Bertram III has unwaveringly chanted a mantra of "greenways and bike paths" for community design, and long before $145/barrel oil made us all think twice about our transportation options. Typically, winners in this category haven't been elected officials, but those who have run for office unsuccessfully and, undaunted, are still working hard on community and environmental issues. Joe is all that, too. After a few unsuccessful bids for County Council on the Green Party ticket, and a 5-year stint on the Maui Planning Commission, in 2006 Bertram won the South Maui State House seat vacated by Chris Halford. What made Joe popular with the Maui Time set? "That's a good question," said Bertram. "Maybe because I try to keep it positive all the time." Maybe Maui Time voters also noticed his support of House Bill 2675, to establish a task force to study issues regarding medical marijuana law reforms.
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