VOTE411 Voter Guide

Continuing to draw from different sources, like groundwater, surface water, rainwater and recycled water, are all necessary, but so is a Desalination Plant. We are on constant water restrictions due to perpetual droughts. I spoke to City Water C.O.O, Drew Molly, who says desal is one of many steps needed. I also met with IDE Technologies, contractors from Israel, on how desalination works and the facilities they've built and manage all over the world. Understanding and supporting desal is a priority for me, as an avid boater who enjoys fishing, protection of our Bays and Estuaries is of utmost importance. Desalination can provide a much needed water supply in our community, if it is managed correctly and with environmentally safe practices.

We have endless opportunities and are fortunate to have Tourism, a Military Base, CCAD, Port Industries, TAMUCC & DMC, Healthcare Opportunities and a need for more Housing. Having working relationships with each and the CC Regional Economic Development Corp is crucial for economic development. Also an educated and skilled workforce is vital and having both TAMUCC & DMC to provide these workers is important. Knowing what is needed in our community helps to produce this workforce. We have to make sure our city is well suited to attract not only businesses and industry, but citizens that want to live here. Having desirable jobs, affordable housing and a great quality of life will help with economic development and prosperity in our city.

Street repairs/maintenance is a priority as I hate replacing tires due to potholes! As a multiple Business Owner, Chair of the Chamber & local Restaurant Assn, a complaint I hear is the hardship caused to Businesses with the length of time street repairs take. Streets shut down or confusing reroutes cause patrons to avoid these areas. Though repairs are needed and appreciated, the time it takes to get that done isn't and can shut down businesses or force employee cuts. This is bad for our local economy. Drainage issues are also a concern, especially in my district causing flooding problems and difficulty leaving neighborhoods to get to work or kids to school. Also, street lighting for added safety. I will work with our City Mgr on solutions

We need to ensure that we enter into a fresh water deal that meets all of the needs of our citizens; providing fresh water, protecting our environment and securing a source that will fully meet our need for the future for the price.

We need to continue to work with our educators and create tailored programs for students to enter the workforce. This will help the citizens of our community have access to good jobs locally, while the various industries meet their labor needs.

We have to start by assessing the worst areas presently, then agree on a long term plan that takes all infrastructure into account. We also must eliminate non-essential spending to get funding back into the general fund so we have more resources to repair our infrastructure.