Key Issues

 Small business is the backbone of our City and it has been devastated during the pandemic.  We must begin to kick-start economic recovery in an equitable and robust way. I want to make certain that first served are those most vulnerable and impacted as we determine how to prioritize a way to distribute resources. 

 Santa Monica will move forward to do its part in creating more affordable housing. I will be looking at the feasibility of building near transit, on city owned and surplus land. We can achieve our housing goals while protecting our neighborhoods and preserving existing housing stock.

 I am committed to ensuring all stakeholders sit at the table to express their expertise, opinions and thoughts about solutions to the touch challenges our City  confronts.  As we work to return our economic engine to ‘normal’ we know that many perspectives can create a strong path forward.  Robust civic engagement is the cornerstone of balanced decision making! 

 We need to be innovative and create pathways to stay ahead of the curve.  Santa Monica has amazing assets!  We can provide ways for our youth to work together with our businesses and labor to create internships and training for future careers.  Many years ago Santa Monica made the decision to invite tourists to our town and this remains a main revenue generator.  I will work with all willing partners to create sustainable ways to help businesses put out the City’s welcome mat again. 

 I will take a collaborative approach in finding ways to creatively strengthen our community-policing model.  Our first responders are strength in our community. I believe that public safety is enhanced when we view it as a public health issue.  As we deal with the mentally ill and homeless, I support a housing-first approach and will support building Supportive Housing and working closely with our social service agencies to put people on a path to active citizenship.

We must continue to move forward with our sustainability goals and programs.  I support our fight to reduce our carbon footprint, support our Sustainable Water Infrastructure Plan that includes storage and recycling so we can pump more water into our aquifers and our new building standards mandating solar panels.  I will work to promote community wellbeing by increasing mobility options.

 Our City has created many alternative modes of transportation, encouraging bicycling, walking, welcoming the Metro rail line and supporting our Big Blue Bus system.  We still have many people using automobiles to get into our town.  I look forward to working with the community and my colleagues to create new ways for people to have additional sustainable and alternative ways to travel safely and efficiently.