 Many people would have you believe that this City Council race is about a single initiative. The fact of the matter is that by the time the new City Council is installed, that issue will have been decided by the voters. This election is about (1) the future of Livermore citizens, (2) the new diversity in Livermore, and (3) the need to recognize that Livermore is a multi-dimensional city. There is a new demographic and dynamic in our town and the City Council needs to recognize the desires and areas of concern of this assemblage, in addition to the established groups in Livermore. The Council needs to progress from its black and white approach to setting policy and take a balanced approach to governing.
As a candidate for the City Council, I represent a balanced approach in dealing with issues that come before me. I will look at items on the agenda in color, realizing that there are valid points to be made on both sides, and stay objective in my decision making process. I will not only consider the direct impact of a decision, but the indirect bearing it will have on key priorities to the citizens of Livermore. I have identified six priorities or areas of interest for Livermore residents.
- Parks and Recreation
- Schools
- Business
- Family friendly housing
- Public Health and Safety
- Traffic Management
 First: Parks and recreation - As a little league and youth soccer coach, I have personally experienced the need in our town for a major sports park, as well as the need to better maintain our existing facilities. The City Council, LARPD and the schools have demonstrated they can work together with the right leadership.
Second: Schools As a parent and active Council member, I would ensure decisions we make will not negatively impact our schools. If we take a balanced attitude to growth, we will be able to sustain increasing enrollment and ensure we have the facilities to accommodate those numbers while maintaining a quality education for our children. Schools are a key component to the success of any community. Perhaps unknowingly, the cities policy in growth has resulted in school closure.
Third: Business We have an obligation to adopt policies that will not only promote our existing businesses, but help to bring new business to Livermore. By attracting commerce that reflects the desires of our residents, it will help surrounding enterprises thrive as well.
Fourth: Family friendly housing The Council must adopt a policy of Housing for All and support housing affordability opportunities. Family friendly housing has a direct relationship in the success of our schools.
Fifth: Public Health and Safety We must maintain a high level of police and fire protection for our residents. People will not want to live in a city they do not feel their families will be safe and secure.
Sixth: Traffic Management Traffic tends to become an issue as prosperity increases. We will need to address traffic mitigation as Livermore grows with state, local and federal officials.
These are some of the areas of concern that I have identified and plan to continuously factor into my decision making process. You will find that I am a very open-minded, approachable and objective individual. I am a true believer in the art of compromise and creating a win-win situation.
I hope the need to resolve these issues will lead to your support in my appointment to the City Council.
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