On the Issues
Improving Public Safety
Keeping our neighborhoods safe is one of the most important responsibilities of local government. As our city continues to grow, we must ensure that our police officers, firefighters, dispatchers, and emergency personnel have the staffing and resources they need to respond quickly when residents call for help. Santa Maria's emergency dispatch center handles roughly 160,000 calls for service each year, making timely response and adequate staffing critical to public safety. I will support responsible investments in recruitment and retention, reduce reliance on overtime, and ensure our first responders have the tools necessary to protect our community. Public safety is not a partisan issue—it is a basic expectation that every resident deserves.
Balancing Our City Budget
Santa Maria families know that you cannot spend more than you take in, and city government should operate by the same principle. I believe in responsible budgeting that protects essential services while ensuring taxpayer dollars are spent wisely and efficiently. That means focusing resources on core city functions such as public safety, road maintenance, parks, and infrastructure before expanding government programs. We must maintain healthy financial reserves, seek outside grant opportunities whenever possible, and carefully evaluate every major expenditure through the lens of long-term fiscal sustainability. By focusing on accountability and disciplined financial management, we can keep Santa Maria financially strong while continuing to provide the high-quality services residents expect.
Protecting Our Neighborhoods
As a current member and former Chair of the Santa Barbara County Planning Commission, I understand the importance of balancing growth with neighborhood preservation. Santa Maria needs additional housing options for working families, seniors, and young people, but development must be thoughtfully planned and supported by adequate roads, utilities, schools, and public safety services. I support a balanced approach that encourages responsible housing construction and reasonable ADU policies while protecting neighborhood character, parking availability, and quality of life. Good planning means welcoming growth where it makes sense while ensuring existing residents have a voice in decisions that affect their communities.
Getting the Homeless Off the Streets
Homelessness is one of the most visible challenges facing Santa Maria today. Recent counts identified approximately 450 people experiencing homelessness in our city, including many living unsheltered or in vehicles. We need a practical approach that combines compassion with accountability. That means expanding access to mental health treatment, substance abuse services, transitional housing, and job training programs that help people regain stability and independence. At the same time, residents deserve clean parks, safe sidewalks, and public spaces that are accessible to everyone. I support policies that connect people with services while addressing encampments and illegal activity in a humane and effective manner. The goal should be simple: help people get off the streets and back on a path toward self-sufficiency.