Let's Continue Our Progress Improving Quality of Life

By Joe Shaw

Our city is moving forward, fiscally, economically, environmentally and our quality of life is improving. Our vision of a fiscally responsible, economically vital and environmentally sustainable community has produced great results in the last four years. Let's continue to move forward with improving our quality of life.

Our City Council record in the last four years shows that being environmentally friendly is good for business and is fiscally responsible. Clean oceans and beaches are essential to our residents' health and well-being as well as driving the economic engine of tourism. Visitors to our beaches spend nearly $1 million a day and supports 4,500 jobs. That's why taking measures that support pristine water and beaches are essential in our coastal city.

Sustainability is fiscally responsible. Our solar array, the largest in the county, supplies between 30-50 percent of our city facilities' power and we maintain a platinum savings rating from Southern California Edison. We're now buying back our street lights, which will not only save us money, but provide a higher quality brighter light -- meaning safer parking lots and streets.

I've supported the giant strides we're making in economic development, and helped create a positive atmosphere for business with our award-winning 10 Point Business Plan. Spaces that were once empty now or soon will have thriving new businesses like Sprouts and a new Living Spaces store. I've helped to shepherd the development of Pacific City, which is going to bring upscale dining and retail to the beach. The city is also starting a loan fund for start-up businesses to replace redevelopment money. My economic record is solid.

Our economic vitality has allowed us to add 7 more police officers and 2 community services officers, and restore funding for lifeguards at Dog Beach. In our latest budget, we've restored funding for Shipley Nature Center, children's summer camp, youth sports grants, library books and materials and $4 million for our new Senior Center.

Finally, my record on fiscal responsibility second to none. The City Council has paid off our PARS early retirement liability, adopted a plan to expedite paying off our PERS retirement fund related liabilities that will save taxpayers $54 million over the next 25 years. Fitch rating service just gave us a AAA rating, putting us in the elite of California cities.

Our city is moving forward, fiscally, economically, environmentally and our quality of life is improving. Our vision of a fiscally responsible, economically vital and environmentally sustainable community has produced great results in the last four years. Let's continue to move forward with improving our quality of life.