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: Heidi Harmon and Sandra Marshall-Eminger.
We have yet to receive a response from Donald Hedrick.
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?
This will not keep goods and services local. Additional taxes placed upon our residents – at this time – would prove to be too much of a financial burden. Instead, we should reallocate budget funds most relevant to current needs.
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?
We have a very involved due process to approve projects that usually last many years or even decades. It’s vital that we build a long-term plan that draws upon community input early in the process when setting building height limitations.
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?
Housing is an affordability issue. The housing “crisis” came at a time when our economy was healthier and jobs local. Today’s rapidly changing economic circumstances will lead to an altogether different crisis if we ignore the need for affordable housing.
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?
My grassroots candidacy aims to address each of the priorities listed above and how they have been affecting our businesses, households and the community at large. As much as possible, it is my goal to represent the needs and concerns of the citizens of San Luis Obispo. Public safety and public health are the two most pressing and relevant issues to our overall stability as a community. We need to get ahead of addressing the drug and behavioral health issues that are rapidly growing and compounding during COVID-19 regulations.
Is there something the city is not currently doing that you would take up if elected?
It’s critical to foster and cultivate a City Council that is inclusive of all voices. We are currently lacking diversity of thought and healthy conversation. In times of crisis it is most important to stay informed of the facts and data. It is the role of City Council to bridge the gap of information in order to keep everyone informed of the pressing issues that are impacting our everyday lives. We have a lot of hard work to do; working together to get through these challenging times is of paramount importance.
What is your approach on traffic and parking issues? Are there any policies that you are committed to advocating for or against?
As a downtown business owner, I hear and see a lot. Whether it is locals commuting into SLO, neighboring Central Coast driving here, or folks in SLO riding bikes downtown for work, traffic is something that needs to be constantly assessed. It takes practical forward thinking. We need to be prepared to act and react to traffic and parking habits and trends so that we can best serve the needs and desires of local commuters.
Which theme in the Chamber’s economic vision, Imagine SLO , do you think deserves the most focus in the next four years and why?
The last one on the list, Creating Connection. Just as you beautifully stated “At the core of community wellness is human connection.” I see this as a guiding principle for government leadership, more now than ever. Let’s live this through our actions and as leaders, by example. Engage with and keep our community informed. Especially in times of crisis and recovery.
What is the biggest opportunity for our City in the next four years and why?
There are many smart, savvy, and thoughtful voices from diverse perspectives in our community. In times of crisis we are offered an opportunity to come together, problem solve and rise above so that we can succeed together. I see our path forward in three steps: get through it, stabilize and prosper.
What are you most proud of having contributed to our community in the past 10 years?
As a parent, I am most proud of raising my children to be the next generation of responsible and engaged community members. I am also equally proud of my small business, which helps support not only my family, but the families of my employees and associates by providing jobs and contributing to the economic prosperity of downtown SLO. Operating a business reveals a lot about a person’s character, as it takes patience, determination, grit and discipline to succeed. You must also be willing to stand up for the principles that improve our community, especially in today’s uncertain business environment.