Candidate Goals, Roberta Fonzi

By Roberta Fonzi

Why I am Running for City Council; My Goals

Roberta previously served as chairperson of the Atascadero Main Street Design Committee and has worked tirelessly with her husband Al, the Vice-chairman of the Atascadero Veterans Memorial Foundation for the last two years, to build the Veterans Memorial in Atascadero. As a former military wife and mother, she held the home front in 2004 as her husband deployed with the Army and her oldest son deployed with the 1st Marine Division to Iraq. She is also a member in good standing of the Atascadero Republican Women Federated and the Lincoln Club of San Luis Obispo County.

When asked why she is running for a city council seat, Roberta stated, "Atascadero is a city with a unique past and great potential. Currently, our city is paralyzed by divisive factions, with a city council unable to agree on anything. Our city is in severe financial distress and the current council majority refuses to acknowledge the seriousness of Atascadero's plight or initiate any positive actions or remedies. We need a council that can take bold decisive actions, work together and listen to the people."

Her priorities include:

• Developing a stable source of revenue for the city
• Changing Atascadero's image into a business-friendly city
• Re-ordering City Council spending priorities: Public Safety FIRST
• Making city government more responsive: LISTEN to the public
• Being an advocate for the people of Atascadero, not outside interests
• Revamping the planning process to make it more predictable for applicants
• Putting a friendly face on government for both the public and for business, a more welcoming attitude toward potential newcomers.
• Supporting an elected Mayor to build consensus and representation
• She is OPPOSED to Measure D-08, "The Shield Initiative."

She has traveled widely, living overseas for 5 years and throughout the United States with her husband, an Army officer. Roberta maintained her ties with Atascadero during that time by owning a home and maintaining a permanent residence, as well as voting in local elections. Roberta states that her travels have given her a broad perspective on land use and urban planning issues.

Roberta looks forward to continuing her service to the people of Atascadero as a city council member, bringing a bold and dynamic vision to the city. "We need to work together NOW to improve our city's future."