Candidate for
Council Member; City of Concord

1. Sound Budgeting (CITY BUDGET) Devising a budget that is sound, especially in these financially-challenged times, I believe is our highest priority. For over a decade, our City's leaders have instituted solid financial policies that have allowed Concord to thrive. Now, we need to look at developing a short-term and longer- term financial plan to balance the budget, without dipping significantly into our emergency reserves. To do this, I am a strong advocate of prioritizing programs and services so that we identify which ones are most vital to our citizens. I do not pretend to have the answers, but I do have experience with budgeting, prioritizing and developing short and long term financial goals.

2. Public Safety/Crime Prevention (PUBLIC SAFETY) Concord Police and general public safety are absolutely vital to our great city. While crime is not on the rise in Concord and our police do an amazing job, it seems the crimes we read about in the newspaper are becoming more violent and potentially more dangerous. In order for our City to continue to thrive, we need to recognize the importance of police, public safety and look for creative new ways to fund police protection services. I am committed to working closely with city leaders, our new Police Chief, and our officers to look for new approaches to fighting and preventing crime in Concord.

3. Short & Long Term Business Development (LOCAL JOBS) Concord is the largest city in Contra Cost County and we need to focus on attracting more business, including small businesses, into our City. We can no longer afford to sit back and wait for businesses to find us. I support a focused look at streamlining our business permit processes that is welcoming to new business owners. I support and will volunteer to lead a task force of City leaders looking to promote Concord as a "great city to do business in," and devising a game plan to attract targeted businesses to our City. From the Concord Naval Weapons Station property, to the redevelopment of the Monument Corridor and Todos Santos Plaza, we have great potential and unlimited opportunities. The decisions we make here will become some of the City's most defining moments.