League of Women Voters Questions

By Roger F. Jewett

Positions on Visioning, Redevelopment, Sports Park, Libraries, Aquarium, Water Quality, Increased Density

The next Council must set priorities and make long-range commitments, covering all the bases. Essential services as fire and police must be fully funded and we must develop enduring policies to support our parks and libraries. Piece-meal decision-making does not work. We cannot continue to plan one theatre, parking garage, one library remodel and park at a time.

Sports Park - We need a regional sports park, I know, first hand, how dangerous the parking situation is and how crowded the soccer fields are on weekends. These problems are not, however, exclusive to the east end. We must also commit to parks on the West Side and Midtown so every neighborhood knows what lies ahead before a SOAR vote is taken.

Libraries - Libraries are vital to our community and must be supported. Administrators must know what to expect from the City so they can realistically plan for staffing, expansion and acquisition over the next decade. Correspondingly, the Arts community needs greater clarification about the City's future role in cultural matters. Both deserve answers!

Aquarium - The aquarium is a good idea, but a number of attendant issues should be addressed first. Parking, traffic through the Keys and the Port's financial picture must be resolved before we proceed. Let's deal with this project as part of the outlook for the entire Port.

Redevelopment - The Downtown Redevelopment Agency has made a number of positive changes, but the jury is still out on the economic viability of these undertakings. Established businesses are leaving downtown because of escalating rents and the Agency's revenues are not fully recovering the $18 Million investment.

The Community's vote on Measure A clearly demonstrates how important it is to have a consensus before moving ahead on any more redevelopment projects. I have experience in forming alliances and working with community representatives in making worthwhile projects successful. We need a Council that listens to the community and takes a team-oriented approach before launching new ventures.

Water Quality -As a water sports enthusiast and surfer, I firmly believe the City needs to increase water quality reporting and improve our drainage systems and storm run-off controls. As citizens we should have assurances that our children and grandchildren can swim in an ocean free of pollution. We do not want to be another Huntington Beach. We simply cannot afford the type of neglect that closed our beaches at the promenade and surfers point last week. We need to adopt sustainable approaches to water quality and all other natural resources.

Increased Density - Since available land for housing is limited and some growth is in order, we must improve utilization through infill and increased density housing options. Innovative approaches to habitat design, not just high rise apartments are the key to success.

What is needed is a mix of housing that is in keeping with our community's income and employment base. A mix that enables our teachers, firefighters and police to live in the town where they work. We must also be mindful of the importance of seniors affording to live in their present homes without fear of displacement..

Additional Priorities - The City must also stay focused on public safety and community services. The 911 response system needs to be upgraded and we should work to restore local control of medical transportation. Wider access to public transportation should be promoted vigorously. The mobile home rent stabilization ordinance needs to be simplified. Maintenance of our streets and infrastructure must be stepped up and neighborhood revitalization promoted. Finally, the morale and productivity of City employees must receive the Council's attention and the quality of management addressed.