Shaping a Better Oceanside
Many supporters have asked for the facts,
or "talking points" regarding the misplaced recall effort so that the truth can combat the many lies and misrepresentations that are being vocalized by
paid signature gatherers.
COST: In these hard economic times $500,000 for a special election is a waste of money to shave 10 months off of a duly elected official's term. The money that may be taken from the ever-diminishing general fund can only impact public safety and services. You need to ask yourself who is funding this recall and is willing to have the taxpayers pick up the tab.
POWER: This recall is more about political maneuvering and a blatant attempt to swing the voting bloc back to the anti-business and anti-economic development vision that had the city in a chokehold prior to the 2006 election. Recalling a person because you don't like them or don't like how they vote is a corruption of the process.
ECONOMICS: I am pro-business and pro-economic development. That was my platform in 2006, as now, and I make no apologies. The overall economic viability of Oceanside is dependent upon a healthy and sustainable City economy. This is essential in providing for public safety, infrastructure, and services expected by our residents.
DEVELOPMENT: The city has only 178 acres of general industrial zoned land; land that can generate jobs compared to 4000 acres of open space. There is a vocal minority that would like to see all industry housed in another city. If the city no longer wants to have industrial employers, with all the proper permits and legal requirements, then it needs to look at rezoning these job-producing areas. Until then, if a business comes to Oceanside that meets all requirements, creates jobs, is a good project, provides the city with much-needed resources, and helps generate revenue to sustain economic vitality I will do the fiscally responsible thing. Before I come to council I always do my homework by gathering facts, asking questions, and listening to all sides. After considering all the facts, I weigh the benefits to ALL residents and not the few, when deciding how to vote. Yes, I voted for a state-of-the-art concrete plant on Industry Street in a properly zoned industrial area. I have not voted on an asphalt plant at El Corazon - it was turned down at the Planning Commission - and nothing else has come before the city council.
LOBBYIST ORDINANCE: I tried to bring the current Oceanside lobbyist ordinance in-line with the County of San Diego’s lobbyist ordinance and streamline the process.
VETERANS: I am a veteran and have always been one of the strongest supporters of veterans. I was instrumental in bringing a VA Clinic to Oceanside and worked with VA groups to bring the VA Center to the old police station on Mission Ave. For the last two years I have made the nominations for the Oceanside Veteran of the Year to be recognized by San Diego County.
TRAFFIC: The city of Oceanside has lost traffic relief funds; money that was sent to south county due to a lack of leadership. A College Boulevard expansion will not solve the traffic flow problems. It's a shame that thousands of dollars was spent by the previous council for an EIR study of Rancho del Oro only to be killed a week before it was released. I have worked diligently to see that the Melrose extension stays on track. This alternative access will be especially important to seniors when the assisted living facility is built
PUBLIC SAFETY: Scare tactics and lies seem to be the modus operandi by the recall faction. Since I have been on the city council the crime rate is at an all-time low, our police and fire personnel are among the highest paid and best equipped in the county, and we have added 9 new police officers.
SENIORS: It's false and ludicrous that I am against seniors. Scare tactics and lies again. I am a senior and I support and listen to the concerns of our seniors, often attending meetings to bring information to the residents. I have always worked with the senior communities, such as Ocean Hills, to help solve their problems and have supported Costa Serena in remaining a 55 and older community. I have voted for a future assisted living facility near Jeffries Ranch, an 80-unit senior housing project on Lake Boulevard, and am proud to be a part of the new senior center nearly completed at El Corazon.
MOBILE HOME PARKS: Scare tactics and lies again. Oceanside has a rent control ordinance in place and there has never been talk of changing it. This topic is always brought up before an election to scare our senior park residents. I have offered to help find grant funding so that the residents could own the property under their homes, but as one park resident told me, the residents voted that idea down.
ATMOSPHERE: Since I have been on the city council it has been a period of relative peace and tranquility. The majority of the residents think the city is headed in the right direction and that the council is going about the business of the city. Why go back to the contentiousness of the past?
