Voters in South Monterey County will soon be choosing mayors, city council members and school board trustees in the upcoming Nov. 3 General Election. To help voters make an informed decision, Salinas Valley Tribune sent out a questionnaire to all the candidates running in contested races in King City, Greenfield, Soledad and Gonzales, asking for their stance on local issues. Read their responses below:
GREENFIELD CITY COUNCIL
In Greenfield, two city council positions are available with four candidates running: Silvia Camacho, incumbent Yanely Martinez, Avelina Torres and appointed incumbent Robert “Bob” White. Only Camacho, Torres and White responded to the paper’s questionnaire.
What do you hope to accomplish as a city council member?
CAMACHO: As a longtime resident of the City of Greenfield, I have seen our community grow and improve over the years. However, I strongly believe we can do better! If elected as a city council member, I am committed to improving the stability, safety and success of Greenfield by: strengthening the relationship between the community and local government; improving our local economy and health services; building internships, programs and educational opportunities for our youth; maintaining a clean, safe and developing community; and advocating for all residents. For more information, please visit silviacamacho.info and I hope I can count on your vote this Nov. 3.
TORRES: To work together with the community and council in keeping our City safe. One way is continue the fight against Covid-19. Our City Council should represent our community and I hope I can make that happen. As the City seeks state grant opportunities and as your council member I look forward to working with the community to find out what types of recreation programs everyone would like to see.
WHITE: I would like to see us make improvements to our existing city parks, including installing benches, tables, and barbecues. We need to construct additional restroom facilities at the larger parks, especially near the soccer fields at Patriot Park. I also fully support the application for the Proposition 68 grant to be used for a new park/recreation center. We should consider enhancing our business areas, especially downtown. It has been many years since an organized revitalization plan was implemented. A program of painting, installing new awnings, and general improvement would help spur economic activity.
Which issues and concerns will be your main focus within your city?
CAMACHO: My platform focuses on effectively working with our city council to develop youth and recreational programs, improve public safety, strengthen our local economy, expand healthcare services, support agriculture, improve our public works, address our housing crisis, provide civic education and other local issues that are affecting our community. I will do this by having productive teamwork with our city council, reaching across the aisle, engaging with our residents and business leaders, and prioritizing the interests of our residents. Together we can strengthen our community and representation by building a stable, safe and successful Greenfield for all residents.
TORRES: My issues and concerns should be everybody’s. Why is Greenfield spending so much of our tax dollars in lawyer fees and expenditures? One way is to look at the $240,000 yearly earnings for our City Manager and prevent further lawsuits against the City which included lawsuits by a former community services director, former city manager and two by a current city council candidate. Together we could bring social services that provides for mental health awareness and medical services for veterans. We would look into retail and commercial development to provide much needed jobs and critical revenue for Greenfield.
WHITE: We need to expand our Recreation and Parks Department, which would enable us to offer more programs for all members of our community, including children, adults, and seniors. Public safety is also a priority for me. I want to continue to work on improvements to our fire and police departments. Economic development is crucial to improving quality of life for all our residents. Tax dollars generated from bringing new businesses to town and helping existing businesses grow will enable us to pay for additional services for Greenfield.
Why are you the best candidate to tackle those issues?
CAMACHO: As a longtime resident, mother, public safety organizer and community organizer, I believe I am best fit for this position because I understand the needs and issues in our community. My previous experiences have prepared me to serve in this position by understanding how local government works, having the willingness to listen and reach across the aisle and contributing towards bridging the gap between the community and local government. I am committed to putting our residents first and I am prepared to serve our community. Our community needs positive change and growth, and together we can do this!
TORRES: I was voted to be a City Council Member and served from 2014-2018. During my term I was appointed to be Mayor Pro Tem. I have lived in our beautiful City for over 40 years and I love living here. We are a good and caring community. I promise to always try to make the best decisions and I promise total and complete transparency.
WHITE: I am an open-minded individual, able to consider issues from different points of view. Having grown up here, I have extensive knowledge of our area and its history. As a businessman, I realize the importance of fiscal responsibility, and have worked with budgets, financing, and construction projects. Financial experience is essential for getting things done, and I want to make sure our tax dollars are well spent. With over 30 years serving on various community boards and councils, I am uniquely qualified to help move these ideas forward.
