Candidate for
Council Member; Proposed City of Rancho Cordova

Over the years, the base at Mather Field provided thousands of families with an opportunity for a better life. As a 23 year veteran of the US Air Force, I am sensitive to what the future holds for Rancho Cordova. Now, cityhood offers a second opportunity for future generations of Rancho Cordova families to enjoy an even better quality of life.

Cityhood however, is only the first step.

It's going to take strong, principled and experienced leadership with a vision and purpose. With over 45 years of experience in government, business and community activism, I believe I am uniquely qualified for this leadership role as a member on the new Rancho Cordova City Council.

I currently serve as the CEO of the California Black Chamber of Commerce, advocating on behalf of over 3,000 small and medium-sized business owners at the local, state and national level, working for business growth, development and success.

As a community leader, I have spent over 20 years advocating on behalf of everyday people # fighting against brownfields and insurance redlining, as well as fighting for increased investment in urban neighborhoods. Additionally, I have served on numerous boards and commissions, including the Sacramento Metro Chamber, Cal Trans Small Business Roundtable, the Sacramento Mayors Economic Development Council, the Greenlining Institute/Pacific Gas and Electric's 21st Century Leadership Partnership Board, Channel 10 Community Service Committee, and the Sacramento District Attorney's community Relations Board. It is through these experiences, training and hard work that I have developed the skills and abilities necessary to provide leadership in policy and public management.

But skills are nothing without a vision to apply them to. I have a straight-forward, four point campaign platform:

• Balanced Growth. It is critical that we begin to explore opportunities for providing housing closer to jobs here in Rancho Cordova # jobs which are critical to the future growth of the city. This results in less traffic congestion, higher city revenues and a stronger community. Additionally, any future development should be aligned with resident's input and smart, sound growth principles.
• Improved Education System. Schools are essential to the lifeblood of a city. Better schools produce good citizens, good neighbors and quality employees. It is evident that our schools require a significant investment of time, energy and attention. As a councilmember I will bring to the table critical stakeholders with a vested interest in our schools with one goal in mind # to create the best school system in the region.
• Improved Public Safety. A quality city has a quality public safety system. To attract future growth and to maintain a high standard of living, it is critical that the city employ the highest quality safety force possible # and to do so in a fair, equitable manner, so that all citizens feel safe and protected. Establish a quality public safety organization is one of my top priorities.
• Quality, Affordable Housing. While Rancho Cordova has more than its fair share of "affordable housing", that does not mean that the city does not have pressing housing needs. Many people who work in Rancho Cordova drive long distances to come to work here, in part because they cannot find quality housing that fits their needs. The city must make it a priority to build housing that allows folks to "move up" and into the market here in Rancho Cordova.

But in making that choice, we must have a council of individuals with the skills and know-how to prioritize needs, bring stakeholders to the table and to get things done. I have the vision, experience and skills to be a quality representative on the council, and the following individuals have honored me with their endorsement of my campaign: Lt. Governor Cruz Bustamante, Assemblymembers Anthony Pecetti and Darrell Steinberg; Sacramento City Councilmembers Lauren Hammond and Bonnie Pannell; the Sacramento County Democratic Central Committee, District Attorney Jan Scully, and the Sacramento County Central Labor Council.

I strongly believe that together, we can meet the challenges of today and build a better tomorrow for our new city. I'd appreciate your consideration when you vote for city council on November 5.

Let's Build This City Together!