My Platform

By Moon K. Choe

Family activites, Education, Housing, Growth Pressure Etc.

Education If cost allows, we should have our own school district. We need to have control over our children's education and the taxes that pay for it, remove ourselves from the mismanagement of MPUSD, and reintroduce physical education and the arts as part of the standard curriculum. I look forward to sharing the academic richness that CSUMB can provide in our community and will support collaborations with CSUMB.

Housing I will develop a housing plan that delivers the maximum number of affordable homes that is economically possible. Like the program in Bakersfield, Marina residents will have priority to purchase these homes. I'll also focus on the development of multi-family units for residents.

Growth Pressure There is pressure on the current city government for Marina to grow faster than is manageable. This comes from outside interests that see the growth of Marina as an opportunity for their own advancement. We must grow with a tempo that our infrastructure can support through more rigorous planning, closer collaboration with citizen commissions and council members, and greater consideration for the socioeconomic diversity of our community.

Land Purchase Program I will establish a land purchase program, in partnership with the existing State of California program that will assist Mobile Home owners to purchase their lots. There are some respectful mobile home park owners, but unfortunately, some take advantage of low income or retired people. When I spoke with mobile home owners recently, I felt their anger and frustration toward the park owners. The City has a moral responsibility to help mobile home owners with this issue.

Economic Development I will never overlook any opportunity to generate revenue for Marina, find funds for Economic Development and other investments. I will support the development of our current "downtown area" to make it walk-able and user friendly. This will increase walk-in business and sales for local business. It was hard to see a local coffee shop owner lose her business because a national coffee shop moved in. I will discourage new businesses from coming into Marina unless they complement existing local businesses + not drive our local businesses away! I will assist our local businesses and non-profit organizations in obtaining state and federal grants, and support the Marina Business Incubator programs.

Responsible Leadership This means encouraging open dialogue at City hall, promoting communication, and inspiring respect among City Staff. City council meetings must be a place where residents can voice their concerns while participating in the decision making process.