Candidate for
Council Member; City of Stockton; Council District 5

The following represent the most critical issures facing our City.

Secure our water rights for long lasting growth. Water is the most important issue on our table. It is unbelievable that the City of Stockton has not one drop of perfected water rights. This is the most critifcal issue for our future.

We are about to embark on the revidion of our 10-year General Plan. This process will evolve the direction our community will take during the expected growth to 2020 and beyond. Our cost of living is the best advantage we have. This will cause unprecedented pressure for growth. We must be prepared and successfully plan our future.

The heart of any community is it's downtown. I want to see our central core become the pride of San Joaquin County and the Midtown/Magnolia Historic District area turn completely around and become a live/work/dine/shop/browse art galleries and visit coffee shops in the ambiance of historical structures. Similiar as has developed in Mountain View, Berekley, Emoryville and San Jose.

Cultural diversity and equal opportunity for all citizens must be at the fore front or our decision making. By definition, "diversity" is the recognition and acceptance of our cultural differences. These are elements that form the character of a vibrant city. I pledge to pormote this goal and remain accessible for discussion of all issures and questions.

Public safety is the fabric that binds our communtiy. Police and Fire must be supported in our budget to our best abilty. While critical to peace and the quality of life, we must be vigilant that justice be carried out fair and equally as well as ensuring against the possiblity of racial profiling.

The essence of our culture is in education. We can build on relationships with our school districts. Truancy enforcement and reaching more yougsters with "after school" programs. Early intervention with abuse, criminal activity and low self-esteem are essential.

We must work diligently towards streamlineing our govenment practices and avoid duplication. I continually look to eliminate waste and control the cost of city services. Live with our budget in order to avoid new taxes.

Public transit is very important to many citizens of our community. We all win when the atuomobile use id decreased. Bus stops must be sheltered, maintained litter/graffiti free and safe for the ridership.

Physical barriers for the physically and mentally impaired must be eliminated. All citizens must feel equal treatment and opportunity.

The most significant long term cost to our city is the required imporvements to our sewer treatment plant. State and Federal regulations have a 150 to 200 million dollar price tag. Privatization of our operation and maintenance may prove to a hugh savings. In the near future, the results of the last three years of work will conclude. There must be careful consideration given befor any decision is made. This must benefti our city and employees. If not, i will be the first to say so.