Candidate for
Member, City Council; City of Marina

The business climate in Marina is not what it could and should be. In the core of Marina we have lost more businesses than we have gained. In order to change this we need to streamline the permit process and make it easier for a prospective business to understand what permits will be needed, the total cost and the timeline to get it done. We also need to make Marina more attractive to business. Makeshift placement of banners during special events and directional signs on A-Frames do not show that we are responsive to the needs of our business community. In order to turn things around we may also need to offer short term incentives to attract business.

We should also make the process for expanding or improving an established business easier and cost effective. If we do not improve the way we deal with our current businesses we are likely to continue to see a departure of business from Marina.

All California cities have seen a decline in the condition of their roads due to the loss of funding to the State. However, Marina has had severe budget cuts that impacted the maintenance of our roads, parks and public buildings as well. These cuts went well beyond what was necessary as we now have a 40% reserve and expensive repairs and/or replacement as a result. Many of our parks are no longer safe for sports activity causing a loss in revenue to the City. It is important that the City Council look at using that excessive reserve as a means of investing in our community, making improvements that will attract new revenue through increasing business and visitor activity. Without investment in roads and parks we will continue a steady decline in business activity, worsening conditions, and loss of revenue.

Over the last 6 years the public has been taken out of the decision making process. The current council has not held one public workshop on any issue of importance to its citizens. The public was never asked if they wanted to have another look at Cypress Knolls or to weigh in on the idea of a greenway around Marina. These could have major impacts on our fiscal well being but our citizens were told they would hear about large projects like these when they come before council for a decision. Even then they would have FOUR minutes each after a motion to voice their opinion. In my mind, the citizens are being told their input is not desired. Public workshops should occur for any major project to ensure buy-in from the public. If there is not buy-in the staff time should not be wasted and should be focused on something the public supports. Workshops should not include the council. The staff should be there to take notes, describe the project and ensure everyone has the opportunity to express themselves freely and as often as they want. Their ideas and concerns can then be brought before the council for consideration. The public should also give their input on any item before the council prior to a motion. This gives the public the opportunity to express freely their ideas and know that their input can have an influence on the council decision