Candidate for
Council Member; City of Fremont

1. Public Safety Public Safety staffing levels have fallen dangerously behind the growth of the City. We have gone from an innovative, proactive City, once regarded as a model for others, to a City that can no longer deliver the services that the citizens and workforce deserves. We no longer have the staffing necessary to respond to residential alarms, or non-injury automobile collisions. Our citizens are often forced to file their own reports "online" for incidents that are not "In-progress". The Police Department has been forced to cut important and needed programs such as DARE, HELP, Junior High School Resource Officers, and the Juvenile Offender Program. Cases of fraud, including those targeting the elderly, have increased by over 200%, while the Police Department has been forced to cut staffing to Investigations and Regional Task Forces. As a retired 29-year Fremont Police Officer, hostage negotiator, school resource officer of Washington High school and 32-year resident, I want to use my skills to serve you on the City Council. Violent crime is on the rise, as well as residential burglaries. There was a time when residents knew few if any people who were victims of crime. Now they can name numerous neighbors, family members and friends. Fremont is at a critical point. We need to institute a zero tolerance for crime. Oakland and San Jose's crime rates have risen sharply, and we are midway between the two. Fire Department staffing cuts and shortages have left no emergency services west of the 880 freeway. This includes manufacturing and retail areas such as Pacific Commons and "The Block". Sadly, a new Fire station sits unused and vacant in that area. The City of Fremont has a relatively well paid, highly educated population. We deserve Public Safety services that reflect our City and its potential.

2. Street maintenance and traffic Our workforce and residents deserve roadways and streets that are safe, and keep traffic moving efficiently. This includes pedestrians, cyclists, and all forms of Public Transportation. Poorly maintained roadways increase the City's exposure to liability. Ensure that traffic signals and the related software are programmed to reduce traffic congestion while reducing fuel consumption and pollution. Street lighting and signal lights should be maintained as a matter of Public Safety.

In the event that certain City services, such as landscape maintenance, are to be contracted out to the Private sector, these service contracts should be awarded to businesses based IN FREMONT. Keep the money here!

3. Business Development Actively pursue green technology businesses and offer incentives to locate in Fremont. To grow is to prosper. Fremont was once at the forefront of Technology development and with the presence of Solar-based businesses and Tesla Motors, is ideally located and poised to take full advantage of future technologies and related businesses in the future. No more "small-town politics", the City of Fremont must actively pursue business, manufacturing, and retail that will become a source of employment and growth for our residents. Continue with the plan for the "Downtown" area which provides opportunity, employment, housing, and helps promote Fremont as a true "Destination City".

4. Residential Development Develop and maintain a residential development plan that values realistic open spaces and ties growth to Public Safety service levels. My opponents speak of any future development creating the possibility of increases in Public Safety services. Some of these same candidates have made these promises before, while allowing past developments to go forward and cutting away at Public Safety at the same time!

5. Recreation and Activities The City of Fremont "Festival of the Arts" continues to be the premier event of its kind in California and along with events such as The Festival of India and The Niles Antique Faire, offer a sense of pride for our Community. These events can grow to include the Fremont Police Motorcycle Invitational Competition and events such as the "Warrior Dash", "Dirty Girl Runs", and similar competitions. These events all offer increased revenues to the City. Actively seek other sources of revenue tied to park usage such as concerts, music festivals, and a City-owned, income generating RV Resort within Central Park boundaries. By nature I am not a Politician. I am not supported by special interest groups, developers or unions. I am simply a man who sees a need for change in this city. I am honored to be supported by the Fremont Police Association and would be honored to earn you support.