Top Three Local Issues

By Hans Dippel

How Do We Resolve These Issues?

I want the Council to take back control of the budget.

The three largest issues I see facing Santa Rosa are:

1. Budget Deficit - The major problem with the city budget is that despite seven consecutive quarters of decreasing sales tax revenue, the city continues to project increases.

2. Decreasing Sales Tax Revenue - The city has got to be more aggressive and pro-active in making Santa Rosa a more business-friendly place. Parking meters are not business-friendly.

3. SMART Train - We need a vehicle to transport people that eases traffic congestion and that will also ease the wear and tear on the environment.

How would I go about implementing resolution to these issues?

1. Create a realistic budget - If jobs need to be eliminated, start with middle management. Create revenue projections that reflect data based on real history.

2. Encourage business - Get companies to hang their shield in Santa Rosa by offering tax-break incentives. Offer introductory incentives to fill the empty office, retail, and industrial spaces that are too prevalent in the city. Create a simple business filing program that welcomes small businesses into Santa Rosa instead of scaring them away to other cities.

3. Use outside resources - I have contacts with the FAA and the NTSB that are more than willing to help us see SMART become a reality. We need to stay focused on the task by not creating other obstacles to get in the way.