Candidate Statement

By Joneen Elisabeth Nielsen

My core values as a resident of Redwood City.

Redwood City government works very well, I want to continue the rich tradition of excellent public service.

I applaud Redwood City for many of the wonderful things it is doing. Such as the water reclamation project and the use of hybrid cars for the city fleet, in addition to the revitalization of downtown. But artificial turf throughout our community parks is counter productive. It is very expensive and will not reduce the use of water the city must use to maintain the fields.

As a teacher, I am concerned about the lack of Youth Programs available. I know that well funded youth programs can work, and prevent young people from getting into the criminal justice system. We spend millions jailing our youth, this also is counterproductive. I would investigate grants available to help keep youth out of the criminal justice system and in school.

I believe in helping business to succeed. Out in Redwood Shores there are a number of empty office buildings. I would be very interested on finding out what the city can do to get businesses into those buildings, thereby creating jobs and a broader tax base.

I am also very interested in the steps Redwood City has taken to decrease pollution. We can and should get people out of their cars and using a better mass transit system or even a free shuttle.

The development of the Cargill Salt Pond will be on the agenda, and I want to help establish low impact growth and affordable housing while encouraging and protecting our natural habitat.

I have a strong labor background, and believe politicians need to work with unions, not against them.

I respectfully ask for your vote. It would be an honor and a privilege to serve the citizens of Redwood City.