Issues
Priority Issues
Seaside continues to evolve and grow into a significant presence on the Monterey Peninsula. Our City Council has played a major role in this process by developing projects and investing in infrastructure. However, it's time to move beyond this, as we risk creating housing developments and communities that do not align with our city's goals. We need leadership that emphasizes communication. My campaign for mayor is about a transparent and inclusive government that listens to its community and leads effectively. To this end, I am focusing on three areas of concern.
01
Making Every Voice Count by Increasing Citizen Involvement
At the end of my first year on the Neighborhood Improvement Commission, Mayor Rubio held a recognition ceremony for Seaside volunteers. I remember inviting my parents to the event, and they clapped loudly
as I received a certification of appreciation from the mayor. This practice was discontinued, and we haven’t recognized volunteers for many years. Additionally, the mayor’s office has been relocated, so it is not readily accessible to the public upon entering City Hall. I hope to change that and create an environment where all citizens feel valued.
- Members of committees and commissions will be recognized through public ceremonies.
- Each council member, in consultation with the mayor, will be able to recommend people for commissions and committees. This is in addition to the current application process. Commission and committee chairs will be consulted prior to a decision being made.
- City employees and departments that improve citizens’ lives will be recognized.
- Formal recommendations from the commissions and committees, after consultation with city staff members, will be placed on the council agenda for discussion.
- Council members will be able to submit items for the agenda of the next council meeting.
- The mayor’s office will be moved to the front of the building, and an open-door policy will be implemented.
- There will be town halls for residents to share ideas, ask questions, and stay informed. Suggestions from the town halls will be assigned to staff members for follow-up.
02
Making Every Voice Count by Reaching Seaside's Potential Through Economic Development
Every weekend, Highway 1 is filled with cars headed south to Monterey and Carmel. Seaside is often overlooked because we haven’t promoted the unique aspects of our city, including the fact that we have influenced the world through the people trained at Ft. Ord, the exceptional dining experiences available, and the distinction of being the only city on the peninsula with a professional soccer team. In the future, I see many of those cars exiting Fremont Avenue and heading towards our vibrant downtown, which will be filled with multicultural restaurants, attractions for children and adults, shops, and live theater.
- I will collaborate with our economic director and business leaders to establish a Downtown Association and develop a strategy to attract people-friendly businesses to the downtown area.
- In cooperation with our Downtown Association, we will sponsor sales and events that bring community members, visitors, and students from CSUMB downtown.
- We will make Seaside a destination city through partnerships that develop attractions such as the Seaside/Fort Ord Museum, the Seaside/Oaxaca Cultural Center, or a theater with live and film programs.
- Seaside will become an official sponsor of the Monterey Bay Football Club, our hometown team.
03
Making Every Voice Count by Improving the Quality of Life in Seaside
Our city has diverse needs, and numerous local groups have been established to address these needs. I intend to support these groups, as well as individual citizens, and to develop a system so that their input can be heard.
- Listen to and work with organizations to provide housing affordability in Seaside.
- Help the groups working on homelessness prevention.
- Work with groups that provide early childhood, youth, and young adult programs.
- Solicit suggestions from groups such as the Neighborhood Watch to improve community safety and prevent violence.
- Listen to our senior citizens to help them have a better life.
- Work with environmental groups to improve our quality of life.
