Running to change the direction our City is heading

By Jim Reed

Differences between the candidates

Now that the campaign season is upon us, the incumbents will use their typical campaign statements and platitudes to convince us they have been doing a good job.

We will hear how fiscally responsible they are when, in fact: hundreds of thousands of dollars were recently wasted on 21st Street and on matching fund grants for unnecessary projects in our city. Four times more than necessary was spent on the bathrooms at the Downtown City Park. They say they have cut staff to save money, but we are paying more than $1,120,000 per year in executive salaries. Former city employees are being paid off due to irresponsible policies and poor supervision. Our roads are finally getting needed maintenance, but only after we are paying more in sales tax.

The incumbents are going to try to convince us how business-friendly they are. In fact, my customers constantly tell me of months wasted to get projects approved, exorbitant fees and ridiculous red tape involved in trying to expand and improve their businesses. City policies actually stand in the way of businesses pursuing effective business plans.

The incumbents are going to tell us they listen to us. However, citizens have asked for Centennial Pool to be open to provide summer jobs for our youth, swimming lessons for our kids, and a wholesome place for families to socialize.

Still, the pool is closed.

Citizens want the parks to be run responsibly so our children can have youth sports programs, but the City requires private citizens to do the maintenance, and then gouges parents with huge fees to use the parks - which they maintain!

The list just goes on and on!

Today, decisions being made on our behalf are directed by outside influences.

Citizens have been made invisible and irrelevant. Paso Robles is no longer the family-friendly community with the quality of life that we desire. Our City Council has lost the mentality the citizens are the officials and the people we elect are to work for us.

This needs to change. The values and principles of the citizens must be respected.

I see the need for strong, principled leadership that will actually listen and represent the views and desires of the citizens.

I ask for your vote. http://www.JimReed4Paso.com