1. What is your view of how elected leaders won approval of first-ever trash collection fees on more than 200,000 single-family homeowners?<\/p>\n
I stand by my \u201cno\u201d vote on the trash fees. The process for developing and implementing the fees was disappointing, lacking transparency and accountability. Inconsistent messaging, coupled with ongoing uncertainty about current and future costs, has eroded public trust and confidence.<\/p>\n
District 4 is disproportionately impacted, with approximately 78% single-family homes<\/a> and a significant number of residents living on fixed incomes. We cannot balance budgets on the backs of historically underserved communities. This is why I advocated for the $3 million in financial assistance included in the budget to help our most vulnerable residents.<\/p>\n Additionally, I recognize and agree with the frustration around the rollout of the trash program. The implementation standard has fallen short, and there is clear room for improvement. My office is actively working to address residents\u2019 issues to ensure they receive the clarity and support they need.<\/p>\n While the city continues to face budget challenges, solutions must be responsible, transparent and equitable \u2014 fully accounting for the real impact on residents.<\/p>\n 2. What is your view of the imposition of parking fees at Balboa Park and do you think the mayor and council did enough to control costs before taking this step?<\/p>\n The goal of implementing parking fees in Balboa Park was to ensure that we could sustain Balboa Park\u2019s world-class status as a tourist destination. The fees help preserve the city\u2019s general fund budget without having to cover the full cost of its maintenance from other sources. While it was a difficult decision, I supported this change because the alternative would have meant cutting essential services that District 4 families rely on, such as libraries, recreation centers and park programs. Without additional revenue sources, we risk further reductions in general service levels.<\/p>\n To offset costs and accessibility for local families, the city has expanded tram service, supported park workers and volunteers, and added more free parking for residents through the mayor\u2019s recent changes.<\/p>\n At a time when the city is still facing structural budget challenges, my priority is to protect essential neighborhood services in District 4 while ensuring a sustainable future for Balboa Park.<\/p>\n 3. Voters gave landslide approval in 2006 to a \u201cmanaged competition\u201d process in which some city services can be outsourced and strongly supported pension reforms for most city workers in 2012, but elected leaders have pursued neither policy in recent years. Would you?<\/p>\n