Candidate for
Mayor; City of Richmond

My goals for the City of Richmond consist of short and long term.

Short Term Goals Restore order, civility and respect back to Council meetings
--Lead by example such as: (1) Dressing professionally, it is our job as leaders to set a professional example to our constituents who elect us to conduct city business on their behalf. (2) Begin our meetings on time, it is disrespectful to start have those in attendance as well as those waiting at home to view. (3) Respect those in attendance and in turn they will respect us!

---Use Common sense when dealing with problems (1) Try to reconfigure the bike lanes on Barrett Avenue and South 23rd Street. a. I wish to make it clear that I am not opposed to bike enthusiasts and their desire to a safe and secure travel lane on our streets. However, the bike lanes on Barrett and South 23rd Street should have been more appropriately designed had the community been provided input. It is a safety concern for me from a bicyclist, pedestrian and motorist perspective. b. I would like to construct bike lanes similar to what is done in Berkeley and Oakland where the number two lane nearest to the curb is shared by both autos and bikers. This will eliminate the back-up auto traffic and make traveling Barrett and South 23rd streets more efficient and safer for all

Long Term Goals (1) Sustain and establish a balance budget. Simply put, you cannot spend more than you collect! This city has a current deficit of some $7.2 million dollars and it is anticipated to double next year if we do not address the problem. We also need to review exactly where we are in relationship to our pension obligations and how it affect our overall responsibility to govern our city and it's budget financially.

(2) Businesses both large and small are so important to any city and especially to Richmond. As a first step, I would initiate a meeting with Chevron's President, Mr. John Watson who incidentally is a native of Richmond (His father was the late Fran Watson, co-owner of the Watson & Hoffee law office on 37th and Barrett Avenue) and discuss how we can work harmoniously together with mutual respect for both of our interest for the betterment of the City. a. If we are not sending a positive message to our largest business, other large businesses and small business alike will be less likely to conduct business with the City of Richmond! b. Business retention must be addressed to assure this community that local businesses stay in Richmond and thrive!

(3) The Function of our City Government a. Pensions must be looked at and reviewed annually b. Staff must be responsive to the needs of the community in a timely manner c. All City employees must be subject to a performance evaluation review every 5 years to assure that the employee is performing at the level necessary to do their job d. Implement a "24-48 hour response program" for City Staff to ensure that every call made to our City is responded to within 24 to 48 hours.

(4) Our Quality of Life a. All residents, business, children and the elderly, regardless of socioeconomics all deserve a safe neighborhood, healthier and cleaner environment, a quality education and employment that results into happiness and prosperity.

SUMMARY I realize that these goals, both short and long are not things that I can hand deliver you once I am elected as your Mayor, however, more importantly, I ask that you join me in this challenge that each and every one of you become more involved either in your individual neighborhood council or by applying for boards and commission and serving in our community. Should you elect me as your Mayor, I vow to respect your comments, restore leadership at City Hall, bring our community good paying jobs, create stronger schools and work to build safer neighborhoods. I trust I can count on your participation in making the City of Richmond the very best City in the bay area if not the state or nation! I believe in Richmond, its residents, its tenacity and its resiliency, I would be honored to serve you as your next Mayor!