Jan’s Response to the Chamber of Commerce Questionnaire

1. What is the single biggest challenge facing our city in the coming years, and if elected what would you do now to address the issue?

The City’s biggest long term challenge will be dealing with the budget and the wild card budget implications of the State regulations controlling climate disruption. Obviously, climate disruption and the accompanying energy failures are very bad for business.

The need to save energy and the high price of gasoline provide incentives for businesses to work with the community to create a sustainable blueprint for our community through the General Plan Update. To make compliance budget-wise, Council should plan for a reduced carbon future through implementing “Smart Growth” principles.

2. What specifically would you do to encourage the development of more head of household jobs?

The City should launch a campaign to attract “lone eagles,” highly mobile people who live anywhere they choose, and operate their businesses out of their homes. We should also lobby the CSU Trustees to approve the California Central Coast Research Partnership (C3RP) project, then support its creation of head of household jobs. The City should put policies in place to support expansion of existing businesses, so they can create more high paying jobs.

3. What should the City’s role be in encouraging the type of business that is good for the community?

As Dave Garth recently stated, “Quality of life is the engine that runs the economic success of the city.” Land use policies and environmental laws support business that is good for the community and quality of life.

The City should make all businesses better by utilizing AB811, which allows cities to offer low-interest financing to business owners who make energy improvements such as solar panels or purchasing energy-efficient appliances. The loans are repaid on businesses’ annual property tax bills

4. Do you think that all older buildings in the city should be preserved or only those with significant historical value?

The City should preserve buildings and places which are considered historical resources under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). If a building or place is listed as historical or archeological, or has cultural or historical significance, or contributes to the city’s unique sense of place, it deserves protection.