Campaign Platform

By Mary (Nickles) Ash

Brief overview of my campaign platform including a brief personal history.

A fiscal conservative who cares

Contact: MissLucy@iwvisp.com

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I plan to take no pay except for travel expenses due to the state and city budgetary constraints. New city council members are eligible to receive almost $600 a month for their services. The City of Ridgecrest is facing a deficit of almost $400,000 per year and may have to lay-off city employees. As a council member, I would find it irresponsible to accept pay knowing city employees may risk losing their jobs.

Will work with city officials to bring in new business to the area while supporting local business already operating here.

As to the rumored super center, my decision will be based on reports given by the Planning Commission and city employees. I favor using both environmental and economic impact reports as part of the decision making process.

Local Options Sales Tax: While I am not a fan of taxation, at least this tax hearkens back to taxation with representation. I will make sure the Local Options Sales Tax funds are used to implement infrastructure improvements such as road construction and maintenance, prudent building repair and construction and the like. If sufficient funds are available, I would favor improvements and new construction of recreational facilities such as a much needed swimming pool. I also believe in using local sales tax revenue to support our police department.

What I can offer as a council member:

A well prepared council member because I have researched, investigated and wrote about governmental affairs at both the city and county level. I understand how city government operates and can provide immediate support and guidance to city officials.

A basic understanding of military affairs and the importance of China Lake.

A common sense approach to government, because I have learned the importance of fiscal responsibility and conservative management.

Have developed numerous community and national contacts through my work as a journalist and a long time resident of Ridgecrest.

Believe in open and responsive government. Will have regular office hours to hear compliments, complaints or needs.

Biography: Born at Luke Air Force Base Arizona outside of Phoenix. Have lived throughout the United States before arriving in Ridgecrest as a navy dependent. I've lived in the area over 30 years. Am married to husband Ray, who is a mechanical engineer at China Lake, and have two daughters. Graduated from Murray Junior High, Burroughs High School, Cerro Coso Community College and California State College, Bakersfield. I have a B.A. in English specializing in communications with a minor in history.

Professional Experience: Have worked as a local reporter various media. As a reporter I have covered both governmental and military affairs. I also wrote numerous environmental stories including coverage of the EPA ozone attainment for the Indian Wells Valley.