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San Joaquin County, CA November 4, 2014 Election
Smart Voter

Supplying our Children with the Activities and Education they Deserve

By Robert Rickman

Candidate for Council Member; City of Tracy

This information is provided by the candidate
Supplying our Children with the Activities and Education they Deserve
Our children are our most precious resource. The proudest day of my life is when I became a father. As a father of two young children, I understand the importance of improving the quality of life of our children. I have asked many children and teenagers, including my own, what there is to do in Tracy? They generally answer, "nothing!" This is not something new. When I was a child and teenager growing up in Tracy my answer was the same. I believe our children deserve better. Our children play many sports including, soccer, swimming, baseball, football and countless other activities. Tracy must supply our children with the adequate facilities to compete in these sports and activities.

Tracy Ballpark

Robert stood with the residents of Tracy and opposed the proposed development of Tracy Ballpark into an apartment complex. Robert understood the importance of this ballpark to the thousands of children who practice and play on this field every year, to the surrounding community, and to the history of Tracy. The proposed apartment development was ultimately defeated. Today, the children and community continue to enjoy the Tracy Ballpark.

Legacy Fields

Robert has fought hard to make Legacy Fields, 116 acre sports park, a reality. The infrastructure of the 72 acre first phase of Legacy Fields has been completed. Robert continues to make Legacy Fields a priority and understands the importance of getting the fields ready as soon as possible. We must work with the youth leagues to obtain maximum benefit from the available funds for these projects. Legacy Fields will supply our children with the sports and activities they deserve, make Tracy a destination for regional sports tournaments, and enhance the local economy.

Dr. Powers Pool/Wild Rivers Water Park

Robert supports the refurbishing and reopening of Joe Wilson Pool in Dr. Powers Park. Joe Wilson Pool will provide our children with more recreational swimming time in the hot days of summer and be available for swim lessons while freeing up the West High swimming pool for swim leagues. Tracy is currently in negotiations with the Wild Rivers water park. Wild Rivers will provide recreational activities for families and enhance the local economy.

Tracy Recreation Division

Robert has provided more activities available through the Tracy Recreation Division. Robert drove to Stockton on his own accord and spoke to the owner of the Delta Fencing Club. Robert was inspired by a newspaper article that described a Sacramento athlete winning a medal in fencing at the Olympics. After several talks with Robert and the city, Delta Fencing Club is now offering classes in Tracy. Who will be our next Olympian?

Robert continues to be an advocate for our children. Due to Robert's action, city staff is proactively searching for and recruiting retail establishments and activities that are specific to our children and teenagers. By making our children a priority, we can make it happen.

Higher Education

What about our children's education? Education will prepare our children for the future. They will be our teachers, police officer's, fireman, politicians, lawyers, doctors and countless other professionals. We must provide them with an opportunity to reach their full potential. I support bringing higher education and vocational institutes to Tracy. In fact, Tracy has had several site visits and is currently in talks with California Lutheran University and Notre Dame University of Belmont, CA.

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ca/sj Created from information supplied by the candidate: October 2, 2014 11:20
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