Candidate for
Mayor; City of Elk Grove

I have watched the City's General Plan the guiding blue print for our future be amended 25 times since its 2003 adoption. These amendments have lead to the current jobs/housing imbalance and an ongoing uncertainty about the future of our city. The City has spent nearly 1 million dollars on a sphere of influence application with the intent of expanding the city boundaries by 8,000+/- acres. The justification for this application is based on bringing jobs to our city even though Elk Grove currently is unable to fill the existing vacant retail and commercial property.

As your elected Mayor I will bring forth a resolution to the full city council withdrawing the Sphere of Influence application until long term growth projections warrant refiling.

Elk Grove resorted to a 3.3 million dollar incentive package to relocate 1500 existing state jobs to our city and justified this by stating the 1500 individuals would be buying cars from our auto center and eating lunch at nearby restaurants.

As your elected Mayor I will reevaluate the current economic development incentive ordinance. The current ordinance favors new businesses creating a minimum of twenty new jobs, however this ordinance fails to encourage retention of current small businesses and most new jobs created are "mom and pop" businesses that start small and grow incrementally over time. I want to work with experts in all areas to create new sustainable jobs for the city of Elk Grove.

The city has spent 900,000 on the civic center design by an England Architect. The design was rejected and the residents have nothing to show for the 900,000. The contract with an English Architect did not support Elk Grove's Think, Shop, Live Elk Grove Campaign. All public/private partnerships shall require sound fiscal analysis that is not based on overly optimistic market scenarios.

Is it acceptable to spend roughly $150,000 for a city council seat? I believe the cost of campaigning and running for election in Elk Grove is too high and is a road block for many who have the desire to serve their community. Monetary constraints should not prevent individuals from seeking office. I so strongly support this change that I am not accepting contributions and limiting my personal spending to $1,000 beyond the filing fees ($825.00).

As your elected Mayor I will urge the full city council to enact a Campaign Finance Reform ordinance patterned after other successful cities such as West Sacramento.

I want to join with the people of Elk Grove to create a solid, healthy foundation with visual attractiveness to be the vibrant city people and businesses need and desire to thrive. Elk Grove is a wonderful diverse community of people. They deserve a well-planned and designed city.