PUBLIC SAFETY

The role of government as stated in Article 13 of the California Constitution is very clear.  It states, that public safety is the first responsibility of local government and local officials have an obligation to give priority to the provision of adequate public safety services. When we constantly ignore study after study that our police and fire resources do not meet nationally recognized standards we have failed our obligation.   I am determined to meet that obligation.

Our elected officials tell us there is no money for additional fire stations, personnel and other infrastructure needs while they spend millions on studies and law suits and catering to special interest requests.  Since when did it become ok to say we just don’t have the money to properly fund public safety?

We lost 15 lives and 1500 homes in the cedar fire in 2003, and another 14 lives and 1800 homes in the Fires of 2007.

THIS IS SERIOUS – DEADLY SERIOUS

We are no better prepared for a major fire or earthquake now than we were 6 months ago or 4 years ago. 

I will use my 45 years knowledge of the district, my 40 years experience in local government and the leadership I have shown on the fire ground and as a Fire Chief, to see that our tax dollars are spent wisely and make San Diego and District 5 a safer place to live.

That is why The San Diego City Fire Fighters and San Diego Police Officer’s Association have endorsed my candidacy. 

TRAFFIC

I have lived in this district for 45 years. I drive on the same routes and streets that you do and am equally frustrated with traffic as my fellow residents. Reducing traffic congestion is an absolute priority in order to improve our quality of life. Congestion slows down our community and our economy. Transportation planning is too often short sighted, we need to not only plan for today but also for the next 25 years.

My vision of addressing traffic congestion includes:

Extending the San Diego Trolley up I-5 to the UCSD campus, then heading east through the employment centers in Sorrento Valley and Miramar area to I-15 and turning north up to Escondido.

Staggered work hours for government employees to spread the workday commuter spike and telecommuting

Land use planning that locates housing proximate to employment centers

Traffic mitigation policies for developers to encourage contributions to transit improvements as well as freeway improvements.

Listening to the constituents in District 5 to fully address the transportation needs of our district