Marshall Blackman speaks on the City of Santa Clara

By Marshall E. Blackman

I believe we need more low income housing for our long-time residents and to attract new top-notch city employees as the older ones retire. City fees must be reduced, schools improved, illegal drugs eliminated, and a code of moral conduct followed by our politicians and taught in our schools. I want to work for you to make all this a reality.

Likewise, as many long-time City employees retire, we will have difficulties attracting new top-notch civil servants because the wage we currently pay isn't enough to allow them to live in the City they serve. Think about our police, fire and other critical city services. With the labor market as tight as it is, if we cannot attract the best people, our City services may suffer, and the quality of life here will decline.

In order to allow our older residents and new City employees to live in Santa Clara near their families and jobs, we need a significant increase in low-income housing. We could double or triple existing plans for low income housing by working with the Federal Government to finance the construction. With cost savings by having City departments manage and oversee construction, we can economically accommodate all our citizens. After twenty or thirty years, the Federal Government loans will be paid off, and the rental income from this housing will create a positive cash flow, returning dollars to the City. We can make this a reality.

The newcomers to our City have paid very high prices for their homes. Yet often, the City fees they must pay (like building permit fees to improve their homes, as well as other city fees) are much too high and are rising. Rather than over tax our homeowners, we should encourage them to make improvements in their homes. Another concern is that with electricity deregulation, our electricity bills will rise, further increasing the high cost of living in our city.

I am also adamant that we should live in a drug free City. And our schools must be improved. Our politicians must practice the morality that should be taught to our young at home and in the schools.

In summary, I believe we need more low income housing for our long-time residents and to attract new top-notch city employees as the older ones retire. City fees must be reduced, schools improved, illegal drugs eliminated, and a code of moral conduct followed by our politicians and taught in our schools. I want to work for you to make all this a reality.

Let me be YOUR Voice. Vote For Marshall Blackman Seat 5, Santa Clara City Council