Position Paper #1

By Randy Pope

I have a vision of what Oakley can be. It embraces our agricultural heritage and small town character with beautiful homes and quiet safe neighborhoods. It showcases our vineyards and The Delta. I see the potential for a thriving down-town, which invites families to stroll and enjoy local restaurants and shops; where we can close Main Street for a weekend festival like an "Oakley Honey & Wine Festival." I believe it is time for our Oakley vineyards to put us on the map. Our local vintners should stop exporting our harvested grapes to Sonoma and create their own Oakley wine label, with wine tasting and event venues among the vineyards with Mt. Diablo in the background.

I love Oakley, and in general I believe Oakley is headed in the right direction, but we can do better. To really know how to fix our problems, you first need to be aware of them. I've studied important local issues while attending City Council meetings, talking to voters at events like the Almond Festival and in living rooms and door-steps of our neighbors. I want to bring my solutions to the City Council.

We must focus on attracting businesses to locate in Oakley, bringing much needed jobs and retaining our tax revenue. We need more quality places to eat, shop, conduct business and work. I will direct City staff to maximize their efforts at identifying businesses which are consistent with our vision of Oakley. I'm also proposing a local hiring ordinance that, when fiscally responsible, would direct City jobs and expenditures to local residents and businesses.

In a few years, my children will enter Oakley schools. I have a vested interest in the quality of our schools. A strong public education system also raises our property values and lowers crime. Maintaining open and regular communication with the Oakley Union Elementary School District and the Liberty Union High School District is critical, especially as we discuss plans to build a new high school in our community. I'm endorsed by a broad section of the educational community that includes local parents, teachers, professors and school district employees.

I'll fight to make sure our neighborhoods remain clean and safe, protecting our loved ones and property.

These are the types of solutions I'm excited to present to the public and city staff.

Oakley Fire Fighters and Vice-Mayor Jim Frazier have endorsed me. A full list of my supporters can be viewed at http://www.popeforoakley.com