Preserving Newark's Small-Town Feel

By Alberto Torrico

Our community faces many challenges: traffic congestion worsens every day, our public schools are under-resourced, and neighborhood services are stretched to the limit. With my expertise we can begin addressing these challenges.

After assessing the responses of over 100 Newark residents to my campaign's survey, I will address the issues important to all of us. I will demand smart growth, with full consideration of the impact any business or residential development will have on existing Newark residents. We should worry about current residents before we worry about future residents.

TORRICO CALLS FOR EXPANSION OF SERVICES IN COMMUNITY CENTERS

In an effort to provide a boost to Newark's under-resourced public schools, I pledge to champion after school educational programs. I will propose the expansion of services available at our community centers. These centers can and should be living and learning centers. Our recreational programs should be supplemented by educational after-school programs.

TORRICO PROPOSES BUSINESS LICENSE AND FEE PARTIAL WAIVER

In another effort to aid Newark's schools, I propose partial waivers of business licenses and fees, which total roughly $900,000 per year. In exchange for the partial waivers, businesses would be required to provide mentoring and tutoring services in the schools, with special emphasis on math and sciences. It is critical for our children's future to build bridges between the business community and our schools.

As a former Policy Aide at the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors, I know the importance of working closely with the community. In short, I want to ensure that Newark makes the right choices to secure our children's future and to keep our unique small-town feel.