Candidate for
Member of City Council; City of Santa Barbara

Government, especially at the city level, has very specific responsibilities.

During this uncertain time the implementation of Homeland Defense is the top priority. Every decision, program and project approved must be made with awareness of our responsibility as a community to Homeland Defense and the greater good of the United States of America.

Public safety goes hand in hand with the above priority. I pledge my support to improving public safety in the City of Santa Barbara. This will involve having open channels with the Fire and Police Departments and assisting them with ongoing improvements. This will include working on ways to ensure that each and every officer is given the chance to live in the South Coast area.

Protecting our unique and fragile environment is second on the list of responsibilities. Our beaches, ocean and streams need to be cleaned and innovative approaches taken to ensure the protection of our environment. The city must lead in taking control of this issue.

Finally, compatable business growth is needed to secure the future of our community. I am tired of seeing Santa Barbara grow beyond its limit. In the morning cars are backed up from Milpas to Summerland as workers commute to jobs in Santa Barbara. Have we become the "LA" that workers commute to? Do we really need more tourist oriented time shares? I would like to see our community grow with businesses that can afford to pay a "living wage."

With these basic responsibilities outlined it is my philosophy that government needs to reach out to all citizens, listen to all concerns, build partnerships and concentrate its resources in those areas that will help us build a strong community.