A Common Sense Approach to a stronger Pinole

By George Parsons

I want to help build a stronger Pinole. We need more shops and offices and restaurants and variety. We need a downtown that draws us in and shopping that offers choice. We deserve better access to our city services and we need a fully operational Police and Fire Department.

I'm retired with over 36 years of government service. After a hitch in the navy I joined the US Postal Service in 1974 as a clerk/carrier before retiring in 2006 as a senior manager. For 30 years I managed a variety of operations involving people, budgets and goals. My last 20 years were in corporate sales where I was responsible for generating new operating revenue.

After retirement, I joined our cities Economic Development & Housing Advisory Committee and I have worked to support positive growth for Pinole while keeping EDHAC an independent citizen's committee. Last year I joined Pinole's Emergency Response Team and continue to support this important community safety program. I have been a member of the Neighborhood Watch Program from the beginning.

On the personal side, I have been married to my best friend Daphne for almost 22 years and we have lived on Canyon Drive for 19 of those. We have three terrific kids out on their own and a gorgeous baby granddaughter, Victoria.

I love to cook, garden and work around the house and play some golf. Most of all I enjoy my family.

So why would anyone run for city council? Quite simply, I want to help build a stronger Pinole.

My plan includes:

• Work with those who oversee our vacancies and find solutions to fill offices and storefronts and generate new revenue streams.
• Develop a workable business incentive program that's fair to existing businesses and makes economic sense.
• Collect fees for our support of American Medical Response ambulances when Pinole firefighters are involved
• Fully restore police and fire services. Offset some costs by collecting compensation from those few who misuse our resources.
• Minimize city contracts with consultants and other providers. Examine existing contracts to ensure that we are getting what we're paying for.
• Negotiate fair and sustainable employee contracts
• Meet regularly with fellow citizens to discuss issues and ideas.
• Work to shorten City Council meetings and encourage more public participation.

Let's follow the guidelines from our own Youth Center:

• Respect each other and respect diversity
• Be nice and play fair
• Keep our city a safe place
• Always remember that Pinole belongs to everybody

I am not a member of any group or faction in Pinole.

I listen to everyone, but I use facts and common sense to make my decisions.

I take responsibility for my actions and admit when I am wrong. I'm not intimidated by groups or individuals who would compromise what is right for Pinole.

I have funded my own campaign, keeping it honest and focused and free from special interests and agendas.

I made it a priority to meet personally with the city manager, each department head and the Fire and Police chiefs to discuss their issues and better understand their perspectives and priorities. I also did a ride along during a patrol shift with Officer Angela Likos and Spike the canine and experience life on the streets of Pinole and appreciate the challenges facing our police officers.

Your vote will select Pinole's leadership team. Choose council people who share your values and vision for Pinole. Vote for someone with a plan for this city.

Vote for a candidate who does his homework and shows up ready for work every day.

Vote for George Parsons for Pinole City Council. Let's work together to build a stronger Pinole.

Let me hear from you. Please share your thoughts and get one of my yard signs!

You can contact me at parsonsforpinole@gmail.com

Thank you for your time!