Candidate for
Council Member; City of Chula Vista; Seat 2

ISSUES

Jobs

We need to diversify the Chula Vista economic base. In the past, the city of Chula Vista has relied on real estate development for jobs. With the housing crisis, we have a city that needs a more stable base of good jobs for its residents. Most Chula Vistans have to drive outside of the City for work. We must create more jobs in our community so that residents have the opportunity to live and work in the same place, leaving more time for family and friends and less time sitting in traffic. We have the foundation and opportunity to create these jobs on our bayfront, at the proposed university site and at the eastern urban center. What we now need is leadership to bring these projects to fruition.

Public Safety

Our police officers and firefighters put their lives on the line every day to protect our community. Even in these challenging times, it is imperative to bring our police and fire protection to a level that will adequately serve our city. Currently, we have less than 1.03 officers per every 1000 residents. This is the lowest ratio in the county and it is unacceptable. I will fight to make sure we have the police protection we need on our streets and enough firefighters to keep us safe. We must also be aware of the potential dangers in other parts of the region and ensure that our police officers have the tools and support they need to be able to protect our communities.

Environment

A clean and healthy environment is good for our families and good for economic growth. All development should be done in an environmentally friendly way to create sustainable communities. Our goal should be to make new Chula Vista city buildings and publicly funded projects LEED certified and as environmentally sound as possible.

Traffic

We need to keep Chula Vista's people and economy moving. Good jobs right here in Chula Vista would keep traffic flow efficient with shorter commutes, so that people can spend more time with their families. We also need to work for freeway exits that benefit our neighborhoods and increase access to major streets. Regional development decisions should be monitored for potential traffic impacts on Chula Vista.

Investment in Mass Transit

We need to work together to make sure that Chula Vista gets its fair share of mass transit investment. It makes sense to have the Coaster and Amtrak come down to the South Bay. More mass transit investment not only can keep Chula Vista moving, it can also be an economic stimulus for our region. What we don't need is more jails, power plants and sewage plants. Instead, we need to join together and exercise our clout to bring positive regional infrastructure investments to Chula Vista.

Veterans

It is of utmost importance that we honor and take care of the men and women who have fought for this country. Over the past 12 years I have fought alongside the Chairman of the Veterans Affairs Committee in Washington, Congressman Bob Filner, to make sure that veterans have the benefits they deserve. If elected to the Chula Vista City Council, I will continue to be an advocate for veterans and their families.