I believe government should be proactively engaged with its citizens. What are some of the responsibilities of the local government? They help to provide: law enforcement; fire protection; libraries; the construction and maintenance of roads; public utilities such as water, and sewage services. They regulate business and commerce through licensing and enforcement of standards; collecting taxes to finance the functions of city government. Local government manages all of these services and much more that are nearest to your day-to-day life with in our community.

As citizens, you have much more contact with our local governments than you do with the federal or state governments. The Board of Supervisor’s vote has slipped into symbolism rather that a vote the represents the majority of citizen values and concerns for their community.

As your MAYOR I would; share information and ideas; collaborate with citizens on agenda items; set common priorities and action plans for the community.

Citizen engagement makes our community a better community. As your Mayor – giving citizens a voice in decisions that shape our community, would be a top priority.

Many politicians realize there is political mileage in building more houses in their community. Eventually local government must cope with the disruption lack of funding to maintain city services and maintain city streets due to the large increase in housing. With the increase in housing developments, it would better serve our community if these had higher water and sewer rates and hookup fees. Additionally, developers should be charged for each new dwelling a flat fee that that would go towards street repair in the community.

Characteristics of healthy communities contribute to making the lives of citizens easier and healthier, and making their tax dollars go further.

Funding for local governments come from you the citizen – creating more transparency in our local government would increase citizens engagement. Citizens want information that’s relevant, timely, easy to understand, and easy to get.

Budgeting is one of the most important things local government does, budget reflects the vision, strategies, and priorities for the future of our community. Budget decisions have a direct impact on citizens day-to-day lives.

City government must be held to: Openness; Transparency and Accountability. I am very mindful of these facts and that the money within the City Budget comes directly from you the citizens and that the city government exists to serve you the citizens.

The more our city government can provide in the way of transparency, the more it increases trust, honesty, and integrity.