Candidate for
Councilmember; City of Soledad

As a growing and changing city, Soledad faces many challenges. However, along with the challenges, come opportunities.

I feel the most pressing challenges are economic development, shopping opportunities, and quality community housing for all our citizens. Monterey County is facing a housing crisis. If we are not creative and if we are not willing to change how we approach housing for our citizens, more and more people will be forced into sub-standard living conditions. Coupled with the housing issue is the need to preserve and protect our number one industry -- agriculture -- the land needed to grow food for our nation. There are no easy solutions. However, elected officials need to be open to new ideas in creating community housing. In Soledad, we are doing just that with our new general plan. Instead of just looking at 20-year projections, this council is looking at the next 50-years. We are planning for housing on the least productive land located in the foothills. By planning for growth to the East, we will protect our ag land. The downside to that is infrastructure costs are increased. Those costs are passed on to the homebuyer. To assist first time homebuyers, I have supported funding a program to assist them to realize the American dream of home ownership. In addition, the council is addressing the needs of our older neighborhoods with a housing rehab program. We must also address the infrastructure needs of our older neighborhoods. This means we need to replace aging sidewalks, sewer, and water lines. I will work hard to do just that.

As housing doesn't support the city and fill its coffers, economic development is essential. I have worked hard to promote economic development within our city limits. Without economic development, the city will not flourish. We have had a mostly empty industrial park for more than 20 years. Several spec building have been constructed and the council approved building a dialysis center at the industrial park. In addition, a developer has submitted plans for a regional shopping center. I have been working hard to provide shopping opportunities for Soledad residents and I will continue to work hard for economic development.

With the addition of a new shopping center and awareness of the effect that a shopping center could have on our downtown, we have approved plans to improve and beautify the area and developed a loan fund to assist downtown merchants in fixing up their buildings. Supporting our existing business community is very important to me. I will continue to be a voice for the downtown merchants.

The uncertain financial picture facing the state will affect local government. I will work hard to maintain the level of police protection in our city. I will work hard to protect the programs the community deserves including recreation and park improvements. I will work hard for you.