Candidate's Statement

By Rob Schroder

This was filed with the County Elections Office

As citizens of historic Martinez, we face many of the same challenges our neighbors do in nearby cities and cities across the country. When you watch the news, it is easy to view all of these communities and their leaders in the same way. Yet, Martinez is doing much better than most. This isn't an accident. Please judge my record based on facts as I ask to lead our community and build on the foundation we have laid these last few years.

Martinez continues to balance its budget on realistic expectations, to have a healthy reserve, and to practice fiscal responsibility through top down reorganization. As Mayor, I will always use prudent leadership to manage our funds to provide the essential services.

While other cities are forced to reduce their police force, Martinez has added officers and continues to have a fully staffed police department.

We need jobs, economic revitalization and quality, controlled growth and that is why I want to see the Downtown Specific Plan completed. We have been designated as a Ferry Landing so the rebuilding of the Marina will further improve our community.

Along with the ongoing program to re-pave roads, Martinez parks, library, pool and streets all continue to be enhanced through the $30m Measure H and $5m Marina Vista Streetscape projects.

Last year I pushed for critical support for our schools that saved teaching jobs and kept class size reductions. I will continue to work closely with the Martinez Unified School District to find ways we can collaborate.

I realize that I will never be able to please everyone, and occasionally I end up disagreeing with people I know and respect, but at the end of the day I base all decisions on what I believe is best for the entire City of Martinez.

I respectively ask for your vote.