Three Priorities for a City That Works

Petaluma is a great place to live. But many residents feel City Hall has become too complicated and too focused on new programs.
City government should first do the basic things well.
My priorities are simple:
Take care of our city. Spend our money wisely. Listen to the people.
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1. Take Care of Our City
The basics come first.
That means:
Fix our streets.
Maintain our water and sewer systems.
Support police and fire services.
Keep parks and public buildings in good condition.
Improve traffic and safety.
Finish projects on time and control costs.
We should take care of what we already have before City Hall takes on more responsibilities.
My promise:
Focus on the basics and get them done.
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2. Spend Our Money Wisely
Petaluma is an expensive place to live.
Residents pay taxes, fees and utility bills. They deserve to know where that money goes.
When the City spends money, we should ask:
What did it cost?
What did we get?
Was it done on time?
If a project costs much more than expected, the Council should ask why.
If a contractor does not do the job, the City should hold that contractor accountable.
And before City Hall asks residents for more money, we should make sure we are using the money we already have wisely.
My promise:
Respect your money and show you the results.
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3. Listen to the People
The mayor and City Council work for the people of Petaluma.
City employees and professional staff are important. They help operate the City and give the Council expert advice.
But elected leaders must lead.
The Council should set clear priorities. City staff should carry them out. And residents should be able to see who is responsible for the results.
Government should also be easier for ordinary people to understand and participate in.
You should not need to be an attorney, an activist or a City Hall expert to have a voice.
My promise:
Listen to residents. Ask hard questions. Take responsibility.
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The Simple Choice
This campaign is not about left versus right.
It is about whether our city government works.
I want Petaluma to be a city that:
Takes care of what we have.
Spends money carefully.
Plans for the future without forgetting today’s problems.
Listens to residents.
Gets things done.

That is the kind of City Hall I would work to build as mayor.
Take care of our city.
Spend our money wisely.
Listen to the people.
A City That Works for Petaluma.