Candidate for
City; City of Watsonville; Council District 6

Serving the community has been a rewarding experience. As a local resident, I know this community and will work to serve all residents in an open and responsive manner, taking a balanced approach to learn the issues, deliberate, debate and ask the right questions for answers you want to know.

The city's general plan calls for 4 fire stations, yet this past year the city threatened to close 1 of the two existing fire stations. The city has not made public safety a priority, in fact, gang prevention has not been funded by the city for nearly 10 years...now, with an election at hand the city is seeking application for grant funding to address gang prevention, intervention and suppression. I have already met with non-profit organizations serving our youth to advocate for increased recreational, educational and vocational activities to curb gang involvement and am committed to improvng public safety, including adequate police, traffic enforcement, and improving fire response times and the opening of fire station #3.

As a fiscal conservative, I will examine the budgetary process and support working within a balanced budget. I will work to identify alternative revenue sources vs. overburdening homeowners, including seniors on fixed incomes. I will work with business leaders to develop long range sustainable business plans, beyond the scope of the current general plan, to generate new revenue streams for the city to protect our infrastructure, meet expanding needs and grow the city's reserves so that core services are not threatened during financially troubled times.

Watsonville is a diverse community, comprised of educators, & students yearning to learn. We have escalating housing costs and high density housing. We have residents lacking access to healthcare, many afflicted with substance abuse, and are challenged with a shortage of healthcare professionals. We need to protect our natural environment, being good stewards of the land & we need to support our economic base, agriculture. As residents, we should feel safe in our homes. We can create employment opportunites and jobs that match the skills set of our current and emerging population. We can support our exisiting retail & service industries, and attract jobs that improve the community's overall economic prosperity. How? By electing a city council that will listen to you, the community, and encourage your active participation. Vote for responsive leadership. Please vote for Edward Din for City Council District 6. RESPECT, RESPONSIBILITY & VISION.