Candidate for
Mayor; City of Carlsbad

On the Economy, Jobs, and Business Development

Matt believes the economy and how it affects Carlsbad is perhaps the single most important issue of this campaign.

The bottom line is that businesses, not government, create jobs. As we look to the future, we need to attract businesses-as in the biotech, high technology, and light manufacturing sectors-that can sustain high-paying jobs and enhance Carlsbad's renowned quality of life.

On Pensions

Our city employee pension costs have grown dramatically in recent years. In 2002, the costs of city worker pensions were almost zero. In the last fiscal year (2008-09), the city's retirement costs were more than $16 million.

To address this problem, Matt successfully persuaded the City Council to implement a reformed pension plan for new City workers that will save millions of dollars in the years to come.

To ensure that these critical reforms are not reversed in the future, Matt strongly supports Proposition G, the November 2010 ballot measure that would require voter approval before the City of Carlsbad incurs additional pension liabilities.

On Quality of Life

Matt pledges to maintain Carlsbad's quality of life as a priority, making fiscal responsibility and a balanced budget key.

Matt believes that providing the framework for a sound local economy and keeping the City on budget will go a long way towards ensuring future prosperity.