Candidate for
Council Member; City of Tracy

When it comes to political philosophy, I am a conservative. I believe that government best serves the public by being minimally intrusive. Government, at all levels, must be open and responsive. City government, because it is so accessable to the community, does this best.

I beleive in individual initiaive and accountabilty. Government should help create an enviornment in which citizens can live and work safely and successfully, but should not be in the business of creating entitlements. Governemnt should be a facilitator, not an enabler.

Throughout my law enforcement career, I was (and still am) a strong believer in the "rule of law." As a council member, I would have opportunities to apply my personal values, beliefs and preferences to issues. This does not, however, allow me to make decisions contrary to established laws or ordinances. I firmly believe that individual "preference" (regardless of political leaning)is always subordiante to the "principle" of established law.

Regarding local issues facing Tracy, I am "pro-growth" and a fiscal realist. "'There are no free lunches." City services, infracture maintenance and new and improved communities facilities are expensive. City revenues are primarily derived from sales and property taxes, and developer fees. City government needs to ensure a healthly flow from all three sources and this is best done through responsible and realistic growth.

I disagree with the philosophy of "slow-growth" advocates who would not work to establish partnerships with businesses and developers to facilitate and expidite community growth. I beleive that government must do business with business, but do it well and safeguard the public's interest.