To keep Newark on course we need stability for the future!

Having lived and worked in Newark for more than 45 years I have come to understand the long term issues our local government faces. As a longtime proponent of fiscal responsibility and government accountability I have worked tirelessly to provide transparency between city officials and local voters. By providing a platform for local officials to present thoughts on my live local cable TV show and the forum for local residents to provide feedback, I feel I have gained invaluable knowledge from both camps.

Additionally, my years as a registered tax preparer and business tax advisor has afforded me innumerable opportunities to provide seasoned tax advice to thousands. Fiscal discipline, in this current economic crisis, is first and foremost in everyone’s mind if we are to continue to provide critical services to our community. Accountability means taking a hard look at current spending and curtailing unnecessary costs in order to divert monies to our city reserves. With a solid reserve fund, Newark will weather future economic downturns where other cities may fail.

To look to the city’s future means we need to encourage our youth in ways that may not be prevalent today. Youth opportunities may not only rest in providing teen employment, but also by engaging our young people with after school activities, both inside and outside of civic events, that give each a significant sense of pride in their city. This should be paramount within local government discussions geared toward solving the issues facing young people today.

In order to grow and maintain our business tax base, local government will need to take a more pro-active role in singing the praises of our fair city. The centrally located city of Newark not only serves the east bay as a strategic highway 880 corridor stop, but also doubles as a beautiful bayside locale. Wooing new business and keeping them should be at the top of our collective lists.

Fiscal discipline, renewing our commitment to youth programs, and growing our business tax base are just three of the many important issues I intend to address as Newark’s newest council member.