We asked each candidate to answer a few questions so that you can know a little more about their priorities. See responses from other candidates: Erik Long, Jan Marx, James Papp, Andy Pease and Robin Wolf.
We have yet to receive responses from Kelly Evans and Jeffery Specht.
This year, voters will have the chance to enact Measure G-20, a sales tax that would support long term community and economic health through direct investment in key infrastructure, local businesses, vibrant neighborhoods, and the acquisition and preservation of open space; do you support Measure G? Why or why not?
I do not support Measure G primarily due to the timing. Our community members are struggling and this tax increase, while stated to target tourists, will have a detrimental financial impact on our community still recovering from COVID shutdown.
For more than ten years, buildings in the downtown core have been allowed to be up to 75 feet tall if they provide significant community benefits; do you support these current regulations? Why or why not?
Growth is inevitable but we can do so responsibly. In some cases it will be more beneficial to grow up rather than out, especially as we prioritize preserving the open space that adds to SLO’s beauty and enjoyment.
There are nearly 2,000 homes slated to be built in the City of SLO through Avila Ranch and San Luis Ranch; do you think that this will solve our housing shortage or do we still need to build more homes?
It won’t solve the issue of housing supply, demand will remain. Equally important issues are ensuring we address infrastructure needs to keep up with the building and strengthening our economy to make these homes a true financial possibility for locals.
Rank the issues in order of importance for our city:
If elected, what will you do to address the issue you identified above as most significant?
I believe that built into the foundation of a thriving community are residents who feel safe and secure while those who protect feel supported. In order to bring a sense of strong public safety, I support continued growth and development of measures that drive community engagement between residents and law enforcement. As homelessness, behavioral health and drug issues continue to escalate in our city it’s imperative that our Police Department is working with local charitable/private groups that serve as more effective solutions to issues at hand. We must educate our community on resources readily available to those in need.
Is there something the city is not currently doing that you would take up if elected?
In line with my advocacy for our economic vitality and bringing “life back” to businesses in our town, I will strongly support providing public resources and jobs for our youth, providing places to safely gather, mentorship opportunities and financial literacy education. Empowering these members of our community, who are the future, will ensure San Luis Obipso is something we can be proud of.
What is your approach on traffic and parking issues? Are there any policies that you are committed to advocating for or against?
San Luis Obispo is in desperate need of infrastructure updates for both traffic flow and parking. I do not necessarily advocate against the planned implementation of bike lanes around town, I do however believe it is necessary to reevaluate pending projects. I would re-evaluate current plans for multiple reasons, including but not limited to financing concerns, the impact on our budget, further impact to safe and efficient traffic flow, and the safety of the bicyclists.
Which theme in the Chamber’s economic vision, Imagine SLO , do you think deserves the most focus in the next four years and why?
I believe the Doers + Dreamers deserve the most focus in the next four years. Each of their policies and priorities play a part in ensuring that the hardworking individuals, families and business owners of SLO are for economic recovery. Their vision focuses on fostering sustainable jobs, advocating for necessary infrastructure advancements, building an economically viable city and more. This is more important than ever as we enter the recovery process from COVID-19.
What is the biggest opportunity for our City in the next four years and why?
There is much uncertainty of what the future holds, causing increased pressure on leaders to manage the immediate and long term impact of the pandemic. Currently, the largest opportunity for our city is providing resources for individual/business prosperity, security and safety. We must be innovative in rethinking how we use existing vacant buildings or spaces for new purposes/uses, as well as reevaluating burdensome taxes and fees to ensure there is equal opportunity for all.
What are you most proud of having contributed to our community in the past 10 years?
I am extremely proud of the time and commitment I have provided to the future of SLO, through my personal mentoring and life skills coaching of many of our young residents of SLO. In addition to that serving with the San Luis Obispo Sheriff’s Department gave me the opportunity to provide crucial support, guidance and security to inmates and community members.