Would you be willing to cut city services if it was necessary to
balance a budget? If so, which services would you cut first?
Yes, I would be willing to cut services. I don't have specific cuts in mind at this point. I would need to review the budget with a fine-tooth comb and would consider across the board cuts, including hiring freezes, etc. We need to be cautious about going overboard with employee benefits, such as enhanced pensions that are now getting some cities into trouble. Also, we may need to raise fees. Some of ours, such as the business license fee, have not kept up with other cities. In short, we need to do something other than draw from reserves to balance the budget.
- What will you do to retain existing businesses and attract new ones?
I think we need to look at mixed-use development, which is currently being studied, and overlay zoning, which has been talked about in the past. Infrastructure improvements need to continue. Some shopping centers could use a face-lift and perhaps low interest loans would be helpful but private investment should be encouraged first. Code enforcement may be necessary to make sure properties are clean and presentable. Finally, I think we do too much micromanaging of small business. At one planning commission meeting I attended, a small shop owner was put through the ringer so she could display a small amount of furniture outdoor in front of her store.
- How will you balance the needs of residents and business owners?
I think all parties need to be listened to and ideally compromises reached that are acceptable to everyone. This is isn't always achievable in which case hard decisions need to be made as to what is best for the city as whole and for affected areas in particular. Factors such as noise, traffic and density all need to considered. Ideally, a level playing field needs to be created for everyone.
- What will you do to improve housing quality and opportunies in the city?
Part of the solution here lies with mixed use and overlay zoning as previously mentioned. A balance needs to be reached between quality and quantity. One of my main platforms is to focus on reasonable and responsible growth, that is less density. We need to be careful not to destroy the character of existing neighborhoods. Where the city has the authority and capacity, it should mandate and encourage senior and affordable housing. I would like to see mobile home parks retained if at all possible.
- How will you improve transportation in the city and regionally?
I support the widening of Newport Boulevard through downtown Costa Mesa as proposed by Cal Trans. Another idea mentioned is to underground this segment, but that may be too expensive. More commuter busses would help. Regionally, I have opposed Centerline as too little for too big a price tag. We need to see a bigger picture before embarking on this. I use this type of transportation on occasion so am not totally opposed to it. I think we need to look at less expensive methods of construction. These would be using existing freeways, a monorail or suspended rail system (i.e. cars hanging under a raised rail), and even, though granted farfetched, cable and gondola systems for shorter and less crowded segments. These would be more versatile and cheaper. Cities would have one or more hubs with these systems fanning out from them connecting with other cities using existing rights of way. And ideally I would like to see private investment involved.
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