Candidate for
Member, City Council; City of Salinas; District 1

Why are you running for Mayor?

As a young person relatively new to my neighborhood, I have seen that we need to attend to safety, job creation and improvement of public services. Instead of just standing on the street corner and looking up a darkness because the light is out, I would like aim a strong flashlight throughout the city to find new ways make Salinas better. As the Salinas Valley Chamber of Commerce said in its endorsement, I am "a refreshing voice for the community." I would like to add that I am only relaying what the community thinks, as I will be relying heavily on finding out what people in the community think. That's why I say, "I'm keeping you in mind."

What are the biggest challenges the city is facing, and how can these issues be tackled?

I believe the biggest problem for Salinas is not enough jobs available for its citizens. It is necessary to attract corporations to establish themselves in Salinas by giving these corporations incentives and making it easier for them to come here. Salinas also needs to assist citizens who want to open up a business by simplifying the process and giving better training to someone who wants to open a business.

What makes you the best candidate among to lead the city?

Because I am new to this, I feel I can bring new and fresh ideas. I am not entering this with an allegiance to anybody but the people of Salinas to which I am a part of. My only interests are the needs of the community. I also can bring my experiences as a correctional officer and small business owner to this position.

What are your ideas to take the city forward?

Some of the ideas that I think are important to focus on:

· Community Safety: I will work with my fellow Council Members to keep adequate staffing and funding for the Police and Fire Departments and to present new ideas to suppress gang violence.

· Rebuilding and Establishing a stronger economy: I will work to attract new businesses to establish themselves in Salinas, formulate incentives for existing businesses to expand, and make it more convenient for new business to open.

· Improving Community Programs and Services: I will work to develop community activities that bring people together and to ensure services for the community continue without neglect.

I will bring my leadership skills, strong work ethic, and aggressive passion in making decisions on behalf of the citizens of Salinas. I will also perform due diligence to make certain I am knowledgeable in all the issues I come upon.