We asked each candidate to answer a few questions so that you can know a little more about their priorities. Click on each question to reach the candidate’s answer. See responses from other candidate: Donald E. Hedrick.
Rank the issues in order of importance for our county:
If elected, what will you do to address the issue you identified above as most significant?
To address housing, I will prioritize securing more funding for individuals in all stages of housing need, from emergency shelters to permanent housing. I plan to collaborate closely with HASLO, Peoples’ Self-Help Housing, Good Samaritans, Cal Poly, the County, and other community partners to expand affordable and attainable housing opportunities. Additionally, I will work to streamline zoning and planning processes to make them more efficient and clear for small to large developers, thereby accelerating the process of increasing our housing stock.
Which theme in the Chamber's regional economic vision, Imagine SLO, do you think deserves the most focus in the next four years and why?
Empowering Innovation – Economic development & primary jobs needs and resources are constantly evolving. Fostering a strong local economy through the creation of high-quality jobs will not only improve the financial stability of residents but also support the growth and sustainability of small businesses. The city has created Buy Local programs for summer, the winter holidays and in January for restaurants. In addition the high impact diversity grants for non-profits and businesses were created. These were all innovative programs to spur economic growth in SLO. The city also updated its Economic Development Strategic Plan this year, giving the city a road map to grow and sustain businesses in SLO. By prioritizing economic development, we can ensure that San Luis Obispo remains a vibrant, resilient community with opportunities for all.
What is your approach on traffic and parking issues? Are there any policies that you are committed to advocate for or against?
I am committed to advocating for Vision Zero, which aims to eliminate all traffic-related injuries and fatalities. I believe in promoting safety for all modes of transportation, whether it’s walking, biking, or driving. Educating the public on traffic safety is crucial to reduce infractions and prevent accidents. Additionally, I support policies that enhance pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure, which will help reduce traffic congestion and improve overall safety.
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?
I support the current regulations allowing buildings up to 75 feet tall in the downtown core if they provide significant community benefits. It is important to focus on areas of our city that we as a community have identified as denser areas. To provide In order to balance development with the preservation of our green spaces and greenbelt.
For the first time in decades, the City is approaching our self-imposed 1% limit on new housing development. Would you support amending this 1% cap to address our housing crisis or do you believe it is essential to maintain this limit?
I believe the 1% limit is beneficial as it keeps development in line with our existing infrastructure capacity. However, I am open to exploring amendments that could provide more flexibility in addressing our current housing crisis, especially if they include measures to ensure that infrastructure and services are scaled accordingly.
What are you most proud of having contributed to our community in the past ten years?
I am most proud of having fostered greater community engagement and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) beyond the City departments. By encouraging a culture of inclusion and participation, and implementing the City’s Office of DEI, I have worked to ensure that all voices are heard and represented in our community. My efforts have focused on building bridges between various groups and advocating for policies that promote fairness and equal opportunity
What is the biggest opportunity for our City in the next four years?
The biggest opportunity for our City in the next four years is to enhance our economic development while simultaneously addressing the housing crisis. By creating a strategic plan that combines both economic growth and increased housing availability, we can ensure a balanced and sustainable future for San Luis Obispo.
Is there something the City is not currently focused on that you would bring to the forefront if elected?
Public transportation needs to be brought back to the forefront of our City’s priorities. We need to revise our communication strategies to increase awareness and usage of public transit options. Additionally, fostering open conversations between landlords and tenants about the realities of the housing market in SLO will be crucial in addressing housing affordability and availability.