Mayoral candidates share views on issues facing O’side

OCEANSIDE — Incumbent Mayor Jim Wood will run for another term this November. Also running for Oceanside mayor are candidates Rick Kratcoski, Georgeo Kerpani, Cynthia M. Rocco and Jim Gibson.

The Coast News asked candidates about pending and recently passed state laws, and how they effect the city.

Wood and Kratcoski share their views on marijuana legalization, vehicle miles traveled counts to determine traffic pollutants, and a mandate to reduce organic waste that goes into landfills.

A second story in this week’s paper includes replies from Kerpani and Rocco. Gibson did not respond by time of publication.

Oceanside resident Oscar Ortega filed papers to run for mayor, but did submit enough verified signatures to have his name listed on the ballot.

 

What are your views on Prop 64, state allowance of recreational marijuana, which will be voted on in November, and the city’s allowance of medial marijuana delivery?

Mayor Jim Wood, 68, occupation Mayor City of Oceanside: As a former police officer, I don’t support the legalization of marijuana. I do support the use of medical marijuana; however, I’m concerned about unauthorized users being able to purchase it.

Rick Kratcoski, 61, occupation Radio Show Host: Since the Greatest Generation is dying off quickly, the baby boomers and their children who grew up with pot will eventually legalize it. Probably in this election.

As mayor I would have some concerns of an increase in traffic accidents caused by recreational use, as well as determining who in city employment is puffing a big one before they come to work.

Productivity and safety could be a huge problem not only for city workers, but also for employers and their staff.

 

What effects will SB 743, which goes into effect in 2017 and measures vehicle miles traveled to determine traffic’s environmental impacts, have on Oceanside development?

Wood: If it’s determined that there is an excessive amount of vehicle traffic in Oceanside, I believe we will see more transit oriented development which will lead to greater use of public transportation.

I plan to do more research on the bill to get a better understanding of the impacts it will have in our city.

Kratcoski: Another Democrat Senate bill obviously.  If it slows down Oceanside’s development of more high-density townhomes, condos and apartments it could be helpful.

 

What can be done to support city efforts to fulfill AB 1826, which has been in effect since April, and requires grocery stores and restaurants to divert organic waste from landfills?

Wood: I believe it’s a good idea to divert organic waste from landfills. Our landfills are already filling up; however, I’m concerned that the cost may prove to be burdensome for many small businesses.

Kratcoski: Actually this is yet another example of Democratic state lawmakers passing and mandating bills without allocating funding for local cities and other agencies to pay for them.

This unfunded mandate adds costs to cities and other agencies plus grocery stores, restaurants and eventually the customers.

The city of Oceanside has a director of Integrated Waste and Recycling. She should have the answers of what needs to be done.

But I am not in favor of charging businesses more to do business just because California lawmakers want to regulate everything without paying the costs for their mandates.

There are a lot more questions about Oceanside’s city politics that I will answer.