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 Cherisse Sweeney.

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?

Yes. These are hard times, the city is struggling. In order for us to financially land on stable ground and have essential services we need this appears to be the best possible solution.

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?

No. 75-foot-tall buildings will change the charm and feel that brings visitors
to SLO. More housing brings more cars. Where is the parking? Minimum wage jobs can’t afford downtown rents. Once you go up it will be hard to back.

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?

Considering the possible long-term effects of the Coronavirus, jobs and Cal
Poly I would step back and re-evaluate. Those 2,000+ homes will be for rent or on the market soon. Let’s revisit in the new year.

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?

Per the current climate I believe we need to take immediate action to address diversity, equity and inclusion in our city. First we need to acknowledge it, talk about what it means and take positive steps in moving forward. It will not be easy but it will be rewarding and make us better for it. These are the journeys that make us better people, able to create a better community and lay a strong foundation for a better city — a better world. This falls in line with my motto that I published in every issue of my publication for 27 years — the good of the whole veins with the individual.

Is there something the city is not currently doing that you would take up if elected?

I live in Laguna Lake and I feel left out of downtown. Most people I know seldom, if ever, go to Thursday Farmers Market. My husband and I go downtown for dinner, a beverage and to meet up with friends. With SLO as “The Hub”, I’d find a way to connect all the satellite areas through SLO. This will support all businesses. I frequent Beta’s Biergarden for the food, friendly service and easy parking. We go to one of the restaurants in The Creamery every Friday or Saturday. When the music comes back it will change, I hope.

What is your approach on traffic and parking issues? Are there any policies that you are committed to advocating for or against?

I avoid the heart of Downtown. I would suggest 1 hour of free parking to draw more business. How about downtown businesses handing out a special city coin to customers for the meter?

Which theme in the Chamber’s economic vision, Imagine SLO , do you think deserves the most focus in the next four years and why?

Open Space. Once it’s gone it can never return.

What is the biggest opportunity for our City in the next four years and why?

It’s time to truly welcome diversity. Once we are able to acknowledge the
problem within our community, and ourselves, we can truly knock down
the walls, opening our hearts to our individual uniqueness and begin to
heal our prejudices associated with race, ethnicity, gender, sexual
orientation, socio-economic status, age, physical abilities, religious
beliefs, political beliefs or other ideologies. We’ve got a lot of work to do
in SLO. I have no doubt we can do it.

What are you most proud of having contributed to our community in the past 10 years?

Every year for the last 10 years I have proudly led and coordinated Earth Day. It takes a lot of time, hard work and stress but I know I see it making a difference. Children and adults are learning together and this one time experience often leaves a positive message/habit that will never be forgotten. I do not get paid for coordinating Earth Day. It is my service to the
community.