Over the past two months, The Coast News sent electronic questionnaires in four batches to North County candidates in different levels of government, including federal (six candidates), state (four candidates), municipal/county (62 candidates for eight city councils and county board) and school boards (62 candidates in 12 districts).

The information contained herein is directly from 43 candidates running for various North County mayoral, city council and county board positions. While The Coast News reached out to every candidate, not everyone participated in our survey. Regardless, we wanted to share this information with voters so they can decide for themselves who is best suited to represent their interests in public office.

In the short answer section, we limited the candidates’ responses to 350 characters. Here is a map featuring one response from each candidate who participated in our survey.

For the relative priorities matrixes (see image below or download PDF), we instructed candidates to please assign relative priorities to several issues. While these issues all have merit and aren’t always mutually exclusive, in a world of constraints, every issue can’t have high priority relative to the rest.

City of Carlsbad – District 2

Panagides, Lela

Tell us about yourself and why you’re running:

With the tremendous challenges we are facing, it is going to take innovative, creative problem solving to maintain and improve the quality of life we enjoy here. I am running to protect our open spaces and environment, improve our road safety and mobility, support our small businesses and provide quality public services to our seniors.

How strongly do you agree?: ‘I favor diverting some resources from law enforcement to other social/community services or back to taxpayers.’

✘ Strongly agree

✘ Somewhat agree

✓ Somewhat disagree

✘ Strongly disagree

How strongly do you agree?: ‘Elected officials should discern & follow popular will, even if they & staff don’t agree with popular sentiment.’

✘ Strongly agree

✓ Somewhat agree

✘ Somewhat disagree

✘ Strongly disagree

Which statement about local land-use constraints (zoning, discretionary review, fee structures) do you most agree with?

✘ Land use is mostly a community-wide matter. Every parcel affects others. Decisions about what to allow/incentivize belongs to voters or their reps.

✘ Land use is mostly a private matter. Beyond minimal constraints for public safety, owners should be able to use their private property how they see fit.

✘ There should be a balance. But currently, community influence is too favored. I’d like to loosen local government’s control a little bit.

✓ There should be a balance. But the currently private economic decisions are too favored. I’d like to tighten local government’s control a little bit.

What are your top priorities/best ideas to improve city/county finances?

Carlsbad needs to diversify its tax base to generate revenues for city services. The most promising opportunity is to make Carlsbad the nation’s hub for green technologies including design, research and development and manufacturing. Significant public and private investments are being made in clean energy industries which Carlsbad can leverage.

What city council/county board decision in the last few years did you disagree with most, and how would you have addressed it differently?

Item 14 of the January 28, 2020 meeting where council failed to get a majority vote to defer certification of 3 coastal properties to allow citizen consensus on the planning and development of those last remaining coastal spaces. The development review process must include the people’s input and comply with our Carlsbad Community Vision.

Assign RELATIVE priorities to the following issue areas:

• HIGHEST RELATIVE PRIORITY: Public Safety; Small Businesses;  Recreation/Open Space;  Environment/Natural Resource Management
• ABOVE AVERAGE: Housing Affordability; Social Service/Helps
• BELOW AVERAGE: Government Transparency/Accountability; Fiscal Management/Discipline;  Public Transit
• LOWEST RELATIVE PRIORITY: Community/Neighborhood/Historic Preservation

For your highest priority issue above, sum up what you propose to do about it.

The highest priority is dealing with our current pandemic and the impact on the lives of our residents including health and economic disruption. I would call for a zero-based budgeting approach to next year’s budget and solicit citizens of Carlsbad to help prioritize areas of highest need for our community that supports our long-term vision.

For your lowest priority issue above, sum up why you think it’s lowest.

In district 2 Carlsbad, historic preservation is not as relevant. The city is almost built out and we are feeling the impacts of reduced revenue due to the pandemic, so during this immediate crisis, we need to focus on higher priority issues and supporting quality of life and public safety services for our residents now and into the future.

City of Carlsbad – District 4

Acosta, Teresa

Tell us about yourself and why you’re running:

In Carlsbad, I founded a business, raised a child, taught college classes and invested in non-profits and causes. Four generations of my family live here. I’m running because District 4 deserves a representative who is experienced in government, non-profit and business leadership and is fully committed to serving our community.

How strongly do you agree?: ‘I favor diverting some resources from law enforcement to other social/community services or back to taxpayers.’

✘ Strongly agree

✘ Somewhat agree

✓ Somewhat disagree

✘ Strongly disagree

How strongly do you agree?: ‘Elected officials should discern & follow popular will, even if they & staff don’t agree with popular sentiment.’

✘ Strongly agree

✓ Somewhat agree

✘ Somewhat disagree

✘ Strongly disagree

Which statement about local land-use constraints (zoning, discretionary review, fee structures) do you most agree with?

✓ Land use is mostly a community-wide matter. Every parcel affects others. Decisions about what to allow/incentivize belongs to voters or their reps.

✘ Land use is mostly a private matter. Beyond minimal constraints for public safety, owners should be able to use their private property how they see fit.

✘ There should be a balance. But currently community influence is too favored. I’d like to loosen local government’s control a little bit.

✘ There should be a balance. But the currently private economic decisions are too favored. I’d like to tighten local government’s control a little bit.

What are your top priorities/best ideas to improve city/county finances?

Due to the impacts of the pandemic on our tax revenues, we must re-visit and adjust our financial projections and budget. I will prioritize monitoring revenues and expenditures closely, evaluating program effectiveness carefully, and pausing unnecessary spending. I will look for ways to streamline processes and consider public-private partnerships.

What city council/county board decision in the last few years did you disagree with most, and how would you have addressed it differently?

The City Council has approved projects that have ignored community objections about environmental impacts. In 2016, when the City Council unanimously approved the Caruso mall without an EIR, the citizens of Carlsbad voted to overturn the Council decision. As Councilmember, I will listen to the community’s concerns.

Assign RELATIVE priorities to the following issue areas:

• HIGHEST RELATIVE PRIORITY: Public Safety; Small Businesses;  Recreation/Open Space;  Environment/Natural Resource Management
• ABOVE AVERAGE: Housing Affordability; Government Transparency/Accountability;  Fiscal Management/Discipline;  Social Service/Helps
• BELOW AVERAGE: Community/Neighborhood/Historic Preservation; Public Transit
• LOWEST RELATIVE PRIORITY: None Indicated

For your highest priority issue above, sum up what you propose to do about it.

I commit to preserving open space and our environment, improving public safety, and supporting our small businesses.

For your lowest priority issue above, sum up why you think it’s lowest.

All of the above issues are important to me and my district, however, when it comes to allocating the budget and taxpayer dollars accordingly, public transit and historic preservation should not take up large chunks of our budget.

City of Del Mar – Council At Large

Blair, Phil

Tell us about yourself and why you’re running:

I care about the character of Del Mar and the quality of life that we all now enjoy. I care about the financial stability of Del Mar and the effects of the pandemic. My years growing and managing a large business that employs thousands of people gives me the leadership and management experience that Del Mar needs now. And I care about housing.

How strongly do you agree?: ‘I favor diverting some resources from law enforcement to other social/community services or back to taxpayers.’

✘ Strongly agree

✘ Somewhat agree

✘ Somewhat disagree

✓ Strongly disagree

How strongly do you agree?: ‘Elected officials should discern & follow popular will, even if they & staff don’t agree with popular sentiment.’

✘ Strongly agree

✓ Somewhat agree

✘ Somewhat disagree

✘ Strongly disagree

Which statement about local land-use constraints (zoning, discretionary review, fee structures) do you most agree with?

✓ Land use is mostly a community-wide matter. Every parcel affects others. Decisions about what to allow/incentivize belongs to voters or their reps.

✘ Land use is mostly a private matter. Beyond minimal constraints for public safety, owners should be able to use their private property how they see fit.

✘ There should be a balance. But currently community influence is too favored. I’d like to loosen local government’s control a little bit.

✘ There should be a balance. But the currently private economic decisions are too favored. I’d like to tighten local government’s control a little bit.

What are your top priorities/best ideas to improve city/county finances?

Making sure that all city essential services are able to be provided is first. If necessary to dip into reserves or borrow from designated funds Council must have a commitment to repay the funds. Long-term the viability of existing and new businesses will help meet the city’s financial needs.

What city council/county board decision in the last few years did you disagree with most, and how would you have addressed it differently?

The vote on Sept 8th to not up-zone the north area of Del Mar to allow for state-mandated housing was short term thinking and placed Del Mar in a very precarious position. And most importantly threatened our local control.

Assign RELATIVE priorities to the following issue areas:

• HIGHEST RELATIVE PRIORITY: Public Safety; Government Transparency/Accountability;  Fiscal Management/Discipline
• ABOVE AVERAGE: Housing Affordability; Small Businesses;  Community/Neighborhood/Historic Preservation;  Recreation/Open Space;  Social Service/Helps;  Environment/Natural Resource Management
• BELOW AVERAGE: Public Transit
• LOWEST RELATIVE PRIORITY: None Indicated

For your highest priority issue above, sum up what you propose to do about it.

Fiscal management is my number one priority. Without being able to fund essential services Del Mar will fall into disrepair. and destroy our community character. It is important that we address our financial challenges and  I know my business management experience will be very helpful.

For your lowest priority issue above, sum up why you think it’s lowest.

Public transit, while very important is being addressed by SANDAG and North County Transit

Druker, Dave

Tell us about yourself and why you’re running:

To continue to protect Del Mar from over-development and maintain the unique character of Del Mar. To provide a check and balance with the city staff.

How strongly do you agree?: ‘I favor diverting some resources from law enforcement to other social/community services or back to taxpayers.’

✘ Strongly agree

✓ Somewhat agree

✘ Somewhat disagree

✘ Strongly disagree

How strongly do you agree?: ‘Elected officials should discern & follow popular will, even if they & staff don’t agree with popular sentiment.’

✘ Strongly agree

✓ Somewhat agree

✘ Somewhat disagree

✘ Strongly disagree

Which statement about local land-use constraints (zoning, discretionary review, fee structures) do you most agree with?

✓ Land use is mostly a community-wide matter. Every parcel affects others. Decisions about what to allow/incentivize belongs to voters or their reps.

✘ Land use is mostly a private matter. Beyond minimal constraints for public safety, owners should be able to use their private property how they see fit.

✘ There should be a balance. But currently community influence is too favored. I’d like to loosen local government’s control a little bit.

✘ There should be a balance. But the currently private economic decisions are too favored. I’d like to tighten local government’s control a little bit.

What are your top priorities/best ideas to improve city/county finances?

Del Mar needs to create a master plan to reduce its reliance on Fairgrounds Sales Tax revenue. We need to figure out how to leverage technology rather than adding staff. We need to replenish our reserves and payback the Measure Q loan before adding staff.

What city council/county board decision in the last few years did you disagree with most, and how would you have addressed it differently?

Decided to allow the North Bluff and South Bluff to be rezoned to allow 20 units per acre. Did not firmly stand against nepotism between the Council, Planning Commission and Design Review Board. Decided to sue the Coastal Commission concerning their ability to regulate short-term rentals in the city.

Assign RELATIVE priorities to the following issue areas:

• HIGHEST RELATIVE PRIORITY: Public Safety; Government Transparency/Accountability;  Fiscal Management/Discipline;  Environment/Natural Resource Management
• ABOVE AVERAGE: Housing Affordability; Small Businesses;  Community/Neighborhood/Historic Preservation;  Recreation/Open Space
• BELOW AVERAGE: Social Service/Helps; Public Transit
• LOWEST RELATIVE PRIORITY: None Indicated

For your highest priority issue above, sum up what you propose to do about it.

Leverage technology before adding staff or consultants.

For your lowest priority issue above, sum up why you think it’s lowest.

Del Mar has no social services or public transit.

Gans, Bob

Tell us about yourself and why you’re running:

As a 5-year member of the City’s Finance Committee and officer of the Del Mar Foundation for the past 8 years, I understand the economic challenges we now face as a result of the pandemic. We need Councilmembers who appreciate diverse views in setting priorities and protecting our Community Plan.

How strongly do you agree?: ‘I favor diverting some resources from law enforcement to other social/community services or back to taxpayers.’

✘ Strongly agree

✘ Somewhat agree

✓ Somewhat disagree

✘ Strongly disagree

How strongly do you agree?: ‘Elected officials should discern & follow popular will, even if they & staff don’t agree with popular sentiment.’

✘ Strongly agree

✘ Somewhat agree

✓ Somewhat disagree

✘ Strongly disagree

Which statement about local land-use constraints (zoning, discretionary review, fee structures) do you most agree with?

✓ Land use is mostly a community-wide matter. Every parcel affects others. Decisions about what to allow/incentivize belongs to voters or their reps.

✘ Land use is mostly a private matter. Beyond minimal constraints for public safety, owners should be able to use their private property how they see fit.

✘ There should be a balance. But currently community influence is too favored. I’d like to loosen local government’s control a little bit.

✘ There should be a balance. But the currently private economic decisions are too favored. I’d like to tighten local government’s control a little bit.

What are your top priorities/best ideas to improve city/county finances?

Encourage downtown retail development to generate sales tax revenue; Replenish reserve funds utilized during the pandemic as quickly as possible; Limit the rate of operating expense growth compared to revenues, consistent with current policy; Bring Del Mar into compliance with state housing law, to avoid massive fines and legal expenses.

What city council/county board decision in the last few years did you disagree with most, and how would you have addressed it differently?

On Tuesday, September 8, the Council reneged on a 7-year commitment to rezone certain areas of Del Mar to allow for affordable housing in violation of state law, risking fines and loss of control over zoning. This reckless decision ignored the unanimous recommendations of City Staff and the Planning Commission, and endangers our Community Plan.

Assign RELATIVE priorities to the following issue areas:

• HIGHEST RELATIVE PRIORITY: Housing Affordability; Public Safety;  Small Businesses;  Community/Neighborhood/Historic Preservation;  Government Transparency/Accountability;  Fiscal Management/Discipline;  Recreation/Open Space;  Environment/Natural Resource Management
• ABOVE AVERAGE: Social Service/Helps; Public Transit
• BELOW AVERAGE: None Indicated
• LOWEST RELATIVE PRIORITY: None Indicated

For your highest priority issue above, sum up what you propose to do about it:

This question poses false choices. All priorities can be pursued in a transparent manner and with fiscal discipline, with the goal of preserving and improving our Community and preserving open space, as envisioned by our Community Plan. Providing for affordable housing is critical to complying with state law and maintaining local control.

For your lowest priority issue above, sum up why you think it’s lowest:

Maintaining appropriate social services and supporting public transit are vitally important, but our community is fortunate to have limited needs in these regards, particularly with respect to social services that are supported by a variety of private charitable Del Mar organizations.

Martinez, Tracy

Tell us about yourself and why you’re running:

I am a RN and Healthcare Director. I’m running to protect our Community Plan and character. I will do what is best for the community – not what I or a small group of residents want. I will promote inclusiveness and listening to all residents. I’ll promote working with the Fairgrounds to build State-required affordable housing.

How strongly do you agree?: ‘I favor diverting some resources from law enforcement to other social/community services or back to taxpayers.’

✘ Strongly agree

✘ Somewhat agree

✓ Somewhat disagree

✘ Strongly disagree

How strongly do you agree?: ‘Elected officials should discern & follow popular will, even if they & staff don’t agree with popular sentiment.’

✘ Strongly agree

✘ Somewhat agree

✘ Somewhat disagree

✓ Strongly disagree

Which statement about local land-use constraints (zoning, discretionary review, fee structures) do you most agree with?

✓ Land use is mostly a community-wide matter. Every parcel affects others. Decisions about what to allow/incentivize belongs to voters or their reps.

✘ Land use is mostly a private matter. Beyond minimal constraints for public safety, owners should be able to use their private property how they see fit.

✘ There should be a balance. But currently community influence is too favored. I’d like to loosen local government’s control a little bit.

✘ There should be a balance. But the currently private economic decisions are too favored. I’d like to tighten local government’s control a little bit.

What are your top priorities/best ideas to improve city/county finances?

Watchful spending, thoroughly assess if and when consultants are needed, build a more vibrant downtown. Add technology to streamline services and save money and build efficiencies. We must pay back Measure Q prior to any spending. Spend wisely, control spending, pay as we go.

What city council/county board decision in the last few years did you disagree with most, and how would you have addressed it differently?

I do not agree with the majority of our city council not challenging our affordable housing RHNA mandate. The Fairgrounds’ 2,000 transient jobs were assigned to us as well as Del Mar’s jobs, which have not been validated. We cannot accept flawed data. We must validate ours and challenge the assigned Fairgrounds jobs to Del Mar.

Assign RELATIVE priorities to the following issue areas:

• HIGHEST RELATIVE PRIORITY: Small Businesses; Community/Neighborhood/Historic Preservation;  Government Transparency/Accountability;  Fiscal Management/Discipline;  Recreation/Open Space
• ABOVE AVERAGE: Housing Affordability; Public Safety;  Social Service/Helps;  Environment/Natural Resource Management
• BELOW AVERAGE: Public Transit
• LOWEST RELATIVE PRIORITY: None Indicated

For your highest priority issue above, sum up what you propose to do about it:

We must get our finances in order as we were hit hard due to COVID 19. I believe recovery from COVID will take at least a year so watchful spending is necessary.

For your lowest priority issue above, sum up why you think it’s lowest:

All are important so this is difficult. I would say public transportation is the lowest although Del Mar has worked hard to build a more cycling and walkable town. We don’t have a train station. We do have a bus route that appears to be underused.

Warren, Glenn

Tell us about yourself and why you’re running:

Much of my life has been devoted to public service. I have been a Peace Corps volunteer, an attorney devoted to indigent criminal defense and a Foreign Service Officer posted in embassies in Latin America, Africa, and Afghanistan. I am a member of the Design Review Board and want to continue making a contribution as a member of the City Council.

How strongly do you agree?: ‘I favor diverting some resources from law enforcement to other social/community services or back to taxpayers.’

✘ Strongly agree

✘ Somewhat agree

✘ Somewhat disagree

✓ Strongly disagree

How strongly do you agree?: ‘Elected officials should discern & follow popular will, even if they & staff don’t agree with popular sentiment.’

✘ Strongly agree

✘ Somewhat agree

✓ Somewhat disagree

✘ Strongly disagree

Which statement about local land-use constraints (zoning, discretionary review, fee structures) do you most agree with?

✓ Land use is mostly a community-wide matter. Every parcel affects others. Decisions about what to allow/incentivize belongs to voters or their reps.

✘ Land use is mostly a private matter. Beyond minimal constraints for public safety, owners should be able to use their private property how they see fit.

✘ There should be a balance. But currently community influence is too favored. I’d like to loosen local government’s control a little bit.

✘ There should be a balance. But the currently private economic decisions are too favored. I’d like to tighten local government’s control a little bit.

What are your top priorities/best ideas to improve city/county finances?

The City should enable the vitalization of the downtown commercial district by reviewing regulations and zoning to attract retail businesses. I would favor establishing a task force of business leaders, residents, and Council members to develop a plan that would protect our village atmosphere and neighborhoods and to foster commercial development.

What city council/county board decision in the last few years did you disagree with most, and how would you have addressed it differently?

The City Council on September 8 refused to change the Community Plan to allow residential development and affordable housing in what is now the North Commercial area. The result could be state-imposed rezoning in the North Bluff and South Bluff areas. The change failed by one vote. I would have voted with the three members who supported it.

Assign RELATIVE priorities to the following issue areas:

• HIGHEST RELATIVE PRIORITY: Fiscal Management/Discipline
• ABOVE AVERAGE: Housing Affordability; Public Safety;  Small Businesses;  Community/Neighborhood/Historic Preservation;  Government Transparency/Accountability;  Recreation/Open Space;  Environment/Natural Resource Management
• BELOW AVERAGE: Public Transit
• LOWEST RELATIVE PRIORITY: Social Service/Helps

For your highest priority issue above, sum up what you propose to do about it:

Because of the pandemic, the City’s budget has been slashed by a third. The Council has prioritized expenditures, deferred projects, laid off staff when unavoidable, and used reserves. I would support continuing these actions to keep the City afloat until the pandemic is passed and we can return to normal operations.

For your lowest priority issue above, sum up why you think it’s lowest:

Del Mar has a vibrant volunteer community that through organizations such as Community Connections provides assistance to those in need. Assistance is important, but since the private sector is providing, it, I don’t believe it is a priority for city government.

City of Encinitas – District 1

Kranz, Tony

Tell us about yourself and why you’re running:

Our city is one of the safest in the county and our property values remain high. We are improving aging infrastructure, engaging our community and providing public art, recreation and helping to clean our environment so that future generations can experience the joy of living along the edge of the ocean in a city we all love and cherish.

How strongly do you agree?: ‘I favor diverting some resources from law enforcement to other social/community services or back to taxpayers.’

✘ Strongly agree

✓ Somewhat agree

✘ Somewhat disagree

✘ Strongly disagree

How strongly do you agree?: ‘Elected officials should discern & follow popular will, even if they & staff don’t agree with popular sentiment.’

✓ Strongly agree

✘ Somewhat agree

✘ Somewhat disagree

✘ Strongly disagree

Which statement about local land-use constraints (zoning, discretionary review, fee structures) do you most agree with?

✓ Land use is mostly a community-wide matter. Every parcel affects others. Decisions about what to allow/incentivize belongs to voters or their reps.

✘ Land use is mostly a private matter. Beyond minimal constraints for public safety, owners should be able to use their private property how they see fit.

✘ There should be a balance. But currently community influence is too favored. I’d like to loosen local government’s control a little bit.

✘ There should be a balance. But the currently private economic decisions are too favored. I’d like to tighten local government’s control a little bit.

What are your top priorities/best ideas to improve city/county finances?

Encinitas is dependent on a solid property tax base for most of the revenue the city receives, so keeping our quality of life (and property values) high is critical. It’s also important to create an environment where businesses can thrive, which means providing to consumers a way to support local businesses in a pleasant atmosphere.

What city council/county board decision in the last few years did you disagree with most, and how would you have addressed it differently?

On February 20, 2019, the city council voted 4-1 on program 3C of the Housing Element (Item 10A). My colleagues voted to ask a judge to rule Prop A couldn’t be used to preempt state law. I favored asking the voters to make a slight change to Prop A so that the city satisfied state regulators of housing law requirements.

Assign RELATIVE priorities to the following issue areas:

• HIGHEST RELATIVE PRIORITY: Public Safety; Small Businesses;  Community/Neighborhood/Historic Preservation;  Government Transparency/Accountability;  Fiscal Management/Discipline;  Recreation/Open Space;  Public Transit;  Environment/Natural Resource Management
• ABOVE AVERAGE: Housing Affordability; Social Service/Helps
• BELOW AVERAGE: None Indicated
• LOWEST RELATIVE PRIORITY: None Indicated

For your highest priority issue above, sum up what you propose to do about it:

Providing for public safety has always been my highest priority. The city contracts with the Sheriff and the employees of the Fire and Marine Services departments will continue to get the highest level of funding in the city budget.

For your lowest priority issue above, sum up why you think it’s lowest:

Housing affordability is mostly driven by the free market. The city should explore ways sensibly to provide additional subsidies for housing as necessary to make it possible for people who work in our city to live here. Social services are mostly provided by the County and we should push the supervisors to do more.

Riley, Alex

Tell us about yourself and why you’re running:

I was a Lifeguard for the City of San Diego Fire/ Rescue Department for 19 years.
My wife and I moved to Leucadia for a better quality of life we were lacking in North Park. I’m running because I see the council has largely ignored the long-standing issues in Dist. 1 except to bury us in a disproportionate amount of dense up-zoning.

How strongly do you agree?: ‘I favor diverting some resources from law enforcement to other social/community services or back to taxpayers.’

✘ Strongly agree

✘ Somewhat agree

✘ Somewhat disagree

✓ Strongly disagree

How strongly do you agree?: ‘Elected officials should discern & follow popular will, even if they & staff don’t agree with popular sentiment.’

✓ Strongly agree

✘ Somewhat agree

✘ Somewhat disagree

✘ Strongly disagree

Which statement about local land-use constraints (zoning, discretionary review, fee structures) do you most agree with?

✘ Land use is mostly a community-wide matter. Every parcel affects others. Decisions about what to allow/incentivize belong to voters or their reps.

✘ Land use is mostly a private matter. Beyond minimal constraints for public safety, owners should be able to use their private property how they see fit.

✘ There should be a balance. But currently community influence is too favored. I’d like to loosen local government’s control a little bit.

✓ There should be a balance. But the currently private economic decisions are too favored. I’d like to tighten local government’s control a little bit.

What are your top priorities/best ideas to improve city/county finances?

Lowering the train tracks is a proven economic benefit and should be done in Encinitas. Until the Pandemic is further contained the city should otherwise rein in non-essential spending during COVID.

What city council/county board decision in the last few years did you disagree with most, and how would you have addressed it differently?

The council’s attempts to negate Prop A and their implementation of the Safe Parking Program were both attempts to do end-runs around the will of the residents. More communication and transparency are needed at City Hall.

Assign RELATIVE priorities to the following issue areas:

• HIGHEST RELATIVE PRIORITY: Public Safety; Community/Neighborhood/Historic Preservation;  Government Transparency/Accountability
• ABOVE AVERAGE: Housing Affordability; Small Businesses;  Fiscal Management/Discipline;  Recreation/Open Space;  Social Service/Helps;  Public Transit;  Environment/Natural Resource Management
• BELOW AVERAGE: None Indicated
• LOWEST RELATIVE PRIORITY: None Indicated

For your highest priority issue above, sum up what you propose to do about it:

Infrastructure and public safety are the primary responsibilities of local government. Defending our neighborhoods from over-building and prioritizing these two fundamental duties will provide the solid foundation needed to allow us to maintain the high quality of life that we love about Encinitas.

For your lowest priority issue above, sum up why you think it’s lowest:

Again, the City of Encinitas should focus on its primary responsibilities listed above.
Public transportation and most social services should be federally or state-funded and administered at the county level. Issues such as homelessness will take a combined effort, but ultimately Encinitas cannot do all the heavy lifting for a regional problem.

City of Encinitas – District 2

Hinze, Kellie

Tell us about yourself and why you’re running:

I am running to deliver progress to residents on vibrant public spaces, beaches parks and trails. My record reflects transparent decision-making and responsive leadership. The future of Encinitas depends on meaningful, positive collaboration and proactive planning to safeguard our environment, community and economy.

How strongly do you agree?: ‘I favor diverting some resources from law enforcement to other social/community services or back to taxpayers.’

✘ Strongly agree

✘ Somewhat agree

✘ Somewhat disagree

✓ Strongly disagree

How strongly do you agree?: ‘Elected officials should discern & follow popular will, even if they & staff don’t agree with popular sentiment.’

✘ Strongly agree

✓ Somewhat agree

✘ Somewhat disagree

✘ Strongly disagree

Which statement about local land-use constraints (zoning, discretionary review, fee structures) do you most agree with?

✘ Land use is mostly a community-wide matter. Every parcel affects others. Decisions about what to allow/incentivize belong to voters or their reps.

✘ Land use is mostly a private matter. Beyond minimal constraints for public safety, owners should be able to use their private property how they see fit.

✘ There should be a balance. But currently community influence is too favored. I’d like to loosen local government’s control a little bit.

✓ There should be a balance. But the currently private economic decisions are too favored. I’d like to tighten local government’s control a little bit.

What are your top priorities/best ideas to improve city/county finances?

Investments in rail crossings, safe streets and welcoming public spaces like parks and beaches achieve revitalization and historic preservation of our small-town character. Foot traffic is helpful to our small businesses. When small business thrives, so do our City finances due to increased sales tax revenue and property values.

What city council/county board decision in the last few years did you disagree with most, and how would you have addressed it differently?

I voted to deny a density bonus project on Bonita Dr. I support new housing options in my city but this particular development proposed to replace two aging residences with a single affordable home. The project was approved in a 3-2 vote on Feb 12, 2020. At the very least, two affordable homes should have been required to qualify for the density bonus.

Assign RELATIVE priorities to the following issue areas:

• HIGHEST RELATIVE PRIORITY: Housing Affordability; Public Safety;  Small Businesses;  Community/Neighborhood/Historic Preservation;  Government Transparency/Accountability;  Fiscal Management/Discipline;  Recreation/Open Space;  Environment/Natural Resource Management
• ABOVE AVERAGE: Social Service/Helps; Public Transit
• BELOW AVERAGE: None Indicated
• LOWEST RELATIVE PRIORITY: None Indicated

For your highest priority issue above, sum up what you propose to do about it.

Public safety is the city’s core function. We have to do this exceptionally well to accomplish any other goals. As the second safest city in the county, we are constantly working alongside marine safety, law enforcement and our fire department to uphold the highest level of safety possible with wildland-urban interfaces on all sides of our city.

For your lowest priority issue above, sum up why you think it’s lowest:

I ranked public transit and social services as high priorities but lesser than top tier due to the fact that these are regional priorities that, while worthy of focus on the city-level, ultimately are determined by agencies such as NCTD and the County Health and Human Services Agency.

Turney, Susan

Tell us about yourself and why you’re running:

As a 20-year resident of Encinitas, I started tackling city issues long before deciding to run for City Council. In 2013, I led the successful Proposition A Right to Vote campaign, which gave residents a voice in how their city grows. I’m running to put residents first: housing, public safety, and government transparency.

How strongly do you agree?: ‘I favor diverting some resources from law enforcement to other social/community services or back to taxpayers.’

✘ Strongly agree

✘ Somewhat agree

✓ Somewhat disagree

✘ Strongly disagree

How strongly do you agree?: ‘Elected officials should discern & follow popular will, even if they & staff don’t agree with popular sentiment.’

✓ Strongly agree

✘ Somewhat agree

✘ Somewhat disagree

✘ Strongly disagree

Which statement about local land-use constraints (zoning, discretionary review, fee structures) do you most agree with?

✓ Land use is mostly a community-wide matter. Every parcel affects others. Decisions about what to allow/incentivize belongs to voters or their reps.

✘ Land use is mostly a private matter. Beyond minimal constraints for public safety, owners should be able to use their private property how they see fit.

✘ There should be a balance. But currently community influence is too favored. I’d like to loosen local government’s control a little bit.

✘ There should be a balance. But the currently private economic decisions are too favored. I’d like to tighten local government’s control a little bit.

What are your top priorities/best ideas to improve city/county finances?

Meet state law with the maximum affordable housing and fewest units allowed, for the least impact on neighbors, traffic and infrastructure. Prioritize public safety:  major deferred maintenance, especially during COVID, must be addressed before anything else. Fix Leucadia drainage and revisit runaway Streetscape costs and flawed design.

What city council/county board decision in the last few years did you disagree with most, and how would you have addressed it differently?

I disagreed most with this council’s decision to file in court to remove the residents’ Prop A Right to Vote voice on mass up-zonings. Prop A is protected by the state constitution, yet the council would overturn our 2013 vote. Deceptive plans, not Prop A, are the constraint to passing a compliant Housing Element Update to meet state mandates.

Assign RELATIVE priorities to the following issue areas:

• HIGHEST RELATIVE PRIORITY: Housing Affordability; Public Safety;  Government Transparency/Accountability
• ABOVE AVERAGE: Small Businesses; Community/Neighborhood/Historic Preservation;  Fiscal Management/Discipline;  Recreation/Open Space;  Social Service/Helps;  Environment/Natural Resource Management
• BELOW AVERAGE: Public Transit
• LOWEST RELATIVE PRIORITY: None Indicated

For your highest priority issue above, sum up what you propose to do about it:

There’s a better way to achieve mandated affordable units. I propose requiring up to 25% [inclusionary] housing, as other cities do. This way we also preserve neighborhoods and minimize impacts to traffic and on the infrastructure. At 25% rather than the council’s 15%, the need to rezone would drop from 5,587 to 3,352 units. That’s a 40% decrease.

For your lowest priority issue above, sum up why you think it’s lowest:

While I believe deeply in workable public transportation, we are not in the position to create a system that encourages people to favor trains and buses over their cars. Even without concerns due to Covid, ridership has been in decline due to poor scheduling and reach that do not adequately service those who might use public transportation.

City of Encinitas – Mayor

Blakespear, Catherine

Tell us about yourself and why you’re running:

After 4 years working for you as your mayor, I’m running for re-election to continue our progress together. Encinitas is among the safest cities in the county, with strong city finances. Protecting your health, our small business community and the environment are my top priorities.

How strongly do you agree?: ‘I favor diverting some resources from law enforcement to other social/community services or back to taxpayers.’

✘ Strongly agree

✓ Somewhat agree

✘ Somewhat disagree

✘ Strongly disagree

How strongly do you agree?: ‘Elected officials should discern & follow popular will, even if they & staff don’t agree with popular sentiment.’

✘ Strongly agree

✓ Somewhat agree

✘ Somewhat disagree

✘ Strongly disagree

Which statement about local land-use constraints (zoning, discretionary review, fee structures) do you most agree with?

✘ Land use is mostly a community-wide matter. Every parcel affects others. Decisions about what to allow/incentivize belongs to voters or their reps.

✘ Land use is mostly a private matter. Beyond minimal constraints for public safety, owners should be able to use their private property how they see fit.

✓ There should be a balance. But currently community influence is too favored. I’d like to loosen local government’s control a little bit.

✘ There should be a balance. But the currently private economic decisions are too favored. I’d like to tighten local government’s control a little bit.

What are your top priorities/best ideas to improve city/county finances?

I’m proud to continue the city’s commitment to fiscal prudence. The city could benefit from increased partnerships with our nonprofits, philanthropies, private foundations and the local public sector, as well as the state and federal government. There is existing wealth, expertise and know-how that we could better leverage to achieve common goals.

What city council/county board decision in the last few years did you disagree with most, and how would you have addressed it differently?

I disagree with the county continuing to litigate their legally deficient Climate Action Plan. It is disappointing to have the county support an outdated document that allows sprawl development into the fire-prone backcountry. Like Encinitas, the county should prioritize meeting environmental goals through substantive changes, not gimmicks.

Assign RELATIVE priorities to the following issue areas:

• HIGHEST RELATIVE PRIORITY: Public Safety; Small Businesses;  Community/Neighborhood/Historic Preservation;  Fiscal Management/Discipline;  Environment/Natural Resource Management
• ABOVE AVERAGE: Housing Affordability; Government Transparency/Accountability;  Recreation/Open Space;  Social Service/Helps
• BELOW AVERAGE: Public Transit
• LOWEST RELATIVE PRIORITY: None Indicated

For your highest priority issue above, sum up what you propose to do about it:

Responsible fiscal management is the bedrock responsibility upon which all other priorities sit. Because our city’s finances are strong and we have a very safe community, I have time to spend on the issues of the environment, community preservation, infrastructure enhancement and homelessness solutions.

For your lowest priority issue above, sum up why you think it’s lowest:

Public transit scored lowest because there is another government agency, the North County Transit District, that takes the lead here. Effective transit usually crosses city lines. I would like the transit agency to run more frequent train service. The multi-city agency that operates the trains and buses works within their own budget constraints.

Thunder, Julie

Tell us about yourself and why you’re running:

As a 35-yr homeowner, I’m deeply invested in my town. Currently, I’m the publisher of The Encinitas Current. I decided to run when our city took a wrong turn by reversing 2 of our votes – Meas U & Prop A. I believe we can grow our town without destroying it. As an independent, my focus will be on residents, not partisan politics and developers.

How strongly do you agree?: ‘I favor diverting some resources from law enforcement to other social/community services or back to taxpayers.’

✘ Strongly agree

✘ Somewhat agree

✘ Somewhat disagree

✓ Strongly disagree

How strongly do you agree?: ‘Elected officials should discern & follow popular will, even if they & staff don’t agree with popular sentiment.’

✓ Strongly agree

✘ Somewhat agree

✘ Somewhat disagree

✘ Strongly disagree

Which statement about local land-use constraints (zoning, discretionary review, fee structures) do you most agree with?

✘ Land use is mostly a community-wide matter. Every parcel affects others. Decisions about what to allow/incentivize belongs to voters or their reps.

✘ Land use is mostly a private matter. Beyond minimal constraints for public safety, owners should be able to use their private property how they see fit.

✘ There should be a balance. But currently community influence is too favored. I’d like to loosen local government’s control a little bit.

✓ There should be a balance. But the currently private economic decisions are too favored. I’d like to tighten local government’s control a little bit.

What are your top priorities/best ideas to improve city/county finances?

Taxpayer dollars must be spent sparingly and our reserve funds should never be compromised. I won’t vote for pet projects and I’ll try to get away from hiring consultants, a costly way to govern. Also, it’s time to address the $20 million per mile cost of Leucadia Streetscape – Leucadia is long overdue for upgrades – but let’s get back to basics.

What city council/county board decision in the last few years did you disagree with most, and how would you have addressed it differently?

I disagreed with this housing plan which picked winners and losers by up-zoning. The winners are developers who will make millions, the losers are residents who will face increased traffic, crowded schools, and less open spaces. I also disapprove of the reversal of our votes – submitting Measure U to the state, and then setting aside Prop A.

Assign RELATIVE priorities to the following issue areas:

• HIGHEST RELATIVE PRIORITY: Housing Affordability; Public Safety;  Community/Neighborhood/Historic Preservation;  Government Transparency/Accountability;  Fiscal Management/Discipline;  Social Service/Helps;  Environment/Natural Resource Management
• ABOVE AVERAGE: Small Businesses; Recreation/Open Space;  Public Transit
• BELOW AVERAGE: None Indicated
• LOWEST RELATIVE PRIORITY: None Indicated

For your highest priority issue above, sum up what you propose to do about it:

State-mandated housing shouldn’t be concentrated in dense projects but woven into zones throughout, and we should demand developers set aside a higher percentage for low-income housing. I’m a staunch defender of our lagoons and ocean and will work for more sand replenishment on our bluff-lined beaches, protecting the impact zone on the bluffs.

For your lowest priority issue above, sum up why you think it’s lowest:

I personally see very few people using our buses, but our bus stops are in dire need of attention. It’s shocking how bad some are with broken chairs and trash. And, we’ve invested heavily over the years in our beautiful parks and trails, so it seems reasonable to me that they need less attention right now.

City of Escondido – District 2

Paul, Rick

Tell us about yourself and why you’re running:

Escondido has been my home for over 30 years, and I am deeply committed to making it a city that is a great place to live, work, and play. As a businessman and engineer, I know how important it is to support community organizations and neighborhoods that work to revitalize the city. I am dedicated to carefully listening to residents.

How strongly do you agree?: ‘I favor diverting some resources from law enforcement to other social/community services or back to taxpayers.’

✘ Strongly agree

✘ Somewhat agree

✓ Somewhat disagree

✘ Strongly disagree

How strongly do you agree?: ‘Elected officials should discern & follow popular will, even if they & staff don’t agree with popular sentiment.’

✘ Strongly agree

✓ Somewhat agree

✘ Somewhat disagree

✘ Strongly disagree

Which statement about local land-use constraints (zoning, discretionary review, fee structures) do you most agree with?

✘ Land use is mostly a community-wide matter. Every parcel affects others. Decisions about what to allow/incentivize belongs to voters or their reps.

✘ Land use is mostly a private matter. Beyond minimal constraints for public safety, owners should be able to use their private property how they see fit.

✓ There should be a balance. But currently community influence is too favored. I’d like to loosen local government’s control a little bit.

✘ There should be a balance. But the currently private economic decisions are too favored. I’d like to tighten local government’s control a little bit.

What are your top priorities/best ideas to improve city/county finances?

The pandemic has had a devastating effect on our economy. Our highest priority will be reducing spending – across the board – all departments will have to do their part. We must also continue to provide a relaxed regulatory environment for our local businesses. Reduced parking, sandwich signs, etc. have been very successful.

What city council/county board decision in the last few years did you disagree with most, and how would you have addressed it differently?

On November 15th 2017, Diaz, Gallo, & Morasco voted to build 380 homes on the former Escondido Country Club Golf Course. There has not been a worse decision made since.

Assign RELATIVE priorities to the following issue areas:

• HIGHEST RELATIVE PRIORITY: Public Safety; Small Businesses;  Fiscal Management/Discipline
• ABOVE AVERAGE: Community/Neighborhood/Historic Preservation; Recreation/Open Space;  Social Service/Helps
• BELOW AVERAGE: Housing Affordability; Environment/Natural Resource Management
• LOWEST RELATIVE PRIORITY: Government Transparency/Accountability; Public Transit

For your highest priority issue above, sum up what you propose to do about it:

Public safety will always be the highest priority. Highly trained and responsive Police, Fire, and EMTs are fundamental to a safe, secure community. Continuing to reduce homelessness and gang activity are also key to improving public safety.

For your lowest priority issue above, sum up why you think it’s lowest:

North County is still not ready for public transit. During our current economic crisis, we certainly cannot afford to divert money which can be better utilized elsewhere.

Valenzuela, Vanessa

Tell us about yourself and why you’re running:

I grew up in Escondido and I am raising my family here. I have been involved with local organizations throughout my life. I bring a professional background in finance, specifically in city-style budgeting and planning. Escondido is facing major financial difficulties and I am committed to working through these issues to move our city forward.

How strongly do you agree?: ‘I favor diverting some resources from law enforcement to other social/community services or back to taxpayers.’

✓ Strongly agree

✘ Somewhat agree

✘ Somewhat disagree

✘ Strongly disagree

How strongly do you agree?: ‘Elected officials should discern & follow popular will, even if they & staff don’t agree with popular sentiment.’

✓ Strongly agree

✘ Somewhat agree

✘ Somewhat disagree

✘ Strongly disagree

Which statement about local land-use constraints (zoning, discretionary review, fee structures) do you most agree with?

✘ Land use is mostly a community-wide matter. Every parcel affects others. Decisions about what to allow/incentivize belongs to voters or their reps.

✘ Land use is mostly a private matter. Beyond minimal constraints for public safety, owners should be able to use their private property how they see fit.

✘ There should be a balance. But currently community influence is too favored. I’d like to loosen local government’s control a little bit.

✓ There should be a balance. But the currently private economic decisions are too favored. I’d like to tighten local government’s control a little bit.

What are your top priorities/best ideas to improve city/county finances?

Escondido will need to revisit a sales tax initiative. In the meantime, we should be looking at all areas of the budget where savings can be garnered (with the budget committee), removing the ban on cannabis, grants, funding, and partnerships with other agencies and any assets to be leased or disposed of.

What city council/county board decision in the last few years did you disagree with most, and how would you have addressed it differently?

Outsourcing of the Escondido Public Library to a private corporation; I would have allowed staff to submit a competing proposal and also considered joining the county’s library system.

Assign RELATIVE priorities to the following issue areas:

• HIGHEST RELATIVE PRIORITY: Government Transparency/Accountability; Fiscal Management/Discipline
• ABOVE AVERAGE: Housing Affordability; Public Safety;  Small Businesses;  Social Service/Helps;  Environment/Natural Resource Management
• BELOW AVERAGE: Recreation/Open Space; Public Transit
• LOWEST RELATIVE PRIORITY: Community/Neighborhood/Historic Preservation

For your highest priority issue above, sum up what you propose to do about it:

I will support an effort to bring back a budget oversight committee. This will bring more transparency and accountability. It will also allow more time/effort to be spent working with staff and advising the council on new/improvements to revenue streams and areas where savings can be garnered.

For your lowest priority issue above, sum up why you think it’s lowest:

Escondido’s current finances and COVID recovery are currently incurring major setbacks. While Community/Neighborhood preservation is an important item on the list, many of the other items listed are or will be largely impacted by these two situations and must also be prioritized over this other very important issue.

City of Escondido – District 3

Greene, Don

Tell us about yourself and why you’re running:

I have lived in Escondido, in District Three, for 11 years. I have worked from the beginning on behalf of low-income, working, and senior families in the district and all of Escondido. I wish to bring my experience – I am the only candidate who has worked for a City Council – to Escondido and continue to advocate for the residents of our city.

How strongly do you agree?: ‘I favor diverting some resources from law enforcement to other social/community services or back to taxpayers.’

✓ Strongly agree

✘ Somewhat agree

✘ Somewhat disagree

✘ Strongly disagree

How strongly do you agree?: ‘Elected officials should discern & follow popular will, even if they & staff don’t agree with popular sentiment.’

✓ Strongly agree

✘ Somewhat agree

✘ Somewhat disagree

✘ Strongly disagree

Which statement about local land-use constraints (zoning, discretionary review, fee structures) do you most agree with?

✓ Land use is mostly a community-wide matter. Every parcel affects others. Decisions about what to allow/incentivize belongs to voters or their reps.

✘ Land use is mostly a private matter. Beyond minimal constraints for public safety, owners should be able to use their private property how they see fit.

✘ There should be a balance. But currently community influence is too favored. I’d like to loosen local government’s control a little bit.

✘ There should be a balance. But the currently private economic decisions are too favored. I’d like to tighten local government’s control a little bit.

What are your top priorities/best ideas to improve city/county finances?

The most pressing issue facing Escondido in the next few years is the structural budget deficit. I would propose a three-phase approach to addressing the issue. First, full audit of all departmental budgets and reallocation of funds. Second, selling off of superfluous real estate holdings. Third, establishing a Community Choice Energy program.

What city council/county board decision in the last few years did you disagree with most, and how would you have addressed it differently?

I disagreed strongly with the Council’s decision to extend a contract (for the third time) to the developer of Harvest Hills to complete our sphere of influence studies for the General Plan. This was the perfect opportunity to tell the developer we were not interested in their project and not become indebted. I would have voted “no.”

Assign RELATIVE priorities to the following issue areas:

• HIGHEST RELATIVE PRIORITY: Housing Affordability; Social Service/Helps;  Environment/Natural Resource Management
• ABOVE AVERAGE: Public Safety; Small Businesses;  Government Transparency/Accountability;  Fiscal Management/Discipline
• BELOW AVERAGE: Community/Neighborhood/Historic Preservation; Recreation/Open Space
• LOWEST RELATIVE PRIORITY: Public Transit

For your highest priority issue above, sum up what you propose to do about it:

All of these categories contain very important issues. My highest priorities – housing affordability, social service, and the environment all go hand-in-hand. When the quality of life of our neighborhoods is improved, our city attracts new business, the overall health of residents improves, and Escondido becomes “a place to be.”

For your lowest priority issue above, sum up why you think it’s lowest:

Though incredibly important, public transportation is a product and concern of a separate governmental agency – NCTD. While we should lobby NCTD for better service and increased availability, there is not much, if anything, the City of Escondido can do to improve on the job NCTD is doing currently.

Czerwonka, Dara

Tell us about yourself and why you’re running:

I want to promote smart development in Escondido; attract new business and sustain current business as part of good economic development; and create a stronger sense of community among all residents. I am a twice-elected official with expertise in public health and business. I believe service to others is life’s purpose and meaning.

How strongly do you agree?: ‘I favor diverting some resources from law enforcement to other social/community services or back to taxpayers.’

✘ Strongly agree

✘ Somewhat agree

✓ Somewhat disagree

✘ Strongly disagree

How strongly do you agree?: ‘Elected officials should discern & follow popular will, even if they & staff don’t agree with popular sentiment.’

✘ Strongly agree

✓ Somewhat agree

✘ Somewhat disagree

✘ Strongly disagree

Which statement about local land-use constraints (zoning, discretionary review, fee structures) do you most agree with?

✘ Land use is mostly a community-wide matter. Every parcel affects others. Decisions about what to allow/incentivize belongs to voters or their reps.

✘ Land use is mostly a private matter. Beyond minimal constraints for public safety, owners should be able to use their private property how they see fit.

✘ There should be a balance. But currently community influence is too favored. I’d like to loosen local government’s control a little bit.

✓ There should be a balance. But the currently private economic decisions are too favored. I’d like to tighten local government’s control a little bit.

What are your top priorities/best ideas to improve city/county finances?

COVID-19 created unique pressures requiring specific interventions. We must maximize resources available from other sources while minimizing discretionary spending. In a post-COVID environment, I will always favor diversified revenue sources such as grants, reasonable fees, intergovernmental transfers, and public-private partnerships.

What city council/county board decision in the last few years did you disagree with most, and how would you have addressed it differently?

In January 2017, City Council voted to put a Membrane Filtration Reverse Osmosis Facility at the corner of Ash and Washington, despite widescale opposition. I disagreed with this decision as it is a residential neighborhood with little offered in the way of noise and air pollution mitigation. The decision was reversed in 2018.

Assign RELATIVE priorities to the following issue areas:

• HIGHEST RELATIVE PRIORITY: Housing Affordability; Public Safety;  Small Businesses;  Environment/Natural Resource Management
• ABOVE AVERAGE: Government Transparency/Accountability; Fiscal Management/Discipline;  Social Service/Helps
• BELOW AVERAGE: Community/Neighborhood/Historic Preservation; Public Transit
• LOWEST RELATIVE PRIORITY: Recreation/Open Space

For your highest priority issue above, sum up what you propose to do about it:

Environ./Nat. Resources is #1. COVID-19 requires our focus now – it affects our most important resource: our people. Fire safety is a constant concern given global warming, and is a critical component of public safety. And ensuring small businesses grow again and people can afford housing, ensures a solid tax base and the livability of our City.

For your lowest priority issue above, sum up why you think it’s lowest:

Rec/Open Space – it is already included in climate action plans so requires less intervention. We have 6,000 acres of open spaces and parks so that challenge is to maintain great resources, which is easier. The Daley Ranch is already a multiple species conservation zone, for example. So, although important, it is not an immediate challenge.

Reveles, Susan

Tell us about yourself and why you’re running:

My goal as your City Council member is to establish real solutions and strategies to solve our budget gap. Through that repair, enhance and improve city services. I will support the development of a Police Community Advisory Committee to ensure our citizens are heard and treated justly. I will also support initiatives to help businesses thrive.

How strongly do you agree?: ‘I favor diverting some resources from law enforcement to other social/community services or back to taxpayers.’

✘ Strongly agree

✓ Somewhat agree

✘ Somewhat disagree

✘ Strongly disagree

How strongly do you agree?: ‘Elected officials should discern & follow popular will, even if they & staff don’t agree with popular sentiment.’

✘ Strongly agree

✓ Somewhat agree

✘ Somewhat disagree

✘ Strongly disagree

Which statement about local land-use constraints (zoning, discretionary review, fee structures) do you most agree with?

✘ Land use is mostly a community-wide matter. Every parcel affects others. Decisions about what to allow/incentivize belongs to voters or their reps.

✘ Land use is mostly a private matter. Beyond minimal constraints for public safety, owners should be able to use their private property how they see fit.

✓ There should be a balance. But currently community influence is too favored. I’d like to loosen local government’s control a little bit.

✘ There should be a balance. But the currently private economic decisions are too favored. I’d like to tighten local government’s control a little bit.

What are your top priorities/best ideas to improve city/county finances?

Reprioritize spending to focus on revenue generation while maintaining vital city services that include public safety. Evaluation of city property to creatively create pockets of revenue without increasing expenses.

What city council/county board decision in the last few years did you disagree with most, and how would you have addressed it differently?

On 7/15 the motion to add to the November 3rd ballot a measure to increase the sales tax by 1% failed. Considering the growing budget gap, this revenue is vital to our city to avoid bankruptcy. A special election in 2021 to have the residents decide is what would be fair. An increase of sales tax is one strategy to solve our budget crisis.

Assign RELATIVE priorities to the following issue areas:

• HIGHEST RELATIVE PRIORITY: Public Safety; Government Transparency/Accountability;  Fiscal Management/Discipline
• ABOVE AVERAGE: Small Businesses; Social Service/Helps;  Environment/Natural Resource Management
• BELOW AVERAGE: Housing Affordability; Community/Neighborhood/Historic Preservation;  Recreation/Open Space
• LOWEST RELATIVE PRIORITY: Public Transit

For your highest priority issue above, sum up what you propose to do about it:

We have to make every penny count. Prioritizing work to benefit revenue streams and holding the city accountable for producing work at a higher standard.

For your lowest priority issue above, sum up why you think it’s lowest:

We have a moderate public transit system, with options to reach the entire county.

City of Escondido – District 4

Austin Pugh, April

Tell us about yourself and why you’re running:

I want your vote because I believe in Escondido! I believe I am the right person for the job of city council District 4. I have owned my small Escondido business since 2006. I am a fitness professional who is helping make the world a healthier place one person at a time. We need to LISTEN to the PEOPLE.

How strongly do you agree?: ‘I favor diverting some resources from law enforcement to other social/community services or back to taxpayers.’

✘ Strongly agree

✓ Somewhat agree

✘ Somewhat disagree

✘ Strongly disagree

How strongly do you agree?: ‘Elected officials should discern & follow popular will, even if they & staff don’t agree with popular sentiment.’

✓ Strongly agree

✘ Somewhat agree

✘ Somewhat disagree

✘ Strongly disagree

Which statement about local land-use constraints (zoning, discretionary review, fee structures) do you most agree with?

✓ Land use is mostly a community-wide matter. Every parcel affects others. Decisions about what to allow/incentivize belongs to voters or their reps.

✘ Land use is mostly a private matter. Beyond minimal constraints for public safety, owners should be able to use their private property how they see fit.

✘ There should be a balance. But currently community influence is too favored. I’d like to loosen local government’s control a little bit.

✘ There should be a balance. But the currently private economic decisions are too favored. I’d like to tighten local government’s control a little bit.

What are your top priorities/best ideas to improve city/county finances?

Listen to the people and help recover from COVID.

What city council/county board decision in the last few years did you disagree with most, and how would you have addressed it differently?

A city sales tax increase was stopped at the council level instead of giving the people the right to vote.

Assign RELATIVE priorities to the following issue areas:

• HIGHEST RELATIVE PRIORITY: Housing Affordability; Public Safety;  Small Businesses;  Community/Neighborhood/Historic Preservation;  Government Transparency/Accountability;  Fiscal Management/Discipline;  Recreation/Open Space;  Social Service/Helps;  Public Transit;  Environment/Natural Resource Management
• ABOVE AVERAGE: None Indicated
• BELOW AVERAGE: None Indicated
• LOWEST RELATIVE PRIORITY: None Indicated

For your highest priority issue above, sum up what you propose to do about it:

We all need to work together to get the job done. Teamwork!

For your lowest priority issue above, sum up why you think it’s lowest:

Every issue deserves the same attention and priority.

City of Oceanside – District 3

Batchelor, Bill

Tell us about yourself and why you’re running:

Thirty-year resident raising four children in the Oceanside. I arrived from Silicon Valley and my wife arrived from Iowa [via] the Marines.  I am a networking engineer, an analytical thinker, and passionate about our eclectic diversity.  I am running for office to bring back a calm and reasonable nonpartisan voice to City Council.

How strongly do you agree?: ‘I favor diverting some resources from law enforcement to other social/community services or back to taxpayers.’

✘ Strongly agree

✓ Somewhat agree

✘ Somewhat disagree

✘ Strongly disagree

How strongly do you agree?: ‘Elected officials should discern & follow popular will, even if they & staff don’t agree with popular sentiment.’

✘ Strongly agree

✘ Somewhat agree

✘ Somewhat disagree

✓ Strongly disagree

Which statement about local land-use constraints (zoning, discretionary review, fee structures) do you most agree with?

✘ Land use is mostly a community-wide matter. Every parcel affects others. Decisions about what to allow/incentivize belongs to voters or their reps.

✘ Land use is mostly a private matter. Beyond minimal constraints for public safety, owners should be able to use their private property how they see fit.

✓ There should be a balance. But currently community influence is too favored. I’d like to loosen local government’s control a little bit.

✘ There should be a balance. But the currently private economic decisions are too favored. I’d like to tighten local government’s control a little bit.

What are your top priorities/best ideas to improve city/county finances?

Too often we are distracted by something new and shiny. Existing core buildings such as the Country Club Senior Center or Landes Community Center should be in top shape before embarking on new endeavors. CDBG funds need a plan and not just throwing the money at whatever happens to be backlogged.

What city council/county board decision in the last few years did you disagree with most, and how would you have addressed it differently?

The county grand jury strongly recommended to the City of Oceanside (and others) that they form a Citizens Oversight Committee for Police Oversight when excessive force was in question. The City Council voted against the recommendation.

Assign RELATIVE priorities to the following issue areas:

• HIGHEST RELATIVE PRIORITY: Housing Affordability; Public Safety;  Small Businesses;  Fiscal Management/Discipline
• ABOVE AVERAGE: Recreation/Open Space; Social Service/Helps;  Public Transit
• BELOW AVERAGE: Community/Neighborhood/Historic Preservation; Government Transparency/Accountability;  Environment/Natural Resource Management
• LOWEST RELATIVE PRIORITY: None Indicated

For your highest priority issue above, sum up what you propose to do about it:

Viewing our decisions from the perspective of the actual citizen. E.g. A new development is always presented with 400′ views and not at the level of traffic impacts or the pedestrian experience. We do not live 400′ over a building. We live on the sidewalks and streets and in our homes. We must focus on how we affect real people at ground level.

For your lowest priority issue above, sum up why you think it’s lowest:

Historic Preservation is a misstated question.  We have and currently do protect well places like the Mission, Bunker House, or Fin Hotel. The more appropriate question is how to protect the historic character of the neighborhoods. This is accomplished by careful design considerations of new developments.

Davis, Kellie

Tell us about yourself and why you’re running:

I run as an Independent candidate, my vision for City Council is a nonpartisan independent body, dedicated to representing and serving the citizens, no matter of socio-economic status, party affiliation, national origin, race, or creed. My presence would bring much needed social equity to provide a broader perspective when voting on policies.

How strongly do you agree?: ‘I favor diverting some resources from law enforcement to other social/community services or back to taxpayers.’

✓ Strongly agree

✘ Somewhat agree

✘ Somewhat disagree

✘ Strongly disagree

How strongly do you agree?: ‘Elected officials should discern & follow popular will, even if they & staff don’t agree with popular sentiment.’

✘ Strongly agree

✘ Somewhat agree

✘ Somewhat disagree

✓ Strongly disagree

Which statement about local land-use constraints (zoning, discretionary review, fee structures) do you most agree with?

✓ Land use is mostly a community-wide matter. Every parcel affects others. Decisions about what to allow/incentivize belongs to voters or their reps.

✘ Land use is mostly a private matter. Beyond minimal constraints for public safety, owners should be able to use their private property how they see fit.

✘ There should be a balance. But currently community influence is too favored. I’d like to loosen local government’s control a little bit.

✘ There should be a balance. But the currently private economic decisions are too favored. I’d like to tighten local government’s control a little bit.

What are your top priorities/best ideas to improve city/county finances?

I am in favor of supporting and developing new revenue streams within the City, and finding funding to support our local businesses who are already doing business in our City. We can help our citizens explore starting their own businesses by providing and educating them on the free resources available for them to do so.

What city council/county board decision in the last few years did you disagree with most, and how would you have addressed it differently?

In 2016, the San Diego Grand Jury recommend the City of Oceanside, “establish an independent citizen commission for oversight of police behavior and determine the specific commission model with community input to ensure acceptance, independence, and accountability.” The Oceanside City Council voted unanimously no, I would have voted yes.

Assign RELATIVE priorities to the following issue areas:

• HIGHEST RELATIVE PRIORITY: Housing Affordability; Public Safety;  Small Businesses;  Government Transparency/Accountability;  Social Service/Helps;  Environment/Natural Resource Management
• ABOVE AVERAGE: None Indicated
• BELOW AVERAGE: Community/Neighborhood/Historic Preservation; Fiscal Management/Discipline;  Recreation/Open Space
• LOWEST RELATIVE PRIORITY: Public Transit

For your highest priority issue above, sum up what you propose to do about it:

Government transparency/accountability ranks high for me, as I am committed to building the much-needed trust back with our government. One of the ways to do that is through transparency, giving our community the ability to access and comment on important governmental matters, like the selection of our new Chief of Police.

For your lowest priority issue above, sum up why you think it’s lowest:

A few years ago, or, a few years from now Public Transit matters may be more of a priority. We are still reeling from the impacts of COVID-19, and public transit is less of a priority for me, since people are not moving about like they used to, and some residents still have public health concerns when it comes to traveling in enclosed spaces.

Keim, Ryan

Tell us about yourself and why you’re running:

A lifelong Oceanside resident and former Oceanside police office, I will confront the homeless crisis and crime associated with it head-on through a compassionate but tough approach. I will protect taxpayer money, preserve Oceanside’s unique character and ensure our seniors and veterans receive the services they deserve.

How strongly do you agree?: ‘I favor diverting some resources from law enforcement to other social/community services or back to taxpayers.’

✘ Strongly agree

✘ Somewhat agree

✓ Somewhat disagree

✘ Strongly disagree

How strongly do you agree?: ‘Elected officials should discern & follow popular will, even if they & staff don’t agree with popular sentiment.’

✘ Strongly agree

✓ Somewhat agree

✘ Somewhat disagree

✘ Strongly disagree

Which statement about local land-use constraints (zoning, discretionary review, fee structures) do you most agree with?

✘ Land use is mostly a community-wide matter. Every parcel affects others. Decisions about what to allow/incentivize belongs to voters or their reps.

✘ Land use is mostly a private matter. Beyond minimal constraints for public safety, owners should be able to use their private property how they see fit.

✓ There should be a balance. But currently community influence is too favored. I’d like to loosen local government’s control a little bit.

✘ There should be a balance. But the currently private economic decisions are too favored. I’d like to tighten local government’s control a little bit.

What are your top priorities/best ideas to improve city/county finances?

Local government needs to focus on providing essential services by streamlining our organization, processes and diversifying our tax base. A broad base of tax revenue will protect against future recessions and allow us to focus on our core services in any economic climate.

What city council/county board decision in the last few years did you disagree with most, and how would you have addressed it differently?

In November 2019, I did not support the approval of a housing development in South Morro Hills (North River Farms). I believe we need to finish a comprehensive plan for the entire region before development continues so we have a clear picture of what infrastructure improvements are needed and who should pay for them.

Assign RELATIVE priorities to the following issue areas:

• HIGHEST RELATIVE PRIORITY: Public Safety; Small Businesses;  Government Transparency/Accountability;  Fiscal Management/Discipline;  Recreation/Open Space;  Environment/Natural Resource Management
• ABOVE AVERAGE: Housing Affordability; Community/Neighborhood/Historic Preservation;  Social Service/Helps
• BELOW AVERAGE: Public Transit
• LOWEST RELATIVE PRIORITY: None Indicated

For your highest priority issue above, sum up what you propose to do about it:

We need to address the homeless crisis and the crime associated with it through a compassionate but tough approach that connects individuals with services while simultaneously enforcing our laws and upholding our quality of life.

For your lowest priority issue above, sum up why you think it’s lowest:

In order for public transit to be effective, housing and building growth needs to occur in “smart growth” corridors. Public transit would be premature and underutilized with current land use and building patterns.

Newman, Amber

Tell us about yourself and why you’re running:

For too long Oceanside’s city government has been dominated by self-interest. I will bring fairness and equitable treatment of all to our council. Decision-making based on facts, not emotion. We have a lot of work to do and COVID hasn’t helped but I know that by working together we can resolve these issues and concentrate on Oceanside’s future.

How strongly do you agree?: ‘I favor diverting some resources from law enforcement to other social/community services or back to taxpayers.’

✓ Strongly agree

✘ Somewhat agree

✘ Somewhat disagree

✘ Strongly disagree

How strongly do you agree?: ‘Elected officials should discern & follow popular will, even if they & staff don’t agree with popular sentiment.’

✘ Strongly agree

✓ Somewhat agree

✘ Somewhat disagree

✘ Strongly disagree

Which statement about local land-use constraints (zoning, discretionary review, fee structures) do you most agree with?

✓ Land use is mostly a community-wide matter. Every parcel affects others. Decisions about what to allow/incentivize belongs to voters or their reps.

✘ Land use is mostly a private matter. Beyond minimal constraints for public safety, owners should be able to use their private property how they see fit.

✘ There should be a balance. But currently community influence is too favored. I’d like to loosen local government’s control a little bit.

✘ There should be a balance. But the currently private economic decisions are too favored. I’d like to tighten local government’s control a little bit.

What are your top priorities/best ideas to improve city/county finances?

Small businesses are struggling due to the impact of COVID-19. Our city can keep these businesses solvent by providing loans or grants with available reserves. Emergencies such as COVID are why we have reserves to begin with. This high yield investment will prevent short-term disaster and offer high long-term yields for Oceanside.

What city council/county board decision in the last few years did you disagree with most, and how would you have addressed it differently?

With the passage of Prop 64 Oceanside had a golden opportunity to become a hub of the emerging cannabis industry. Despite overwhelming support for Prop 64, our council punted on the issue while smaller cities such as Vista cashed in. We need sensible cannabis regulations in Oceanside to protect businesses and consumers and safeguard our children.

Assign RELATIVE priorities to the following issue areas:

• HIGHEST RELATIVE PRIORITY: Housing Affordability; Public Safety;  Small Businesses;  Government Transparency/Accountability;  Fiscal Management/Discipline;  Social Service/Helps
• ABOVE AVERAGE: Community/Neighborhood/Historic Preservation; Recreation/Open Space;  Environment/Natural Resource Management
• BELOW AVERAGE: Public Transit
• LOWEST RELATIVE PRIORITY: None Indicated

For your highest priority issue above, sum up what you propose to do about it:

It’s critical that we protect our small businesses during this pandemic. If we fail to act then we can expect other problems including urban blight, public safety concerns, and increased demand on city services. These extenuating problems will also be exacerbated by the fact that we wouldn’t have a sufficient tax base to meet our obligations.

For your lowest priority issue above, sum up why you think it’s lowest:

With ridership down as much as 73% due to folks staying home and social distancing, I would have to say that public transit is a lowered priority at the moment. A robust public transit system is crucially important but any conversation about expanding public transit needs to be delayed while we address more pressing issues.

Zernik, David

Tell us about yourself and why you’re running:

I’m a civil engineer with 27 years of work experience. I’m a single dad, raising two boys, Skyler and Davey. I’m a graduate of SDSU. I believe the city is heading in the wrong direction. It has been run by the same old group of people for decades, it’s time for a change. The city has a number of problems, like homelessness and traffic.

How strongly do you agree?: ‘I favor diverting some resources from law enforcement to other social/community services or back to taxpayers.’

✓ Strongly agree

✘ Somewhat agree

✘ Somewhat disagree

✘ Strongly disagree

How strongly do you agree?: ‘Elected officials should discern & follow popular will, even if they & staff don’t agree with popular sentiment.’

✘ Strongly agree

✓ Somewhat agree

✘ Somewhat disagree

✘ Strongly disagree

Which statement about local land-use constraints (zoning, discretionary review, fee structures) do you most agree with?

✘ Land use is mostly a community-wide matter. Every parcel affects others. Decisions about what to allow/incentivize belongs to voters or their reps.

✓ Land use is mostly a private matter. Beyond minimal constraints for public safety, owners should be able to use their private property how they see fit.

✘ There should be a balance. But currently community influence is too favored. I’d like to loosen local government’s control a little bit.

✘ There should be a balance. But the currently private economic decisions are too favored. I’d like to tighten local government’s control a little bit.

What are your top priorities/best ideas to improve city/county finances?

I’m concerned with citizen finances. This includes cutting the water bill, reducing taxes and fees. I would like to streamline the city government. We need to do more with less. Each city employee must really serve the public.

What city council/county board decision in the last few years did you disagree with most, and how would you have addressed it differently?

It’s too hard to start a business or get a building permit in this town. The city is hurting the economy. The city has created a housing shortage. My goal is that rent should be one week’s pay. Building department review times and permits should be reduced.

Assign RELATIVE priorities to the following issue areas:

• HIGHEST RELATIVE PRIORITY: Housing Affordability; Public Safety;  Small Businesses;  Recreation/Open Space
• ABOVE AVERAGE: Fiscal Management/Discipline; Social Service/Helps;  Environment/Natural Resource Management
• BELOW AVERAGE: Community/Neighborhood/Historic Preservation; Government Transparency/Accountability;  Public Transit
• LOWEST RELATIVE PRIORITY: None Indicated

For your highest priority issue above, sum up what you propose to do about it.

Having access and using the city’s recreation center is a high priority. The rec center is an easy way for all of us to improve our quality of life. My plan is to improve these existing facilities. This includes adding showers. This can help the homeless a lot. In addition, a hot tub and restrooms.

For your lowest priority issue above, sum up why you think it’s lowest.

Neighborhoods are not to be preserved. They must change and grow. They are made to be conserved. They need to be enhanced and improved on over time. The demographics show that about 700 net new people live in Oceanside each year. The city’s housing shortage just keeps on growing. We need to change this trend

City of Oceanside – District 4

Gomez, Michelle

Tell us about yourself and why you’re running:

I’m a Southern California native. Oceanside has always held a special place in my heart, even before I established roots here. I’m running to ensure that our City Council is proactive in protecting our lives and livelihoods. I’m running to ensure that Oceanside remains an innovative, welcoming, and prosperous city that we are proud to call home.

How strongly do you agree?: ‘I favor diverting some resources from law enforcement to other social/community services or back to taxpayers.’

✓ Strongly agree

✘ Somewhat agree

✘ Somewhat disagree

✘ Strongly disagree

How strongly do you agree?: ‘Elected officials should discern & follow popular will, even if they & staff don’t agree with popular sentiment.’

✘ Strongly agree

✓ Somewhat agree

✘ Somewhat disagree

✘ Strongly disagree

Which statement about local land-use constraints (zoning, discretionary review, fee structures) do you most agree with?

✓ Land use is mostly a community-wide matter. Every parcel affects others. Decisions about what to allow/incentivize belongs to voters or their reps.

✘ Land use is mostly a private matter. Beyond minimal constraints for public safety, owners should be able to use their private property how they see fit.

✘ There should be a balance. But currently community influence is too favored. I’d like to loosen local government’s control a little bit.

✘ There should be a balance. But the currently private economic decisions are too favored. I’d like to tighten local government’s control a little bit.

What are your top priorities/best ideas to improve city/county finances?

Small businesses are struggling due to the impact of COVID-19. Our city can keep these businesses solvent by providing loans or grants with available reserves. Emergencies such as COVID are why we have reserves to begin with. This high yield investment will prevent short term disaster and offer high long-term yields for Oceanside.

What city council/county board decision in the last few years did you disagree with most, and how would you have addressed it differently?

The response mounted by Oceanside’s City Council to stave off the worst economic effects of COVID-19 has been weak-willed at best. I’m a strong proponent of tapping emergency reserves to help struggling businesses and residents. This support through the worst of times will set us up for a more rapid recovery once the situation stabilizes.

Assign RELATIVE priorities to the following issue areas:

• HIGHEST RELATIVE PRIORITY: Public Safety; Social Service/Helps
• ABOVE AVERAGE: Housing Affordability; Small Businesses;  Government Transparency/Accountability;  Fiscal Management/Discipline
• BELOW AVERAGE: Recreation/Open Space; Environment/Natural Resource Management
• LOWEST RELATIVE PRIORITY: Community/Neighborhood/Historic Preservation; Public Transit

For your highest priority issue above, sum up what you propose to do about it:

We must address our ever-increasing homelessness issue in a manner that is cost-effective and that helps unsheltered residents get back on their feet. As with many problems, COVID-19 has only increased the odds of residents becoming homeless. I would like to see SANDAG make a priority of addressing homelessness countywide.

For your lowest priority issue above, sum up why you think it’s lowest:

With all of the unfortunate events this year, our priority must be on keeping our communities strong. By adopting a “people first” approach we can protect the best part of our legacy: The residents who call Oceanside home. For that reason, the idea of investing our already scarce resources on historical preservation seems misdirected at the moment.

Weiss, Peter

Tell us about yourself and why you’re running:

I am running to protect the fiscal stability, economic prosperity and the jobs -creating an atmosphere we have realized over the past few years. Oceanside is experiencing a positive investment environment that is critical in attracting and retaining businesses, which in turn improves the programs and services we provide the community.

How strongly do you agree?: ‘I favor diverting some resources from law enforcement to other social/community services or back to taxpayers.’

✘ Strongly agree

✘ Somewhat agree

✘ Somewhat disagree

✓ Strongly disagree

How strongly do you agree?: ‘Elected officials should discern & follow popular will, even if they & staff don’t agree with popular sentiment.’

✘ Strongly agree

✘ Somewhat agree

✓ Somewhat disagree

✘ Strongly disagree

Which statement about local land-use constraints (zoning, discretionary review, fee structures) do you most agree with?

✘ Land use is mostly a community-wide matter. Every parcel affects others. Decisions about what to allow/incentivize belongs to voters or their reps.

✘ Land use is mostly a private matter. Beyond minimal constraints for public safety, owners should be able to use their private property how they see fit.

✓ There should be a balance. But currently community influence is too favored. I’d like to loosen local government’s control a little bit.

✘ There should be a balance. But the currently private economic decisions are too favored. I’d like to tighten local government’s control a little bit.

What are your top priorities/best ideas to improve city/county finances?

Fiscal Stability: following COVID, we need to focus on core services and manage our budget appropriately. Economic Recovery and Growth: streamline the approval and construction of various development projects and new businesses (Inn’s at Buena Creek, OceanKamp, El Corazon Sports Arena) to add construction and permanent jobs.

What city council/county board decision in the last few years did you disagree with most, and how would you have addressed it differently?

In March 2019, the Council voted to remove the Melrose Extension from the long-range transportation plan. I did not support that decision. When you systematically remove major roadway segments and connections, you increase congestion in other parts of the roadway network. Can’t complain about traffic if you eliminate the traffic solutions.

Assign RELATIVE priorities to the following issue areas:

• HIGHEST RELATIVE PRIORITY: Public Safety; Small Businesses;  Fiscal Management/Discipline
• ABOVE AVERAGE: Housing Affordability; Social Service/Helps
• BELOW AVERAGE: Recreation/Open Space; Environment/Natural Resource Management
• LOWEST RELATIVE PRIORITY: Community/Neighborhood/Historic Preservation; Government Transparency/Accountability;  Public Transit

For your highest priority issue above, sum up what you propose to do about it:

We need all businesses to be successful in order for the City to be successful. When businesses thrive, the City benefits. We need to spend within our means and not look at additional taxes and fees to balance the budget. We need to regularly review and make necessary budget adjustments We also need to continue to prioritize Public Safety.

For your lowest priority issue above, sum up why you think it’s lowest:

Although Historic preservation has a place and is important, it is not a high priority as it relates to the more pressing issues the City is dealing with.

City of Oceanside – Mayor

Garcia, Fernando

Tell us about yourself and why you’re running:

I want to address our biggest challenges with transparency, not tied to special interests, big donors, or developers. I am running to serve our city’s residents looking out for their best interests and not the big donors. I am running to solve our homeless situation by helping people individually. I want to serve with integrity.

How strongly do you agree?: ‘I favor diverting some resources from law enforcement to other social/community services or back to taxpayers.’

✘ Strongly agree

✘ Somewhat agree

✘ Somewhat disagree

✓ Strongly disagree

How strongly do you agree?: ‘Elected officials should discern & follow popular will, even if they & staff don’t agree with popular sentiment.’

✓ Strongly agree

✘ Somewhat agree

✘ Somewhat disagree

✘ Strongly disagree

Which statement about local land-use constraints (zoning, discretionary review, fee structures) do you most agree with?

✓ Land use is mostly a community-wide matter. Every parcel affects others. Decisions about what to allow/incentivize belongs to voters or their reps.

✘ Land use is mostly a private matter. Beyond minimal constraints for public safety, owners should be able to use their private property how they see fit.

✘ There should be a balance. But currently community influence is too favored. I’d like to loosen local government’s control a little bit.

✘ There should be a balance. But the currently private economic decisions are too favored. I’d like to tighten local government’s control a little bit.

What are your top priorities/best ideas to improve city/county finances?

Empower the city’s Economic Development Commission to work with the businesses and city council to come up with suggestions to help businesses thrive. The budget must be reviewed to study return on investment of monies spent to better determine its use. Reevaluate our relationship with SANDAG.

What city council/county board decision in the last few years did you disagree with most, and how would you have addressed it differently?

North River Farms. I disapprove of the way some City Council members handled it. The Development Commission voted twice against it as well as the Morro hills communities were against it and yet, Council approved it. The environmental impact of building more homes in an already infrastructure saturated area is plainly irresponsible.

Assign RELATIVE priorities to the following issue areas:

• HIGHEST RELATIVE PRIORITY: Public Safety; Government Transparency/Accountability;  Fiscal Management/Discipline
• ABOVE AVERAGE: Small Businesses; Community/Neighborhood/Historic Preservation;  Recreation/Open Space;  Social Service/Helps;  Public Transit;  Environment/Natural Resource Management
• BELOW AVERAGE: Housing Affordability
• LOWEST RELATIVE PRIORITY: None Indicated

For your highest priority issue above, sum up what you propose to do about it:

Public Safety. Create a commonsense emergency evacuation plan for the city in case of fires or other natural disasters. Additionally, train the police on community relations and cultural awareness.

For your lowest priority issue above, sum up why you think it’s lowest:

Housing is important. However, the city does not have adequate infrastructure to support more people. Until the city develops a better traffic plan (improvement of roads, installation of smart traffic lights, widening of the 76, North river road expansion and other major roadways), traffic congestion will increase.

Howard, Rob

Tell us about yourself and why you’re running:

I am a 30-year resident of Oceanside. I am running because I bring a collaborative approach to leadership. I have worked with government, business, community and the education community and all need to be engaged if we are to have a successful economic recovery from COVID. Issues to address: climate, business, homelessness and housing.

How strongly do you agree?: ‘I favor diverting some resources from law enforcement to other social/community services or back to taxpayers.’

✘ Strongly agree

✓ Somewhat agree

✘ Somewhat disagree

✘ Strongly disagree

How strongly do you agree?: ‘Elected officials should discern & follow popular will, even if they & staff don’t agree with popular sentiment.’

✘ Strongly agree

✓ Somewhat agree

✘ Somewhat disagree

✘ Strongly disagree

Which statement about local land-use constraints (zoning, discretionary review, fee structures) do you most agree with?

✘ Land use is mostly a community-wide matter. Every parcel affects others. Decisions about what to allow/incentivize belongs to voters or their reps.

✘ Land use is mostly a private matter. Beyond minimal constraints for public safety, owners should be able to use their private property how they see fit.

✘ There should be a balance. But currently community influence is too favored. I’d like to loosen local government’s control a little bit.

✓ There should be a balance. But the currently private economic decisions are too favored. I’d like to tighten local government’s control a little bit.

What are your top priorities/best ideas to improve city/county finances?

We should evaluate spending with a focus on outcomes. We need to look at COVID recovery and what micro businesses need to get up and running. We should be looking for other revenue sources including lobbying for necessary funding for economic growth, community programs and public safety.

What city council/county board decision in the last few years did you disagree with most, and how would you have addressed it differently?

Board of Supervisors’ decision not to hire employees to facilitate enrollment into medical programs. The county is responsible for this and could have increased revenue as well as expanded healthcare for thousands providing an avenue for increased knowledge and prevention.

Assign RELATIVE priorities to the following issue areas:

• HIGHEST RELATIVE PRIORITY: Small Businesses; Government Transparency/Accountability
• ABOVE AVERAGE: Housing Affordability; Public Safety;  Community/Neighborhood/Historic Preservation;  Fiscal Management/Discipline;  Social Service/Helps;  Environment/Natural Resource Management
• BELOW AVERAGE: Recreation/Open Space; Public Transit
• LOWEST RELATIVE PRIORITY: None Indicated

For your highest priority issue above, sum up what you propose to do about it:

COVID recovery – We need to listen to the science and work with micro-businesses (fewer than 20 employees) on the necessary resources to move the economy. We need to update our General Plan so that we have a roadmap. That gives us a housing plan and business development plan that integrates our climate actions to support our community.

For your lowest priority issue above, sum up why you think it’s lowest:

We currently have open spaces. We need to ensure we keep them. So, while it is rated lower, it is not lower in importance. Public transit is rated lower because NCTD is the primary and we need to work with them to make transit usable for our workers and residents who need transit at different work/entertainment hours.

Chavez, Rocky

Tell us about yourself and why you’re running:

I am running as a public servant. I believe we as citizens have a responsibility to make our community something that we can all be proud of, ensure an inclusive environment that celebrates diversity. I had the opportunity as a Marine who served for 28 years to travel throughout the world and I recognize the gift we have in Oceanside.

How strongly do you agree?: ‘I favor diverting some resources from law enforcement to other social/community services or back to taxpayers.’

✘ Strongly agree

✘ Somewhat agree

✘ Somewhat disagree

✓ Strongly disagree

How strongly do you agree?: ‘Elected officials should discern & follow popular will, even if they & staff don’t agree with popular sentiment.’

✘ Strongly agree

✓ Somewhat agree

✘ Somewhat disagree

✘ Strongly disagree

Which statement about local land-use constraints (zoning, discretionary review, fee structures) do you most agree with?

✘ Land use is mostly a community-wide matter. Every parcel affects others. Decisions about what to allow/incentivize belongs to voters or their reps.

✘ Land use is mostly a private matter. Beyond minimal constraints for public safety, owners should be able to use their private property how they see fit.

✘ There should be a balance. But currently community influence is too favored. I’d like to loosen local government’s control a little bit.

✓ There should be a balance. But the currently private economic decisions are too favored. I’d like to tighten local government’s control a little bit.

What are your top priorities/best ideas to improve city/county finances?

Oceanside receives $29 Million in TOT and sales tax. We are developing into a tourist community. These revenues need to continue to grow to meet the social needs of our community. With a better social environment, e.g. restaurants, art, theater and music…with opportunities for bike riding, surfing and boating; our property values will increase.

What city council/county board decision in the last few years did you disagree with most, and how would you have addressed it differently?

I disagreed with the council’s decision to support North River Farms without the approval of the Planning Commission. I believe local government needs to be transparent and follow a process. Adherence to rules and procedures benefits all members of the community.

Assign RELATIVE priorities to the following issue areas:

• HIGHEST RELATIVE PRIORITY: Government Transparency/Accountability
• ABOVE AVERAGE: Housing Affordability; Public Safety;  Small Businesses;  Community/Neighborhood/Historic Preservation;  Fiscal Management/Discipline;  Recreation/Open Space;  Social Service/Helps;  Environment/Natural Resource Management
• BELOW AVERAGE: Public Transit
• LOWEST RELATIVE PRIORITY: None Indicated

For your highest priority issue above, sum up what you propose to do about it:

The Mayor of Oceanside selects commissioners. I would ensure that each commission is balanced and not dominated by one special interest. Commissions allow healthy discussions on difficult issues and public input; this is beneficial as Oceanside address housing, energy, public safety and economics.

For your lowest priority issue above, sum up why you think it’s lowest:

Today I would put public transit lowest because of the COVID impact. We need to take some time to ensure we are making the best decisions as we address future diseases in a world-connected environment. I like and have used public transportation extensively in the past, but recognize we need to reflect on public health.

Turgeon, David

Tell us about yourself and why you’re running:

Born and raised in San Diego. Oceanside 13 yrs. No on L; No on M; Save our sand / Jetties; Skate park by beach; Find a way to lower property taxes; Jobs that pay above the poverty level; Affordable housing; New development projects that use local labor. Tax the tourists, not the locals to help fund community projects.

How strongly do you agree?: ‘I favor diverting some resources from law enforcement to other social/community services or back to taxpayers.’

✓ Strongly agree

✘ Somewhat agree

✘ Somewhat disagree

✘ Strongly disagree

How strongly do you agree?: ‘Elected officials should discern & follow popular will, even if they & staff don’t agree with popular sentiment.’

✓ Strongly agree

✘ Somewhat agree

✘ Somewhat disagree

✘ Strongly disagree

Which statement about local land-use constraints (zoning, discretionary review, fee structures) do you most agree with?

✘ Land use is mostly a community-wide matter. Every parcel affects others. Decisions about what to allow/incentivize belongs to voters or their reps.

✘ Land use is mostly a private matter. Beyond minimal constraints for public safety, owners should be able to use their private property how they see fit.

✘ There should be a balance. But currently community influence is too favored. I’d like to loosen local government’s control a little bit.

✓ There should be a balance. But the currently private economic decisions are too favored. I’d like to tighten local government’s control a little bit.

What are your top priorities/best ideas to improve city/county finances?

Build jetties; save our sand; Tax the tourists not the locals; Find a way to lower property taxes for homeowners; Skate park by the beach; Use local labor for new projects; Jobs that pay above the poverty level; Affordable housing. Love to hear ideas on how to improve our city.

What city council/county board decision in the last few years did you disagree with most, and how would you have addressed it differently?

Allowing these sun-blocking unaffordable luxury townhomes in our neighborhoods, destroying our way of life. At least make underground parking, 2-story max, with smaller affordable units.

Assign RELATIVE priorities to the following issue areas:

• HIGHEST RELATIVE PRIORITY: Housing Affordability; Small Businesses;  Government Transparency/Accountability;  Recreation/Open Space;  Social Service/Helps
• ABOVE AVERAGE: Public Safety; Community/Neighborhood/Historic Preservation;  Fiscal Management/Discipline;  Public Transit;  Environment/Natural Resource Management
• BELOW AVERAGE: None Indicated
• LOWEST RELATIVE PRIORITY: None Indicated

For your highest priority issue above, sum up what you propose to do about it:

Allocate funds where needed, cut back funding where being misused.

For your lowest priority issue above, sum up why you think it’s lowest:

There are no low priority issues.

Mcgee, Alvin

Tell us about yourself and why you’re running:

I am a victim of violent crime: I had a brother and my cousin killed and no one has been brought to justice for these crimes. I hope we can bring the community closer together. I do a lot of community work myself. I’m running as a community volunteer. In 2017 I won the community impact award working with the Oceanside Boys and Girls Club.

How strongly do you agree?: ‘I favor diverting some resources from law enforcement to other social/community services or back to taxpayers.’

✘ Strongly agree

✓ Somewhat agree

✘ Somewhat disagree

✘ Strongly disagree

How strongly do you agree?: ‘Elected officials should discern & follow popular will, even if they & staff don’t agree with popular sentiment.’

✘ Strongly agree

✓ Somewhat agree

✘ Somewhat disagree

✘ Strongly disagree

Which statement about local land-use constraints (zoning, discretionary review, fee structures) do you most agree with?

✘ Land use is mostly a community-wide matter. Every parcel affects others. Decisions about what to allow/incentivize belongs to voters or their reps.

✓ Land use is mostly a private matter. Beyond minimal constraints for public safety, owners should be able to use their private property how they see fit.

✘ There should be a balance. But currently community influence is too favored. I’d like to loosen local government’s control a little bit.

✘ There should be a balance. But the currently private economic decisions are too favored. I’d like to tighten local government’s control a little bit.

What are your top priorities/best ideas to improve city/county finances?

We need good public health facilities. There are a lot of vacant buildings in my city that could be used for some really great programs. Let’s start a “skillshare” organization; t’s fun and easy, everyone has something to teach and something to learn. I would like to plant a habitat garden. And a community swap meet would be nice.

What city council/county board decision in the last few years did you disagree with most, and how would you have addressed it differently?

Well, anything that has to do with public safety, as [I am] a victim of violent crime and know other victims. Our elected officials and law enforcement do not reach out to the community that’s [ravaged] by street gangs. Sometimes there’s just no communication. It’s shameful that people haft to live this way.

Assign RELATIVE priorities to the following issue areas:

• HIGHEST RELATIVE PRIORITY: Housing Affordability; Public Safety;  Small Businesses;  Government Transparency/Accountability
• ABOVE AVERAGE: Community/Neighborhood/Historic Preservation; Fiscal Management/Discipline;  Recreation/Open Space;  Social Service/Helps;  Public Transit;  Environment/Natural Resource Management
• BELOW AVERAGE: None Indicated
• LOWEST RELATIVE PRIORITY: None Indicated

For your highest priority issue above, sum up what you propose to do about it:

I speak for my community and all those people who agree with me: our number one focus is to bring affordable housing and some kind of rent control to our city. Our elected officials do not care about us, all they want is your vote while the rent keeps going up, while workers’ wages don’t go up. We can’t let the real estate investor control our lives.

For your lowest priority issue above, sum up why you think it’s lowest:

Social services help for me. I would like to talk about all of the homeless people that are in the city, as we all know it’s getting worse and worse. I will always point the finger at our elected officials. It seems to me that no one wants any accountability about our homeless problem. I do take time out of my life to do whatever I can to help.

Major, Ruben

Tell us about yourself and why you’re running:

I’m a Paramedic educator. My wife and I have 3 children who attend local schools, own an EMT training program, and run a local non-profit animal rescue. I grew up in poverty, being homeless as a kid. I moved out at 14, overcoming adversity. I have degrees in law and history. Priorities: Homeless Crisis, COVID-19, Public Safety.

How strongly do you agree?: ‘I favor diverting some resources from law enforcement to other social/community services or back to taxpayers.’

✓ Strongly agree

✘ Somewhat agree

✘ Somewhat disagree

✘ Strongly disagree

How strongly do you agree?: ‘Elected officials should discern & follow popular will, even if they & staff don’t agree with popular sentiment.’

✓ Strongly agree

✘ Somewhat agree

✘ Somewhat disagree

✘ Strongly disagree

Which statement about local land-use constraints (zoning, discretionary review, fee structures) do you most agree with?

✘ Land use is mostly a community-wide matter. Every parcel affects others. Decisions about what to allow/incentivize belongs to voters or their reps.

✘ Land use is mostly a private matter. Beyond minimal constraints for public safety, owners should be able to use their private property how they see fit.

✘ There should be a balance. But currently community influence is too favored. I’d like to loosen local government’s control a little bit.

✓ There should be a balance. But the currently private economic decisions are too favored. I’d like to tighten local government’s control a little bit.

What are your top priorities/best ideas to improve city/county finances?

We need to eliminate wasteful spending and use our tax dollars wisely. For example, police overtime is one of the highest expenditures. This needs to stop and the excess money can be spent on public works and the fire department. We need to make money for the city to bring in more revenue. Let’s focus on COVID-19 economic development and support.

What city council/county board decision in the last few years did you disagree with most, and how would you have addressed it differently?

When the City Council approved the North River Farms project despite so many people speaking against it. It is a monumentally unsafe project and the fact that the Council did not listen to the community is a true travesty and represents why we need major change.

Assign RELATIVE priorities to the following issue areas:

• HIGHEST RELATIVE PRIORITY: Public Safety; Government Transparency/Accountability;  Social Service/Helps
• ABOVE AVERAGE: Housing Affordability; Small Businesses;  Community/Neighborhood/Historic Preservation;  Fiscal Management/Discipline;  Recreation/Open Space;  Environment/Natural Resource Management
• BELOW AVERAGE: Public Transit
• LOWEST RELATIVE PRIORITY: None Indicated

For your highest priority issue above, sum up what you propose to do about it:

The homeless crisis is my top priority. We are not following the law of the land. We are citing and ticketing the homeless, which is a waste of money. If a person is homeless, they are permitted to live in public in front of storefronts and in the riverbed if there are not enough beds for them. I believe tiny houses can help address this issue.

For your lowest priority issue above, sum up why you think it’s lowest:

It’s hard to say, but those issues which are not within our control and are under the direction of other entities, such as public transportation, will require collaboration with those entities to address.

Marchi, Fabio

Tell us about yourself and why you’re running:

Fabio, engineer, real estate broker & businessman, will change City’s old boys’ club mentality, make government accountable, help small business, bring jobs, fix infrastructure, bring sand to beaches & make housing affordable. Growing up in Argentina under dictatorship, Fabio will be a custodian of civil rights & maintain an open-door policy.

How strongly do you agree?: ‘I favor diverting some resources from law enforcement to other social/community services or back to taxpayers.’

✓ Strongly agree

✘ Somewhat agree

✘ Somewhat disagree

✘ Strongly disagree

How strongly do you agree?: ‘Elected officials should discern & follow popular will, even if they & staff don’t agree with popular sentiment.’

✓ Strongly agree

✘ Somewhat agree

✘ Somewhat disagree

✘ Strongly disagree

Which statement about local land-use constraints (zoning, discretionary review, fee structures) do you most agree with?

✓ Land use is mostly a community-wide matter. Every parcel affects others. Decisions about what to allow/incentivize belongs to voters or their reps.

✘ Land use is mostly a private matter. Beyond minimal constraints for public safety, owners should be able to use their private property how they see fit.

✘ There should be a balance. But currently community influence is too favored. I’d like to loosen local government’s control a little bit.

✘ There should be a balance. But the currently private economic decisions are too favored. I’d like to tighten local government’s control a little bit.

What are your top priorities/best ideas to improve city/county finances?

Reduce building permit fees & time, fire the highest-paid employees & hire an in-house crew to rebuild infrastructure; review/void unnecessary contracts, optimize and make accountable police and fire departments, help existing businesses and bring new business, reduce taxes, eradicate homelessness, and prioritize helping seniors.

What city council/county board decision in the last few years did you disagree with most, and how would you have addressed it differently?

Proposition X: I would have cut taxes instead of increasing them. 2. Current budget is skewed toward police and fire; I would have made it more balanced and reallocated monies to social programs and infrastructure. 3. Latest $20 million water meter upgrade; I would have used that money to remove asbestos pipes for drinking water.

Assign RELATIVE priorities to the following issue areas:

• HIGHEST RELATIVE PRIORITY: Housing Affordability; Public Safety;  Small Businesses;  Community/Neighborhood/Historic Preservation;  Government Transparency/Accountability;  Fiscal Management/Discipline;  Recreation/Open Space;  Social Service/Helps;  Public Transit;  Environment/Natural Resource Management
• ABOVE AVERAGE: None Indicated
• BELOW AVERAGE: None Indicated
• LOWEST RELATIVE PRIORITY: None Indicated

For your highest priority issue above, sum up what you propose to do about it:

A balanced government is a key to success for the entire community as the weakest link can destroy us. City employees must focus on public service. A mayor must be a wise leader & deal maker, inviting business through economic incentives, such as reducing business license fees & cutting the red tape. Efficiency & accountability are my goals.

For your lowest priority issue above, sum up why you think it’s lowest:

I have no lowest priority. “When everything is a priority” then things get done.

Rodriguez, Christopher

Tell us about yourself and why you’re running:

I am an 18-year Oceanside resident, Marine Corps veteran, farmer, small business owner and current councilman. My wife, Sarah, and I have 7 children, ages 1 to 21. I have a vision and plan to deal with Oceanside’s greatest challenges that include homelessness, public safety, business development and infrastructure.

How strongly do you agree?: ‘I favor diverting some resources from law enforcement to other social/community services or back to taxpayers.’

✘ Strongly agree

✓ Somewhat agree

✘ Somewhat disagree

✘ Strongly disagree

How strongly do you agree?: ‘Elected officials should discern & follow popular will, even if they & staff don’t agree with popular sentiment.’

✘ Strongly agree

✓ Somewhat agree

✘ Somewhat disagree

✘ Strongly disagree

Which statement about local land-use constraints (zoning, discretionary review, fee structures) do you most agree with?

✘ Land use is mostly a community-wide matter. Every parcel affects others. Decisions about what to allow/incentivize belongs to voters or their reps.

✘ Land use is mostly a private matter. Beyond minimal constraints for public safety, owners should be able to use their private property how they see fit.

✓ There should be a balance. But currently community influence is too favored. I’d like to loosen local government’s control a little bit.

✘ There should be a balance. But the currently private economic decisions are too favored. I’d like to tighten local government’s control a little bit.

What are your top priorities/best ideas to improve city/county finances?

Economic development and job creation are essential. We must cut waste through technology enhancements and better systems. Streamlined business and development entitlement pathways that minimize staff hours and present a business-friendly environment. Better negotiations prioritizing residents over development to require more infrastructure.

What city council/county board decision in the last few years did you disagree with most, and how would you have addressed it differently?

Nothing comes to mind

Assign RELATIVE priorities to the following issue areas:

• HIGHEST RELATIVE PRIORITY: Public Safety
• ABOVE AVERAGE: Housing Affordability; Small Businesses;  Community/Neighborhood/Historic Preservation;  Government Transparency/Accountability;  Fiscal Management/Discipline;  Recreation/Open Space;  Social Service/Helps;  Environment/Natural Resource Management
• BELOW AVERAGE: Public Transit
• LOWEST RELATIVE PRIORITY: None Indicated

For your highest priority issue above, sum up what you propose to do about it:

My first duty and highest obligation is to Oceanside’s Public Safety. Illegal homeless encampments and crime/drug use is reaping havoc on thousands of Oceanside residents. I will bring relief through enforcing vagrancy laws, provide a shelter resource that offers vocational job training programs and access to treat mental illness/drug addiction.

For your lowest priority issue above, sum up why you think it’s lowest:

Public transit exists in Oceanside and currently, there is only a 3% ridership. The fact is, residents prefer driving and more focus must be given to relieving traffic congestion and improving road infrastructure.

City of San Marcos – District 3

Geraci, Alan

Tell us about yourself and why you’re running:

I am a public interest attorney. Our region requires a climate advocate.

How strongly do you agree?: ‘I favor diverting some resources from law enforcement to other social/community services or back to taxpayers.’

✓ Strongly agree

✘ Somewhat agree

✘ Somewhat disagree

✘ Strongly disagree

How strongly do you agree?: ‘Elected officials should discern & follow popular will, even if they & staff don’t agree with popular sentiment.’

✘ Strongly agree

✘ Somewhat agree

✘ Somewhat disagree

✓ Strongly disagree

Which statement about local land-use constraints (zoning, discretionary review, fee structures) do you most agree with?

✓ Land use is mostly a community-wide matter. Every parcel affects others. Decisions about what to allow/incentivize belongs to voters or their reps.

✘ Land use is mostly a private matter. Beyond minimal constraints for public safety, owners should be able to use their private property how they see fit.

✘ There should be a balance. But currently community influence is too favored. I’d like to loosen local government’s control a little bit.

✘ There should be a balance. But the currently private economic decisions are too favored. I’d like to tighten local government’s control a little bit.

What are your top priorities/best ideas to improve city/county finances?

COVID will greatly affect our budgets for a couple of years. New revenue policies must be explored so the City can meet its budgetary demands. I would explore liquidating some assets and installing a value-added tax to meet demands.

What city council/county board decision in the last few years did you disagree with most, and how would you have addressed it differently?

The response to the COVID pandemic has been without leadership in my community. The decisions made were made to financially support the business community in the form of loans that were later forgiven with a push to reopen businesses before the public health science allowed for the same. The moratorium on evictions only mimicked the state mandates.

Assign RELATIVE priorities to the following issue areas:

• HIGHEST RELATIVE PRIORITY: Housing Affordability; Public Safety;  Small Businesses;  Public Transit
• ABOVE AVERAGE: Government Transparency/Accountability; Recreation/Open Space;  Social Service/Helps;  Environment/Natural Resource Management
• BELOW AVERAGE: Community/Neighborhood/Historic Preservation; Fiscal Management/Discipline
• LOWEST RELATIVE PRIORITY: None Indicated

For your highest priority issue above, sum up what you propose to do about it:

Declare a regional climate emergency. There is a climate emergency that demands a massive-scale mobilization to halt, reverse, and address its consequences and causes. This is an existential threat and San Marcos must do whatever it takes to confront it. Included in this plan is an affordable housing and 21st-century transportation plan.

For your lowest priority issue above, sum up why you think it’s lowest:

Although fiscal discipline is important, our local civic commitment is to economic recovery as we emerge stronger after Covid-19. Preparing the San Marcos workforce is essential to our healthier, more equitable clean-energy future for all of us.

Jenkins, Sharon

Tell us about yourself and why you’re running:

We are faced with unprecedented challenging times. I believe my leadership for the past 8 years as a Council Member, previous 14 years as a School Board Member along with my commitment to and experiences within the community are needed as we work to not only pull out, but also move forward. My goal is to continue to move the City forward.

How strongly do you agree?: ‘I favor diverting some resources from law enforcement to other social/community services or back to taxpayers.’

✘ Strongly agree

✘ Somewhat agree

✘ Somewhat disagree

✓ Strongly disagree

How strongly do you agree?: ‘Elected officials should discern & follow popular will, even if they & staff don’t agree with popular sentiment.’

✘ Strongly agree

✓ Somewhat agree

✘ Somewhat disagree

✘ Strongly disagree

Which statement about local land-use constraints (zoning, discretionary review, fee structures) do you most agree with?

✘ Land use is mostly a community-wide matter. Every parcel affects others. Decisions about what to allow/incentivize belongs to voters or their reps.

✘ Land use is mostly a private matter. Beyond minimal constraints for public safety, owners should be able to use their private property how they see fit.

✓ There should be a balance. But currently community influence is too favored. I’d like to loosen local government’s control a little bit.

✘ There should be a balance. But the currently private economic decisions are too favored. I’d like to tighten local government’s control a little bit.

What are your top priorities/best ideas to improve city/county finances?

The top priority is always keeping our citizens safe. Equally of import is ensuring City finances are sound, especially during our current crisis, constantly finding ways to address traffic concerns, and protecting our environment for future generations. The best idea to improve finances is to continue our constant, prudent focus and keep a strong reserve.

What city council/county board decision in the last few years did you disagree with most, and how would you have addressed it differently?

I stand by the decisions I’ve made in the past. While some may not always agree with me, most know that I do my best to thoroughly investigate and make informed decisions based upon what I think is best for the community overall, without any regard for how it might personally affect me politically. I’m locally focused and plan to stay that way.

Assign RELATIVE priorities to the following issue areas:

• HIGHEST RELATIVE PRIORITY: Housing Affordability; Public Safety;  Small Businesses;  Community/Neighborhood/Historic Preservation;  Government Transparency/Accountability;  Fiscal Management/Discipline;  Recreation/Open Space;  Social Service/Helps;  Public Transit;  Environment/Natural Resource Management
• ABOVE AVERAGE: None Indicated
• BELOW AVERAGE: None Indicated
• LOWEST RELATIVE PRIORITY: None Indicated

For your highest priority issue above, sum up what you propose to do about it:

While your request was to disperse the rankings on these items they are all of high importance. Having been a Council Member for 8 years, I know we have to focus on all of these. Not to would be irresponsible.

For your lowest priority issue above, sum up why you think it’s lowest:

Not applicable. I think they are all important priorities.

City of San Marcos – District 4

Kramer, Neil

Tell us about yourself and why you’re running:

My professional and personal life has been dedicated to public service. I love my community and want to do more to serve. I served three years on the City’s Budget Review Committee. My experience will be valuable as we face unprecedented challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. I am running because I want to protect our hillsides and open spaces.

How strongly do you agree?: ‘I favor diverting some resources from law enforcement to other social/community services or back to taxpayers.’

✘ Strongly agree

✘ Somewhat agree

✓ Somewhat disagree

✘ Strongly disagree

How strongly do you agree?: ‘Elected officials should discern & follow popular will, even if they & staff don’t agree with popular sentiment.’

✘ Strongly agree

✘ Somewhat agree

✓ Somewhat disagree

✘ Strongly disagree

Which statement about local land-use constraints (zoning, discretionary review, fee structures) do you most agree with?

✘ Land use is mostly a community-wide matter. Every parcel affects others. Decisions about what to allow/incentivize belongs to voters or their reps.

✘ Land use is mostly a private matter. Beyond minimal constraints for public safety, owners should be able to use their private property how they see fit.

✘ There should be a balance. But currently community influence is too favored. I’d like to loosen local government’s control a little bit.

✓ There should be a balance. But the currently private economic decisions are too favored. I’d like to tighten local government’s control a little bit.

What are your top priorities/best ideas to improve city/county finances?

The City has been successful in passing a balanced budget annually. San Marcos’ finances have been well managed by the City Manager, the Budget Review Committee, and Council. COVID-19 has caused a significant decrease in sales tax revenue, which resulted in having to use reserves to balance this year’s budget. We need to monitor finances closely.

What city council/county board decision in the last few years did you disagree with most, and how would you have addressed it differently?

I disagree with a series of decisions related to recent residential development. We need to move away from housing projects that have built large homes that the people who live and work in our city cannot afford. The homes encroach on our open spaces, overcrowd our schools, and increase already congested traffic in our area. We need a greater mix.

Assign RELATIVE priorities to the following issue areas:

• HIGHEST RELATIVE PRIORITY: Housing Affordability; Small Businesses;  Fiscal Management/Discipline;  Recreation/Open Space;  Social Service/Helps;  Public Transit;  Environment/Natural Resource Management
• ABOVE AVERAGE: Public Safety; Community/Neighborhood/Historic Preservation;  Government Transparency/Accountability
• BELOW AVERAGE: None Indicated
• LOWEST RELATIVE PRIORITY: None Indicated

For your highest priority issue above, sum up what you propose to do about it:

We can do better to address the housing needs of our community. I support: more affordable options for our citizens, smart growth, more density, and smaller units. We should be building more within the city, close to the freeway, along transit, and near shopping. I support New Urbanism that includes walkable neighborhoods.

For your lowest priority issue above, sum up why you think it’s lowest:

San Marcos contracts with the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office for police services. We have one of the lowest crime rates in San Diego County and spend less money per capita for police services. The Sheriff’s Office is doing a wonderful job for our community.

Musgrove, Ed

Tell us about yourself and why you’re running:

Veteran, retired Sheriff’s Captain, former traffic commissioner and current planning commissioner. I held leadership positions in public safety, non-profits, & public transportation. I am focused on public safety, improving traffic flow, maintaining our parks & trails & supporting our schools and businesses as we turn the corner with the pandemic.

How strongly do you agree?: ‘I favor diverting some resources from law enforcement to other social/community services or back to taxpayers.’

✘ Strongly agree

✘ Somewhat agree

✘ Somewhat disagree

✓ Strongly disagree

How strongly do you agree?: ‘Elected officials should discern & follow popular will, even if they & staff don’t agree with popular sentiment.’

✘ Strongly agree

✘ Somewhat agree

✘ Somewhat disagree

✓ Strongly disagree

Which statement about local land-use constraints (zoning, discretionary review, fee structures) do you most agree with?

✘ Land use is mostly a community-wide matter. Every parcel affects others. Decisions about what to allow/incentivize belongs to voters or their reps.

✘ Land use is mostly a private matter. Beyond minimal constraints for public safety, owners should be able to use their private property how they see fit.

✓ There should be a balance. But currently community influence is too favored. I’d like to loosen local government’s control a little bit.

✘ There should be a balance. But the currently private economic decisions are too favored. I’d like to tighten local government’s control a little bit.

What are your top priorities/best ideas to improve city/county finances?

San Marcos has a history of outsourcing by contracting with local business for many services that are needed on an occasional basis such as landscaping in the public right-of-way. We do an excellent job of setting aside funds every year into our reserves. This needs to continue.

What city council/county board decision in the last few years did you disagree with most, and how would you have addressed it differently?

I don’t have an exception regarding city council decisions in the past several years. They have adhered to our general plan and made exceptions only when circumstances have justified the decision.

Assign RELATIVE priorities to the following issue areas:

• HIGHEST RELATIVE PRIORITY: Housing Affordability; Public Safety;  Government Transparency/Accountability;  Fiscal Management/Discipline
• ABOVE AVERAGE: Small Businesses; Community/Neighborhood/Historic Preservation;  Recreation/Open Space;  Social Service/Helps;  Environment/Natural Resource Management
• BELOW AVERAGE: Public Transit
• LOWEST RELATIVE PRIORITY: None Indicated

For your highest priority issue above, sum up what you propose to do about it:

Operate in the open with processes and decision making – listening to all sides of an issue. Keep our policing and fire safety services as a priority. Working with our development community & planning department to streamline the cost of building to help make housing more affordable by holding the cost/time of permitting.

For your lowest priority issue above, sum up why you think it’s lowest:

Public transportation is needed, but we are not a community where we grew around this as a primary mode of transportation. It fits for some, but not the significant majority. We need to keep it up and running, but not at the expense of roadway safety, maintenance and efficiency.

City of Vista – District 2

Perez, Elizabeth

Tell us about yourself and why you’re running:

My decision to run for Vista City Council D2 is a personal reason. I decided to run last November because my 12-year-old son witnessed a man shooting drugs into his arm as we entered Vons. There is an increase in crime and drugs in Vista. I plan to address this issue and other important issues once elected.

How strongly do you agree?: ‘I favor diverting some resources from law enforcement to other social/community services or back to taxpayers.’

✘ Strongly agree

✓ Somewhat agree

✘ Somewhat disagree

✘ Strongly disagree

How strongly do you agree?: ‘Elected officials should discern & follow popular will, even if they & staff don’t agree with popular sentiment.’

✓ Strongly agree

✘ Somewhat agree

✘ Somewhat disagree

✘ Strongly disagree

Which statement about local land-use constraints (zoning, discretionary review, fee structures) do you most agree with?

✓ Land use is mostly a community-wide matter. Every parcel affects others. Decisions about what to allow/incentivize belongs to voters or their reps.

✘ Land use is mostly a private matter. Beyond minimal constraints for public safety, owners should be able to use their private property how they see fit.

✘ There should be a balance. But currently community influence is too favored. I’d like to loosen local government’s control a little bit.

✘ There should be a balance. But the currently private economic decisions are too favored. I’d like to tighten local government’s control a little bit.

What are your top priorities/best ideas to improve city/county finances?

I plan to expand public-private partnerships. This can be accomplished with clean energy solutions and this includes building innovative new local technologies. Long-term goals would include developing municipal broadband and Wi-Fi connectivity. Also, leverage and connect Vista’s agricultural assets with private industry and consumers.

What city council/county board decision in the last few years did you disagree with most, and how would you have addressed it differently?

When “shelter in place” took effect in March, our leadership denied COVID-19 relief efforts for our local small businesses and renters. I don’t agree with this decision. Our city leadership should have taken the extra step of exploring and developing various types of COVID-19 relief packages instead of completely denying this.

Assign RELATIVE priorities to the following issue areas:

• HIGHEST RELATIVE PRIORITY: Housing Affordability; Public Safety;  Small Businesses;  Community/Neighborhood/Historic Preservation;  Government Transparency/Accountability;  Fiscal Management/Discipline;  Recreation/Open Space;  Social Service/Helps;  Public Transit;  Environment/Natural Resource Management
• ABOVE AVERAGE: None Indicated
• BELOW AVERAGE: None Indicated
• LOWEST RELATIVE PRIORITY: None Indicated

For your highest priority issue above, sum up what you propose to do about it:

Overall, there is a lot of work to that needs to be done in Vista. We can do better. Public safety is my top focus and I will strive towards Vista having its own community police department. This would be combined with increasing social services to combat the issues that lead to incarceration, address homelessness and lack of affordable housing.

For your lowest priority issue above, sum up why you think it’s lowest:

Vista is seriously behind in addressing several important issues that negatively affect the quality of life and well-being our community. These issues include public safety, education, addressing climate change, city infrastructure needs, mitigation for fire prevention, lack of community spaces, and the absence of art and culture.

City of Vista – District 3

Melendez, Katie

Tell us about yourself and why you’re running:

As a lifelong Vista resident and local social worker, I believe we deserve representation that will boldly lead us forward during uncertain times. I will bring a new approach to Vista City Council and work closely with constituents in making decisions. I am proudly endorsed by Vista Firefighters and Congressman Mike Levin.

How strongly do you agree?: ‘I favor diverting some resources from law enforcement to other social/community services or back to taxpayers.’

✘ Strongly agree

✓ Somewhat agree

✘ Somewhat disagree

✘ Strongly disagree

How strongly do you agree?: ‘Elected officials should discern & follow popular will, even if they & staff don’t agree with popular sentiment.’

✘ Strongly agree

✓ Somewhat agree

✘ Somewhat disagree

✘ Strongly disagree

Which statement about local land-use constraints (zoning, discretionary review, fee structures) do you most agree with?

✘ Land use is mostly a community-wide matter. Every parcel affects others. Decisions about what to allow/incentivize belongs to voters or their reps.

✘ Land use is mostly a private matter. Beyond minimal constraints for public safety, owners should be able to use their private property how they see fit.

✘ There should be a balance. But currently community influence is too favored. I’d like to loosen local government’s control a little bit.

✓ There should be a balance. But the currently private economic decisions are too favored. I’d like to tighten local government’s control a little bit.

What are your top priorities/best ideas to improve city/county finances?

As a social worker and affordable housing advocate, I see that the City of Vista can be doing more to partner with State and County agencies, as well as non-profit organizations to improve services for our city. I am interested in advocating for grant opportunities, especially for improving our infrastructure and traffic safety.

What city council/county board decision in the last few years did you disagree with most, and how would you have addressed it differently?

A previous City Council decision I disagree with is regarding inclusionary housing requirements in the City of Vista. In 2015, Vista City Council, including the incumbent (my opponent) voted to remove inclusionary housing requirements for developers. This resulted in our community missing out on hundreds of potential affordable housing units.

Assign RELATIVE priorities to the following issue areas:

• HIGHEST RELATIVE PRIORITY: Housing Affordability; Public Safety;  Government Transparency/Accountability
• ABOVE AVERAGE: Small Businesses; Fiscal Management/Discipline;  Social Service/Helps
• BELOW AVERAGE: Public Transit; Environment/Natural Resource Management
• LOWEST RELATIVE PRIORITY: Community/Neighborhood/Historic Preservation; Recreation/Open Space

For your highest priority issue above, sum up what you propose to do about it:

One of my top priorities is housing affordability. Solutions to ensure housing affordability in Vista include inclusionary housing requirements for new developments, making it easier to build new housing and providing incentives such as density bonuses, and advocating for State and Federal funding for affordable housing.

For your lowest priority issue above, sum up why you think it’s lowest:

I chose Neighborhood Preservation as one of my lowest priorities, because this is a particular issue that needs to be driven by continued dialogue with community members. I may have a particular preference or vision for a neighborhood in Vista, but those decisions should be held collaboratively with constituents to ensure the BEST outcome.

Rigby, Amanda

Tell us about yourself and why you’re running:

Current Deputy Mayor, proud of my record of reducing debt, increasing reserves, restructuring Prop. L bonds, saving $1M per year, increasing fire and Sheriff resources, renovating our parks and building 3 news ones, dedicating $2.4M to address homelessness, and our response to COVID-19. I ask for your support to continue working for all Vistans.

How strongly do you agree?: ‘I favor diverting some resources from law enforcement to other social/community services or back to taxpayers.’

✘ Strongly agree

✘ Somewhat agree

✘ Somewhat disagree

✓ Strongly disagree

How strongly do you agree?: ‘Elected officials should discern & follow popular will, even if they & staff don’t agree with popular sentiment.’

✘ Strongly agree

✘ Somewhat agree

✓ Somewhat disagree

✘ Strongly disagree

Which statement about local land-use constraints (zoning, discretionary review, fee structures) do you most agree with?

✘ Land use is mostly a community-wide matter. Every parcel affects others. Decisions about what to allow/incentivize belongs to voters or their reps.

✘ Land use is mostly a private matter. Beyond minimal constraints for public safety, owners should be able to use their private property how they see fit.

✓ There should be a balance. But currently community influence is too favored. I’d like to loosen local government’s control a little bit.

✘ There should be a balance. But the currently private economic decisions are too favored. I’d like to tighten local government’s control a little bit.

What are your top priorities/best ideas to improve city/county finances?

TIF can be a useful tool for certain types of projects. We currently use public/private partnerships when offering various programs, i.e. for the homeless and seniors. We restructured Prop. L bonds saving $1M p/y in payment obligations, retired our structural deficit, and increased our reserves from just around 8% in 2012 to a current rate of 33%.

What city council/county board decision in the last few years did you disagree with most, and how would you have addressed it differently?

A local used car dealer asked Council to deny a permit for a used car tent sale at the local Walmart parking lot because he didn’t want the competition. I am for open and fair competition; let the consumer decide where to buy their products, not the City. Council denied the permit (4-1) and the used car tent sale didn’t happen.

Assign RELATIVE priorities to the following issue areas:

• HIGHEST RELATIVE PRIORITY: Public Safety; Small Businesses;  Government Transparency/Accountability;  Fiscal Management/Discipline;  Social Service/Helps
• ABOVE AVERAGE: Housing Affordability; Community/Neighborhood/Historic Preservation;  Recreation/Open Space;  Environment/Natural Resource Management
• BELOW AVERAGE: Public Transit
• LOWEST RELATIVE PRIORITY: None Indicated

For your highest priority issue above, sum up what you propose to do about it:

Public safety is a primary function of every city and I’m proud we brought back our 4th ambulance and I will ensure we always have the resources we need. 2. Small businesses are the backbone of our community, providing local jobs, goods, and services. It serves everyone when the City helps businesses thrive instead of over-regulating them.

For your lowest priority issue above, sum up why you think it’s lowest:

We will always have a well maintained, secure, and easily accessible public transit system for all who want to use it and I remain committed to this. We must also recognize the needs of the approximately 97% of the population who use our freeways and roads, including those moving goods and services throughout our communities, balancing the two.

San Diego County Board of Supervisors – District 3

Gaspar, Kristin

Tell us about yourself and why you’re running:

Since taking office, I have worked to help those who are most vulnerable in our society: the elderly, those struggling with mental health or addiction, and our homeless population, while protecting taxpayers and keeping our communities safe. We are turning things around using innovative approaches that focus on results but we have much work to do.

How strongly do you agree?: ‘I favor diverting some resources from law enforcement to other social/community services or back to taxpayers.’

✘ Strongly agree

✘ Somewhat agree

✘ Somewhat disagree

✓ Strongly disagree

How strongly do you agree?: ‘Elected officials should discern & follow popular will, even if they & staff don’t agree with popular sentiment.’

✘ Strongly agree

✘ Somewhat agree

✓ Somewhat disagree

✘ Strongly disagree

Which statement about local land-use constraints (zoning, discretionary review, fee structures) do you most agree with?

✘ Land use is mostly a community-wide matter. Every parcel affects others. Decisions about what to allow/incentivize belongs to voters or their reps.

✘ Land use is mostly a private matter. Beyond minimal constraints for public safety, owners should be able to use their private property how they see fit.

✓ There should be a balance. But currently community influence is too favored. I’d like to loosen local government’s control a little bit.

✘ There should be a balance. But the currently private economic decisions are too favored. I’d like to tighten local government’s control a little bit.

What are your top priorities/best ideas to improve city/county finances?

Since elected to the board, I have traveled across the country exploring innovative programs and services with proven outcomes to bring to San Diego County. County government must not wait for people to reach a point of crisis before investing in human potential. Sadly, prevention strategies are woefully underfunded and this needs to change.

What city council/county board decision in the last few years did you disagree with most, and how would you have addressed it differently?

In 2004, voters approved a 40-year extension of the 1/2 cent TransNet sales tax to fund road improvement projects. The proposition identified improvements to routes 52, 56, 78, and I-805. SANDAG proposed scrapping these improvements and investing 100% into mass transit. These promised projects were approved by the voters and should be respected.

Assign RELATIVE priorities to the following issue areas:

• HIGHEST RELATIVE PRIORITY: Housing Affordability; Public Safety;  Small Businesses;  Fiscal Management/Discipline
• ABOVE AVERAGE: Community/Neighborhood/Historic Preservation; Government Transparency/Accountability;  Recreation/Open Space;  Social Service/Helps;  Environment/Natural Resource Management
• BELOW AVERAGE: Public Transit
• LOWEST RELATIVE PRIORITY: None Indicated

For your highest priority issue above, sum up what you propose to do about it:

San Diego has the 4th largest homeless population in the nation and it’s getting worse. While government continues to throw money at the problem, there’s little to show for it, with much focus on care and not enough focused on root causes. Studying programs in other cities, I have brought innovative solutions to our communities to transform lives.

For your lowest priority issue above, sum up why you think it’s lowest:

I support a balanced transportation system that addresses investments in mass transit, while providing improvements to our regional roads. The North Coast Corridor in Solana Beach where I-5 expansion meets Coaster double-tracking and lagoon restoration is a perfect example of the balance we should be achieving.

Lawson-Remer, Terra

Tell us about yourself and why you’re running:

I am a third-generation San Diegan who served as Senior Advisor in the Obama Administration developing environmental policies to cut pollution and help economies recover from crises. I have a lifelong track record of uniting people to solve problems and will defend San Diegans from Trump’s attacks on our rights, public health, and quality of life.

How strongly do you agree?: ‘I favor diverting some resources from law enforcement to other social/community services or back to taxpayers.’

✘ Strongly agree

✓ Somewhat agree

✘ Somewhat disagree

✘ Strongly disagree

How strongly do you agree?: ‘Elected officials should discern & follow popular will, even if they & staff don’t agree with popular sentiment.’

✘ Strongly agree

✘ Somewhat agree

✓ Somewhat disagree

✘ Strongly disagree

Which statement about local land-use constraints (zoning, discretionary review, fee structures) do you most agree with?

✘ Land use is mostly a community-wide matter. Every parcel affects others. Decisions about what to allow/incentivize belongs to voters or their reps.

✘ Land use is mostly a private matter. Beyond minimal constraints for public safety, owners should be able to use their private property how they see fit.

✘ There should be a balance. But currently community influence is too favored. I’d like to loosen local government’s control a little bit.

✓ There should be a balance. But the currently private economic decisions are too favored. I’d like to tighten local government’s control a little bit.

What are your top priorities/best ideas to improve city/county finances?

The County currently returns millions of dollars to state and federal programs because we don’t promote enrollment in their social safety net programs. We must invest in outreach to get vulnerable San Diegans enrolled, so they get the help they need paid for by the state/federal government, thus reducing demands on our locally-funded services.

What city council/county board decision in the last few years did you disagree with most, and how would you have addressed it differently?

I strongly oppose the County’s actions defending their bad Climate Action Plan and joining Trump’s lawsuit attacking CA and our immigrant neighbors. We need a climate plan that leads the nation, not one so weak and toothless [that] courts strike it down. We shouldn’t have wasted taxpayer money joining Trump’s fearmongering and racist lawsuit against CA.

Assign RELATIVE priorities to the following issue areas:

• HIGHEST RELATIVE PRIORITY: Small Businesses; Environment/Natural Resource Management
• ABOVE AVERAGE: Housing Affordability; Government Transparency/Accountability;  Recreation/Open Space;  Social Service/Helps
• BELOW AVERAGE: Public Safety; Public Transit
• LOWEST RELATIVE PRIORITY: Community/Neighborhood/Historic Preservation; Fiscal Management/Discipline

For your highest priority issue above, sum up what you propose to do about it:

We need to be protecting our environment and leading the fight against climate change, not denying its existence and paving over our open spaces.

For your lowest priority issue above, sum up why you think it’s lowest:

Fiscal management is vital; I rank it lowest because the County prioritized its finances over the actual work it needs to do for decades, and now has reserves far over recommended levels. I’d maintain safe reserves, but we can’t ignore the County’s responsibilities and underserve San Diego in the name of fiscal discipline when reserves are bloated.