I'm running for mayor because Seaside can't afford to stand still. We're cutting services while neighboring cities are growing. We need a stronger voice for residents in setting priorities that affect their daily lives, leading to better governance and greater economic development for our city.
At the end of my first year on the Neighborhood Improvement Commission, Mayor Rubio held a recognition ceremony for Seaside volunteers. I remember inviting my parents to the event, and they clapped loudly as I received a certification of appreciation from the mayor. This practice was discontinued, and we haven’t recognized volunteers for many years. Additionally, the mayor’s office has been relocated, so it is not readily accessible to the public upon entering City Hall. I hope to change that and create an environment where all citizens feel valued. Members of committees and commissions will be recognized through public ceremonies. Each council member, in consultation with the mayor, will be able to recommend people for commissions and committees. This is in addition to the current application process. Commission and committee chairs will be consulted prior to a decision being made. City employees and departments that improve citizens’ lives will be recognized. Formal recommendations from the commissions and committees, after consultation with city staff members, will be placed on the council agenda for discussion. Council members will be able to submit items for the agenda of the next council meeting. The mayor’s office will be moved to the front of the building, and an open-door policy will be implemented. There will be town halls for residents to share ideas, ask questions, and stay informed. Suggestions from the town halls will be assigned to staff members for follow-up.
Every weekend, Highway 1 is filled with cars headed south to Monterey and Carmel. Seaside is often overlooked because we haven’t promoted the unique aspects of our city, including the fact that we have influenced the world through the people trained at Ft. Ord, the exceptional dining experiences available, and the distinction of being the only city on the peninsula with a professional soccer team. In the future, I see many of those cars exiting Fremont Avenue and heading towards our vibrant downtown, which will be filled with multicultural restaurants, attractions for children and adults, shops, and live theater. I will collaborate with our economic director and business leaders to establish a Downtown Association and develop a strategy to attract people-friendly businesses to the downtown area. In cooperation with our Downtown Association, we will sponsor sales and events that bring community members, visitors, and CSUMB students downtown. We will make Seaside a destination city through partnerships that develop attractions such as the Seaside/Fort Ord Museum, Hispanic Plaza, and a theater with live and film programs. I also will work to develop public-private partnerships so that we can fund the Seaside Amphitheater and Cultural Center at the top of Broadway Avenue. There will be a wedding garden as well as a space for receptions. This will provide the impetus for new businesses such as photography, wedding planning, catering, etc. Seaside will become an official sponsor of the Monterey Bay Football Club, our hometown team.
Our city has diverse needs, and numerous local groups have been established to address these needs. I intend to support these groups, as well as individual citizens, and to develop a system so that their input can be heard. Listen to and work with organizations to provide housing affordability in Seaside. Help the groups working on homelessness prevention. Work with groups that provide early childhood, youth, and young adult programs. Solicit suggestions from groups such as the Neighborhood Watch to improve community safety and prevent violence. Listen to our senior citizens to help them have a better life. Work with environmental groups to improve our quality of life.
Have questions or suggestions? I would love to hear from you!
Campaign Headquarters
916 Silver Spur Rd, Rolling Hills Estates, CA 90274