Candidate for
City Council; City of Imperial Beach

KEEPING COMMUNITY FIRST...

Why are you running for office?

I am running for re-election to the City Council to continue the positive direction our City has taken over the past four years. I am very proud to have been part of a council that has achieved so many positive accomplishments and set in motion many more that will be completed in the near future. I will continue to build on these successes, working together with my colleagues and City staff to aggressively address the key issues that face our City. One of my top goals will be the completion and implementation of our "Big Picture" Vision Plan, which I proposed to the Council in 1998. A community vision, designed to ensure a healthy future, must guide issues of importance; economic development, commercial and neighborhood revitalization and a clean, safe environment. I believe we must know where we are going to effectively determine what route to take. Imperial Beach is proud of it's small town beach atmosphere and we deserve a "Vision Plan" to preserve that very unique quality that makes us "Classic Southern California"!

What do you personally bring to office?

I bring experience, commitment and integrity.

The past four years as your Councilmember has given me a solid foundation of intergovernmental experience and a depth of understanding of the complex issues our City faces. This experience will prove invaluable as we make critical decisions that may impact the very survival of our City. I bring a sense of commitment that includes dedication of time, loyalty and a true love of the community my family has made "home". Most importantly, I have kept the promises I made to the people of Imperial Beach four years ago, by consistently placing our COMMUNITY FIRST.

In general terms, what is the economic future of Imperial Beach and how would your role on the Imperial Beach City Council enhance the city's economic future?

I believe that Imperial Beach has a very good economic future. Over the past four years we have experienced lower crime rates, higher property values, cleaner beaches and major civic improvements. These positive achievements have "set the table" for economic development and the results are already evident. A blighted shopping center will soon undergo major revitalization, new retail shops and restaurants have opened along our beachfront, and tourism is increasing - all contributing to much needed tax revenues. We must continue in this positive direction and my council experience and established relationships with other regional leaders will play a crucial role in the city's economic future. My experience will enhance the process as we work together to make critical decisions that will impact our very survival as a city. I will also play an important role on the council by demanding balance between economic development, community livability and the environment, to insure a healthy future.

Regarding residential and business construction in Imperial Beach, do you consider yourself to be in favor of growth, slow growth or no growth and why?

The term growth is defined as "the act or process of growing; a gradual increase". I firmly believe we must focus on growing the prosperity of our city, not the population. Revitalization of our commercial corridor and our neighborhoods will set higher standards for architectural design and landscaping, increasing the value of our properties. Increased home ownership will help stabilize our community and in turn create demands for local services and education opportunities. Stewardship of our environment will make Imperial Beach the community of choice, as open space and unimpeded views becomes a rare commodity in the region. I proposed the soon-to-be completed "Big Picture" vision plan to aggressively address growth and other issues we face. We are proud of our small town atmosphere and deserve a plan to preserve that unique quality while balancing our need to prosper as a community, so, I would favor balanced growth.

Does an Imperial Beach resident on average have the expectation of a better quality of life now or five years ago?

I believe that residents in our City are experiencing a better quality of life now...better than ever before. In the past four years we have seen crime our crime rate drop an average of 38%. Safe streets and neighborhoods are essential for a healthy community. Our code enforcement program has resulted in less visual blight and more safe and decent housing. Homeowners and renters notice the improvements, property values have increased, and new residents are making Imperial Beach their community of choice. The under-utilized Sports Park facility was transformed into a skate park, café and recreation center, now serving the most "at risk" age group...teens. Major civic improvements, such as the Pier Plaza renovation, state-of-the-art safety center, and new family-oriented retail businesses have given our beachfront back to its rightful owners...the community of Imperial Beach. All of this takes hard work and dedication and I am committed to constantly improving the quality-of-life for all of us.

What was the most important civic activity or project held in Imperial Beach in the past year and why?

I believe the single-most important civic project in 2000 was the implementation of our Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy. First implemented in the Central neighborhood, this multi-faceted approach will help make our community clean and safe, the foundation for building a better quality-of-life. By working together - residents, city government, schools, service clubs and community groups - we can eliminate visual blight, crime and other issues that effect our specific neighborhoods. But all of this takes hard work. I applaud the dedication of all the community participants that worked diligently through many meetings to create the strategy. Our neighborhood children became involved and participated at their schools through educational coloring books and poster contests that focused on improving the community. The City departments were involved by actually visiting neighbors and discussing code enforcement and other issues that impact the neighborhood. A successful block party was held to bring neighbors together to meet, share food and fun and strengthen community ties. One phase of this project resulted in "Paint IB", an all-volunteer group of approximately 140 citizens who dedicated an entire Saturday to completely paint and revitalize 3 homes in the Central neighborhood. It was the first time in over 20 years that all Imperial Beach community groups have joined together on a single project. As we move forward to constantly improve our quality-of-life, this level of participation and cooperation for a common goal will be our benchmark for success. This is truly the meaning of community, and I was very proud to have played a part in it.

Over the past fours years I have been the voice for many different members of our community ... including our pets. I have set aside political differences, always working to serve the greater good - the needs of the entire community. Most importantly, I have kept the promise I made four years ago to the people of Imperial Beach, and if re-elected, will continue KEEPING COMMUNITY FIRST.