GET TO KNOW YOUR CANDIDATES
10 questions were asked to each of the three incumbents running for re-election for Scotts Valley city council; Donna Lind, Randy Johnson and Jack Dilles. We are awaiting a response from candidate John Lewis on his potential participation.
We will provide you with the answers from each candidate.
This Q&A comes from:
RANDY JOHNSON, INCUMBENT & CURRENT MAYOR
1. How long have you lived in Scotts Valley and what brought you here?
Kathy and I came to Scotts Valley 30 years ago, looking for things at a garage sale and the next thing you know…we bought a home here. Best decision we ever made.
2. What do you love best about our city?
Its small town character and how everyone seems to respect and value our city. I lived in San Jose for a while and knew none of my neighbors. It is so different here in our city. A sense of community is so important for everyone who lives here.
3. What motivates you to serve in city council?
A sense that I want to use all my experience and track record of getting things done to face the challenges that we know are coming.
4. What are your thoughts on future housing development? Housing is a 2-edged-sword.
On the one hand, more housing has the effect of compounding some of the problems of traffic and environmental stress on our community. But on the other hand, affordable housing that allows younger people to be part of our community is a real plus. Apartments for our teachers and police officers are really a way of allowing the next generation to be part of our future.
5. What would you do to infuse more business to our local businesses and how are you supporting them today? More dollars for local businesses mean more dollars for our city of course.
Our city has been very proactive in help businesses stay focused in serving our community. The stress of Covid-19 and the fires has put businesses in a real bind and our city has worked hard to foster a business-friendly environment to help them survive. Our Local Economic Recovery Committee meets every week to ensure that we keep our businesses informed and able to meet the challenges of uncertainty that envelopes our community. Our goal is to help businesses survive and flourish through an approach that enhances their recovery.
6. Where do you think our city needs to focus on most in the next 5 years? What are our biggest challenges?
I think in a word, survival. Covid-19 has produced an existential threat to our city in how our revenues have been diminished and our services compromised. Our goal is to use our financial reserves to come through this crisis and restore a sense of normalcy to our community. Our task is to use all of our powers to pivot and adapt as each crisis presents itself and provide the type of leadership that will see us through these very surreal times.
7. Do we really need a town center at this point or would we be better off focusing on existing vacant business locations like KMart and others including improving them by incentivizing property owners?
We are in contact with stores that would take over the K-mart center. Despite the uncertainty of the times, life goes on and we continue to try and attract the type of retail that our citizens would want. The town center concept is necessary for our community as it presents the dream of a “sense of place” that is so important for any community. A village green or a gathering place allows for people to come and meander in an atmosphere that is not currently available in our city. A space like that would complete the vision of an entire generation of people who have sought to have a downtown in our city.
8. What are your thoughts on Measure A that’s on the upcoming ballot and how can our city continue to support our schools and education?
I come from a place that values public education and where all 3 of my children went to Scotts Valley Schools and thrived. My hope is that our citizens become informed as to the benefits of a vibrant school district that provides so much for Scotts Valley. The needs of the district are real. Maintenance of facilities and student safety are critical for the future of our schools. But the fiscal challenges of our citizens are legitimate. However, uncertainty for our future in the era of a pandemic that has caused real economic hardship is a concern that cannot be minimalized. If people can afford the reasonable tax on their property, then an investment in the future for our students is a good one.
9. How, going forward, can we support the infrastructure of our city including much needed current positions within our city, public safety and public works?
These are all important components for a successful community. Rebounding from the ongoing challenges will allow us to fund the parts of government that people want and value from their city and government. We will work hard to restore the normalcy that our city has enjoyed in the past and keep our city intact. We will never give up on that goal.
10. Why should people vote for you in the upcoming election?
I am running for re-election to the City Council because the coming years will being enormous challenges as well as great opportunities to move our city forward. I believe it’s a time when having proven experience with a track record of getting results will be more important than ever.
For these reasons, I would appreciate your vote on November 3rd.
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ABOVE ANSWERS BY RANDY JOHNSON…