Perspectives on the Issues

By Jennifer H. Finetti

Provides a discussion on key issues in a Q&A format.

There is much I feel I can bring to the CSD as well as to the community as a whole:

• 10 years experience owning a successful marketing & communications agency - I am responsible for operations management, fiscal management, human resources management, business development, account management, project management and more. These skills will serve me well in a leadership position at the CSD.

• Extensive experience working with municipal and county goverment, educational institutions, businesses and non-profit organizations. In particular, I have facilitated intra-agency collaboratives comprised of over 30 public, private and non-profit organizations - this is as challenging as it sounds as each organization has its own set of goals and objectives that need to be addressed while simultaneously addressing the shared goals and objectives of the group as a whole.
• Outstanding oral and written communications skills - and I'm not afraid to use them. If elected to the CSD, I will be an active, vocal participant in board meetings, and I will also volunteer to serve on committees that research and analyze issues that our community cares about. I am especially interested in improving the transparency between the CSD and the public via print and online communication tools (newsletters, eblasts, improved website and more).

I am in favor of modest, controlled growth over time for our community. I share the concerns and interests of most of our residents in that I would like to preserve the small-town feel of Discovery Bay; however, at the same time, I recognize the many benefits that controlled growth can bring:

• It is critical to improve the economic sustainability of Discovery Bay. To do so, we need to attract both homebuyers and businesses to our community. This will then help return tax dollars to our town.
• To realize the amenities residents would like to see in Discovery Bay (Community Center; recreational, cultural and artistic programs), continued beautification and upgrades to parks and open space), funds will need to come from somewhere. Developers can provide much of those needed dollars, helping to improve our community for both existing and new residents. Developers need to pay their fair share - if elected to the CSD, I will work hard to make that happen.

What is your position on traffic flow and roadway safety?

As a daily commuter over Vasco Road myself, I take Vasco Road and Highway 4 safety very seriously. I also am concerned about local street safety in Discovery Bay and am aware that there is interest in improved traffic calming / speed reduction measures in our community. I think the CSD has made strong progress in these areas but more can and should be done to make our streets safer and to reduce speed, especially for vehicles approaching Discovery Bay from the Stockton area.

How would you help to improve our schools?

While the CSD does not have a direct role in school improvement, it can and does work with the local schools to provide support and guidance. If elected to the CSD, I will push for a stronger partnership between the elementary schools, Excelsior and the CSD. Additionally, I will push for a stronger partnership with Liberty High School as I think the relationship between the CSD and the high school district is sometimes overlooked.

Many Discovery Bay West residents feel that their needs are being ignored. How can you help?

Currently, there is one CSD Director who lives in Lakeshore; however, the CSD does not have a Director that lives in the Lakes Community. Since I am a Lakes resident, I would work with the other CSD Directors to make sure that the needs of Discovery Bay West are heard and responded to. More importantly, I would work hard to ensure that all residents of Discovery Bay feel heard and well-represented. We all live together in a small town, and most of us share common interests and common goals. As long as those shared interests and goals remain at the forefront of CSD negotiations and decisions, the entire community will benefit.