Candidate for
Councilmember; City of Paso Robles

My name is Jim Reed. I ran for City Council in 2012 when I saw that the incumbents were not representing the interests of the Citizens of Paso Robles. After that election and all the issues we pointed out, I hoped they would respond to us.

I have seen no change. So, I am running again to change the direction that our City is taking.

Ten years ago the city surveyed citizens asking what was important to them. The categories included Growth, Street Maintenance, Downtown Development, Parks, etc. Ten years later, not one of the issues the citizens indicated were important to them has been pursued, and, in most cases the opposite has been done.

The council has voted in a restrictive uptown-downtown plan, several bike paths and commitments to grants that sell out our city sovereignty to entities that don't live here. Our city is heading in a certain direction that is opposed to what our citizens have asked for. The citizens have finally been made invisible and irrelevant.

21st Street is a good example of what is directing our current City Council. Outside agencies and interests designed changes to the street that eliminated parking spaces, hurting the businesses on that street. The changes narrowed driving lanes. One of the jobs we ask of our City Government is to maintain our roads. Our streets are for the public to drive upon. What has been done is not in the best interest of the citizens. Instead of spending $1.8 Million of tax payer money on the changes to 21st Street, that street plus many other streets in our City could have been repaved.

At the time of the last election citizens stood up to an unconstitutional ordinance that would authorize city employees to enter a business anytime they wanted, to open closed doors without a warrant and if a property owner resisted, the city employee could use any legal force to make their unwarranted inspection. The ordinance was stopped, but only for a short time. Later an amended ordinance was passed despite objections from citizens. And, in fact, a second such ordinance was then passed relating to backyards of citizen's homes and other private property.

In watching council members approve every plan the city staff comes up with, it becomes obvious we need make some changes. I see the need for strong, principled leadership that WILL listen and actually represent the views and positions of the Citizens. For too long the council has allowed city government to run over citizen's wishes and rights.

This practice is unacceptable. On many occasions I have heard City employees actually say they, "... do not work for you." (citizens). That attitude pervades City Hall.

It is time for a change. If you share my concerns, I urge you to connect with me and help change this dangerous direction our city has been going in!

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