We asked each candidate to answer a few questions so that you can know a little more about their priorities. See responses from other candidate Vicki Nohrden.
Which Assembly committee has the biggest impact on our region and why?
Utility and Energy because the Central Coast is on the front lines of both the climate crisis and the energy transition. We are grappling with Diablo going offline while preparing to be a green-energy and job-producing hub for California.
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?
As a Morro Bay Councilmember I campaigned on increasing housing, then led the charge to make Housing a Major City Goal (which it currently is). I voted to approve the first 100% low/very low income development in 30 years and allocate City resources to the project. I have led the way on climate issues and economic development by promoting offshore wind and battery energy storage. Additionally, I have voted to approve a goal in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. This is the kind of leadership and action I would bring to the Legislature if elected.
Do you think the state government is doing enough to support housing in our region? If not, what would you do to change it?
No, the State should be doing more. The State needs to provide more tools to replace missing redevelopment funding/support. Additionally, solutions need to be tailored to fit the uniqueness of Assembly District 30. We need to leverage local expertise and support local jurisdictions to make good on the promise to serve the people – by increasing housing. I would work closely with the Chambers and the Cities to come up with solutions that fit the Central Coast through increased funding to address homelessness and policy better aligned to increase low income and missing middle housing.
Which theme in the Chamber’s economic vision, Imagine SLO, do you think deserves the most focus in the next four years and why?
Local business makes the Central Coast thrive, but it is becoming too hard for too many. We need to fix that. As a Councilmember I have championed two of the largest economic development projects in the region (wind energy and battery storage), increased housing, partnered with the Chamber to cut red tape, served as the championed childcare, voted to approve mixed use in the downtown, and more. As the Central Coast emerges from the pandemic while beginning Diablo decommissioning, we must support doers and dreamers who create jobs and solutions.