Candidate for
Council Member; City of Imperial Beach

"What do you feel are the three most important issues currently facing the City of Imperial Beach?"

All issues facing our community, large and small, are important to my campaign. As your councilmember for the past eight years, I have consistently given the following three my highest priority: 

FISCAL STABILITY - The City of Imperial Beach, like many cities across our state and nation, are constantly challenged to do more with far less.  Our fair share of state and federal dollars continues to shrink as the cost of providing city services continues to climb. We have been successful in preventing further raids by the state on our locally raised tax dollars, but a major focus must also be on legislative changes at the state level to achieve significant fiscal reform.

I will continue to deliver a balanced budget, maintain essential services, and assure those who serve us a decent living wage. I will remain prudent with the resources at our disposal and be a careful steward of your taxpayer dollars. We are not bankrupt, nor are we deficit spending, despite the campaign rhetoric that persists.   

Redevelopment of our aging commercial districts will help establish a strong commercial tax base, creating a vital economic engine to help pay for essential city services. I will search for new sources of revenue and continue to shepherd the rebuilding of the Seacoast Inn. Any economic development should provide needed services for residents and good paying jobs. I will demand balance between development, community livability and protection of our natural environment to assure long-term economic health and the small town quality of life that the citizens of our community overwhelmingly demand.    

SAFE NEIGHBORHOODS - During the past eight years there has been a decrease in crime as documented in San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) and San Diego County Sheriffs reports.   

Our neighborhoods are cleaner, safer and more livable through a firm, fair code enforcement program. We have eliminated many dangerous and blighted conditions, revitalizing and raising property values in the surrounding areas. Our graffiti paint-out program is aggressive, effective and instrumental in making us feel more comfortable with our surroundings.  Intensifying our ongoing efforts to address speeding traffic and dangerous intersections is resulting in safer streets. Major improvements scheduled for our local parks will provide a safe and healthy environment for children and adults of all ages. Imperial Beach is a great place to live, but there is still much more to do. 

My unwavering commitment to public safety and firm, fair code enforcement has earned me the Deputy Sheriffs Association's endorsement as "Law Enforcement's Choice" for City Council.  We all deserve the right to feel safe in our own homes and community.  

HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT - I have long recognized that a healthy economy is dependent on a healthy environment.  As a former California State Coastal Commissioner, I have championed the protection and stewardship of our most valuable resource - the California coast.  Our beaches and recreational waters are the heart of our little community.  It is crucial to our businesses and the health of both citizens and visitors alike that our coastline is clean and open.   

But there is no one single answer to this decades-old issue. Effecting a permanent solution requires a comprehensive approach and a diverse set of sewage treatment projects to address the multiple sources of pollution. Developing and implementing a comprehensive plan will require a bi-national effort involving all concerned agencies at all levels of government. Until a permanent solution is in place, our own Scripps San Diego Coastal Ocean Observation System has been an effective tool to assist water quality managers in making critical decisions regarding beach and water safety. 

I am also proud of my environmental work on behalf of our community.  As co-founder in 1979 of a local non-profit organization, dedicated to preservation and protection of our coastal wetlands, I played a key role in protecting the Tijuana Estuary as open space for generations to come. I will continue to fight for clean water, clean air and the protection of our natural resources to enhance our quality of life.

Let's keep moving Imperial Beach forward.  My tested leadership and tenacity has secured respect for Imperial Beach at all levels of government. I bring demonstrated experience and integrity to face the challenges ahead. Working together, we can protect our future.