September Newsletter
Candidates Share Views On Business
The Chamber of Commerce asked all six candidates five questions we feel are important to
business. Brad's responses follow each question.
WHAT ROLE SHOULD THE CITY PLAY IN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT?
Lewis: Economic development is a joint effort among the business community, the city and the
citizens of San Carlos. The city needs to solicit feedback and direction and then take proactive
measures to attract complementary businesses that fit into our needs and vision for the city.
WHAT ARE YOUR VIEWS ON PARKING POLICIES AND REQUIREMENTS DOWNTOWN?
Lewis: Businesses and customers have needs that require convenient parking, yet we need to
maintain some flexibility in our requirements in order to attract the types of businesses that help
maintain the village-like feel of downtown. Our downtown has the most personal, social and
family friendly atmosphere on the Peninsula, and we need to be careful not to take it for granted.
We need a joint vision and a plan that we pursue together to make it even better.
WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON THE HANDLING OF INTRA-CITY PUBLIC TRANSIT AND TRAFFIC
FLOW?
Lewis: We have traffic congestion problems, and we don’t have a workable public transit solution.
I will work to achieve consensus on a solution that will help alleviate both.
IN TERMS OF HOUSING IN SAN CARLOS, HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT HOUSING DENSITY AND
TRANSIT CORRIDOR HOUSING?
Lewis: We have a lack of affordable housing and a lack of available land in San Carlos; therefore,
the transit corridor should be considered among the possible solutions. The density
consideration surrounds maintaining our small-town atmosphere and having housing that
reflects the quality of life we’ve all come to treasure.
WHAT POSITION DO YOU HOLD ABOUT ALLOWING ZONING CHANGES FOR THE DEVELOPMENT
OF NON-COMMERCIAL USES IN THE INDUSTRIAL AREA ON THE EAST SIDE?
Lewis: We have a budget deficit and need to be careful not to reduce a dependable, existing tax
revenue base. Any consideration allowing zoning changes would have to be accompanied by a
greater plan that would maintain or increase our current balance.
