Candidate for
Mayor; City of Pacific Grove

I am a lifelong resident of the Monterey Peninsula, and I attended local schools, graduating from Pacific Grove High School. I am a graduate of the California State University at Monterey Bay Paralegal Program and the University of Santa Cruz Extension with an emphasis in counseling.

I have one daughter, a granddaughter, one grandson and another grandson due in October. I raised my nephew who is a student at a local university. My husband Dan, who served in the Army during the Vietnam era passed away due to lung cancer in 2010. My little rescue dog named Scruffy came into my life shortly after.

In 2008 I was elected to the Pacific Grove City council and was appointed Mayor in September of 2009. I ran unopposed and was re-elected Mayor in 2010.

I have served as your Mayor for the past three years.

Since then, transparency, asking tough questions, staying focused on solutions, and being financially prudent have been my priority. More importantly I have represented you, the voter.

Our community is very caring. I believe we all share a common desire to maintain our uniqueness and the quality of life we all appreciate. Having lived in Pacific Grove for over 20 years I fully understand what the community is saying. I truly respect and cherish the character and beauty that makes Pacific Grove our shining jewel - our precious gem. As your Mayor, I have, and I will continue to protect and preserve our natural assets such as the Marine Sanctuary, the Monarch Sanctuary and our beautiful parks and open spaces. I honor our traditional events such as the Good Ol' Days, Butterfly Parade and Feast of Lanterns. I also support recreational facilities such as the golf course and the Kiddie Pool at Lovers Point.

Our City needs to move into the future in a way that reflects our common desire, to look beyond today by effectively planning and preparing for the challenges of tomorrow. We need leadership that will always represent your interests as a resident and neighbor, to especially work diligently to protect your tax dollars, and more importantly, to conduct the City's business with complete transparency.

Pacific Grove has faced tough economic times and it's not over yet. I have made many difficult decisions over the years to streamline government and increase efficiency in order to maintain the balance of providing essential services.

I have supported efforts and business-friendly ideas to help improve our local business economy and encourage other businesses to locate here. Protecting and preserving our natural assets and environment that draws thousands of tourists year-round has been and will continue to be a priority for me.

As Mayor, I am very proud of my record. We have made much progress addressing critical issues such as the employee retirement system and shared services. The most critical issue facing us today is a water supply that is reliable, sustainable and affordable. I have been a leader in supporting this effort.

Through my independent leadership, objectivity, and commitment, I will continue to work towards preserving the quality of life we value in Pacific Grove.

AFFILIATIONS

Through my participation in local government and on various committees, commissions and community groups, Carmelita has gained valuable experience in Leadership, Local Governance, Budget and Finance, Water Management, Ground Water Replenishment Projects, Air and Water Pollution Control, Regional Transportation, Airport Management, Accessibility, and Disaster and Emergency Communications.

Monterey Regional Water Authority JPA, Member National Monument Committee, Vice Chair Monterey County Mayors Association, 1st Vice President League of California Cities Monterey Bay Division/Incoming Chair, ACLU, Pajaro Valley Cesar Chavez Democratic Club, Monterey County Women Democratic Club, Democratic Club of the Monterey Peninsula, San Benito County LULAC Council #2890, Monterey County Airport Land Use Commission, Monterey Regional Water Pollution Control Agency, Vice Chair Monterey County Commission on Disabilities, Policy Advisory Committee for the Monterey Peninsula Water Management District, Transportation Agency Monterey County Alternate, Monterey Bay Unified Air Pollution Control District, Budget and Finance Committee, Loan Committee, Chair Emergency Communications Policy Advisory Council, Pacific Grove Kiwanis, Mayor for Peace, Lifetime Member of the National Association Latino Elected Officials,Outstanding Citizen of the Year- Crime Prevention Officers Association of Monterey County - 2005, Leadership Monterey Peninsula Alumni, Pacific Grove Middle School Site Council, Founding Member Pacific Grove Police Citizens Academy Alumni Association, Neighborhood Watch Program, Outstanding Women of the Year 1995, San Benito County LULAC Council #2890, Monterey County Airport Land Use Commission, Monterey Regional Water Pollution Control Agency, Vice Chair Monterey County Commission on Disabilities, Policy Advisory Committee for the Monterey Peninsula Water Management District, Transportation Agency Monterey County Alternate, Monterey Bay Unified Air Pollution Control District, Budget and Finance Committee, Loan Committee, Chair Emergency Communications Policy Advisory Council, Pacific Grove Kiwanis, Mayor for Peace, Lifetime Member of the National Association Latino Elected Officials