Candidate for
Council Member; City of Carlsbad

Plan for Small Business Growth in Carlsbad, as well as how to maintain the businesses that we already have:

Step 1 - Offer low interest SBA loans from a city fund dedicated to the advancement of small businesses. (Added year-over-year revenue stream from interest)

Step 2 - Develop a list of businesses that the city would target each year and offer those businesses an incentive grant(in conjunction with the Chamber of Commerce) to move their business to Carlsbad.

Step 3 - Develop a series of classes designed to help budding entrepreneurs through the difficult process of establishing a business. Offer this class at no charge to people within the city as well as people outside of the city, while encouraging them to open their business in Carlsbad.

Step 4 - Offer periodic business evaluations for businesses that need support throughout the year. Help them find their weaknesses and develop action plans.

Step 5 - Along with the new business classes, offer classes to established business owners who are looking to expand or need a refresher on tax laws, social media marketing, or public relations.

By doing these simple steps, we are laying a foundation for future success in Carlsbad. Our annual revenue streams will increase as more businesses move in to town. The same goes for being able to keep the ones we already currently have operating open and successful. As the world economy starts to recover, Carlsbad will find itself leading the pack in San Diego County if it can truly dedicate itself to bringing small businesses to the city.

Community Growth

Before any growth plan is thought out or planned, we must remember one very important thing. Our city is a balanced vehicle for Personal, Social, and Economic growth.

The end result of any growth plan should be:

1. Increased community interaction and involvement.
2. Reduced reliance on motorized transportation.
3. Sustained employment generation.
4. Increased quality of life for residents.
5. Increased exposure to neighboring areas.

1 & 2 - Mixed use building concentrating on a space where people can work, live, and recreate can increase the urge to be involved in your own community. It also reduces traffic congestion, reduces vehicle emissions, and offers economic growth opportunities at the same time. It is a proven fact that workers who are more relaxed in their environment are better producers.

3 - By recruiting and assisting companies with long-term growth potential in our city, we offer our community increased employment opportunities. Managing how our businesses are developed, who the businesses are, where they intend on setting up shop, and what type of business they are in can have a huge impact on the employment opportunities that are sought and offered. It also allow a city to ensure appropriate building technologies are used, and offers an increased overview of the protection of our natural resources.

4 & 5 - Art Galleries, Museums, Sports facilities, village promenades, recreational facilities, cultural attractions and strong civic leadership give the community a sense of equality, belonging and pride. Neighboring communities are more inclined to visit your community when it offers activities that it does not have. Retail shopping, entertainment options, and access to transportation are some of the most important avenues to generating cross-community visitation.

BALANCE IS KEY

"A healthy social life is found only, when in the mirror of each soul the whole community finds its reflection, and when in the whole community the virtue of each one is living" - Rudolph Steiner

Intelligent Growth

Carlsbad Village and the other sectors of the city require levelheaded and conscientious development. Whether it’s village density, parking, creating open spaces or nurturing our cultural character and resources, I will ensure a common sense approach to development by:

Investing in Open Spaces

Supporting Small Business Expansion

Pushing for more public transit stops in Carlsbad

Establish a solid strategy for affordable housing

Arts and Culture

My main goal is to increase the exposure of our local artists, to encourage new aspiring artists from all around to put their works on display in current galleries and help place them into studios of their own.

The currently proposed Carlsbad Skateboarding Museum and Skate Park is a step in the right direction. I will through partnerships within the private sector and with city assistance bring about more ideas that can advance the cultural knowledge and understanding of today's youth.

Our future relies on the ability to mold our youth into well-rounded, educated, and diverse people. Without the arts, historical reference, and cultural growth that will not be possible.

Open and Responsive Government

Almost twenty years ago, I was walking the streets of Taneytown, MD with my father, knocking on doors while he preached his philosophy of "open and responsive" government to the people that would listen. That was his campaign message during a city council run back then, and even though I may not have understood what he meant all those years ago, I do now.

It is imperative that our local government representation hear our cries for help and our suggestions for bettering the community. And not only is it important that they listen, it is even more important that they are responsive and act on issues that are brought before them.

Frequent Office Hours - I will hold regular office hours at City Hall every week. You can feel comfortable sharing your ideas and issues with me.

Neighborhood meetings - I will arrange local neighborhood meetings each month so that you can approach subjects and share concerns in an open forum.

I promise, if elected, that I will hear anyone that wants to speak and follow through with due-diligence to generate the response required.