On the Issues Facing Turlock

By Steven Nascimento

Maintaining Quality of Life:

The residents of Turlock expect and deserve a community that is safe, vibrant, and well managed. Though our community faces unprecedented fiscal challenges, we must remain committed to providing our public safety personnel with the tools and resources to insure safe and secure neighborhoods. The City must also promote the performing and visual arts, and encourage downtown businesses to embrace a more socially active and vibrant streetscape. It is also important that the City continue its commitment to its parks and recreation programs and facilities. These amenities are crucial to the development of our young people, and have long been a source of pride in our community.

Sustainable Growth:

Even before the State of California decided to balance its budget on the backs of cities, poorly planned communities were suffering the consequences suburban sprawl. Over the next decade, our City will face a series of critical decisions that will decide how our community will grow. Our City leaders must have a firm understanding of community planning to insure that today's growth does not become tomorrow's burden. I am a strong advocate of downtown redevelopment, and as a member of the City Council, I will support strong growth boundaries and encourage reinvestment and development in Turlock's downtown and underserved south side.

Economic Development:

In order to maintain regional competitiveness, it is important that we invest in the critical infrastructure necessary to attract industrial and commercial development. The City must also collaborate with our local universities to encourage innovation and entrepreneurship and the development of human capital.

Fiscal Responsibility:

As a community, we must hold our elected officials accountable for establishing budgets that are balanced and responsible. The Council must learn to live within its means and ensure that the City's current unfunded obligations do not burden future generations.

Transparency & Accountability:

Transparency is the foundation of accountability. Residents have the right to know where their tax dollars are being spent and should have access to the information necessary to hold politicians accountable for the decisions made on their behalf. Transparency promotes efficient and effective local government and discourages waste. As your City Councilman, I will fight to ensure that the City Council conducts its business openly and transparently.

During the course of my campaign, I will be reaching out to members of the community to identify issues of local concern, and seeking input on collective action we can take to address these issues. I cannot do it alone -- but together we can!