Candidate for
Council Member; City of Escondido

Starting at the grassroots of our neighborhoods and working together, we can build a community that sets the standard for all cities in San Diego County. The key issues I want to address include:

• Jobs, jobs, jobs -- Attracting new businesses is key to creating jobs. Escondido must establish policies that make our business parks competitive with those in other communities. City Council members should be active ambassadors by marketing our community's merits at trade shows and other events held throughout San Diego County and elsewhere.

• City budget -- Balance it! Use taxpayer dollars only to support taxpayer needs. Stop pouring our money into the pockets of developers.

• Ballpark -- Think seriously about cost versus benefits! I have two concerns regarding a ballpark in Escondido:

o Location -- It must not displace the Boys and Girls Club, which is an incredible asset for Escondido's families. Plenty of parking must be available, and it must not disrupt traffic flow through downtown.

o Financing -- The entire cost must be covered by the developer. As an article in the NY Times soberingly states, too many ballparks cost taxpayers much more than they deliver. If we're going to build a ballpark at taxpayer expense, it must benefit all the taxpayers, and not just downtown businesses.

• Libraries -- Increase hours, and expand or rebuild our main public library.

• Quality of life -- Improve our parks, roads, lighting, and other infrastructure to enhance "liveability." The long-term benefit will be a stronger sense of community and reduced crime.

• Crime -- Shift police focus from checkpoints and immigrant issues to seriously addressing our increase in real crime. Work with neighborhoods to find grass-roots solutions to gang activity and other crime.

• Family health -- Coordinate with nonprofit organizations and volunteers in reaching out to our neighborhoods to encourage greater awareness of healthy choices.

• Sustainable energy programs -- Actively seek grants for sustainability programs such as covering roofs with heat-reflecting material.

• Assistance programs -- Support programs and activities for seniors and children.