Our development activity must balance financial needs, housing needs, and the potential impact
on the surrounding neighborhood environment. The existing process tends to evaluate
proposed projects individually rather than within the broader strategic context of how we want
San Carlos to look and feel. Without a context that accurately represents a shared vision of our
future, development decisions will be made in a vacuum. Quality of life is the defining imperative
for our community and it must drive the development evaluation process.
On Public Safety
First and foremost is the provision of consistent and responsive emergency services for all San
Carlans. We must restore paramedic services to our station at Howard and Alameda. We must
try to salvage the South County Fire Authority by establishing objective management criteria to
which both cities agree, and develop a strategic and cost-effective management structure. The
safety and well-being of our citizens must not be jeopardized by the lack of administrative
cooperation between civic entities.
On Balancing the Budget
I would start by limiting all capital expenditures and directing the City Manager to present a plan
to balance the budget. Both sides of the fiscal equation – revenue and expense - should be
addressed. While continuing to provide essential services, we should consider consolidating
structural management. We should also be aggressive in developing and considering options
to increase tax revenues, including a regional effort to stop the state from passing along
unfunded, mandated programs. Our revenue projections must be reviewed and compared to
historical averages to be sure that our forecasting is as accurate as possible
On Government
The current City government has developed patterns that need to be changed and revitalized. It
needs to be infused with the energy and vision of all San Carlos constituencies and
stakeholders. Responsive government listens to, evaluates, and understands the community's
needs and priorities. This allows the development of a prioritized governing context within which
decisions are made. The feedback process must be proactive, focused, and transparent. The
citizens must feel that their voices are heard and their input is respected and valued.
