The Future

By Michele Martinez

This campaign is about the future of Santa Ana and, most importantly, it is about each and every one of us.

Living in Santa Ana for over 18 years, I have been actively creating positive change in the community. As a Board Member and volunteer for the Boys and Girls Club, I have provided support and guidance to young students. Furthermore, I have received recognition for my considerable work on the Project Pride Program, a nationally recognized after-school gang prevention program. As Councilmember, I authored the Early Prevention and Intervention Commission to address issues related to gangs and at-risk youth.

Santa Ana, however, still faces crucial challenges that require a fundamental change in leadership. Our city is currently struggling with a combative political culture that has impeded progress. We need a mayor who can foster a new spirit of cooperation in our government and empower our citizens. To accomplish this, I will take a proactive approach that has been sorely lacking. Far too often our government has settled for the status quo and forgone the city's interests. I will bring the energy and skills necessary to break our government's complacency and guide the public's interest through tough hurdles.

Furthermore, I understand that competent leadership includes empowering our citizens. Our residents, business community, and city employees are frustrated with the quality of service and lack of support they receive. These are areas that could be readily addressed by promoting a more inclusive environment. Only by breaking out of the current gridlock can we begin to reinvest in our community. I would begin by bolstering public safety through investment in community policing, which has proven to be one of the most effective ways to deter crime. Developing relationships with neighbors and identifying hot-spot areas allow officers to cultivate strategies that can address crime at its source. As an issue very close to me, education will be a top priority. I want to partner with schools to ensure that they are fully modernized, safe, and educationally appropriate for the future. Santa Ana's student body is unique in its needs and requires an adaptive response. I will advocate for rigorous approaches to education to give our students the opportunity for success.

With an increasingly uncertain economic environment, we must change our unfriendly businesses practices. We need to be a solid partner in economic development by working closely with all stakeholders and delivering quality services in a more efficient manner. I plan on encouraging entrepreneurship through programs that will help citizens create small and mid-sized businesses in neighborhoods that have yet to be revitalized. I, like many of you, am excited about the possibilities that Santa Ana has to offer. This change will not come about, however, without a tough campaign.

Our opponent has been in office for over 20 years and believes change is not necessary. The general sentiment for change, though, is finally catching up to him. I will need much support and guidance to help realize the change for Santa Ana that we have all been hoping for.

This campaign is about the future of Santa Ana and, most importantly, it is about each and every one of us.