General Statement of Positions and Principles

By Neal Andrews

I support Measure P, the maintenance of effective public safety services, the preservation of Port autonomy, the restoration of an effective street and infrastructure maintenance program, and the development of a strong cultural tourist program.

The hillside property owners have declared their intent to place any proposal to develop their property before the voters. I applaud their commitment to broad public participation in such an important decision for our city. The City Council has voted to place a ballot measure, Measure P, on this November's ballot that will establish a Hillside Voter Participation Area. I support this initiative, and I will take the voters' decisions on these matters as a reflection of the will of the city.

 Public Safety!

The first duty of local government is to protect its populace. I will always keep that duty highest in my priorities as a City Councilman. I will do everything I can to find additional funds to assure the continuation of our storefront and neighborhood-policing program and to bring our police and fire staffing up to appropriate levels.

 Harbor and Port Issues!

No change in the legal structure of the Port District or in the method of appointing Port Commissioners is needed. What is needed is for the Council to have a clearer understanding of the financial interests of both the harbor and the city and to adopt a posture of support for the harbor, not antagonism. The commercial success of the harbor is vital to the future of our city.

 Public Art Programs!

I strongly support the commitment of a reasonable amount of public funds to nurture and support the cultural life of our city. I would support modification of our current ordinance that already reserves a portion of project budgets or development fees for use in artistic expression directly related to the project at issue. I would favor amassing these reserved funds and granting greater flexibility in their use to the extent that the law may allow. I will work diligently to establish a true cultural center in Ventura. Its potential contribution to our quality of life cannot be over-estimated.

 Streets, Beautification and Maintenance!

The problem we face is simple. There is not enough money to pay for all the things we need to do. The solution is to stimulate the economic engine of the city. Prosperity will result in the revenues necessary to meet our needs. With prosperity people buy more, and the city receives more sales tax income. With prosperity we draw more tourism, and the city benefits from increased hotel tax revenues and more tourist spending in our retail stores. With prosperity our property values rise, and the city benefits from increased property tax collections. That's how we will pay for all the things we need. I will tirelessly promote the economic prosperity of our city and our citizens. That's how I will see to it that our streets are paved, our trees trimmed and our sidewalks repaired.