Candidates Night at the Monte Cristo

This Monday, a small gathering of potential voters took place at the Monte Cristo Mobile Home Park in Livingston. It was moderated by Kaye Greeley, (chair of the Livingston Citizens Advisory Committee).

 

All the candidates had been invited; however Candidate Rai apparently had trouble finding a way past the closed gate across the Mobile Home Park’s driveway and was not in attendanceL (It seems helpful to be riding along with someone who has the phone number of a person “on the inside”)

 

Since it took us a few moments to “get past the gate” the event was already past the “introduction” stage. So we missed the “telling a little about ourselves” part.

 

The following is not a “word for word” transcript of everything said although I have attempted to use as many of the candidates own words as possible. (I haven’t yet learned to type as fast as some folks can talkJ) What I have attempted to do is capture the essential essence and intent of each candidate’s responses to questions asked.

 

Question: What would you do to bring business to Livingston?

 

Candidate Nateras

I would put together a committee like the Planning Commission: to knock on door of businesses and encourage them to look at Livingston and what it has to offer.

 

Candidate Ingram

It is important that we attract new business to come here. One of the ways we could do this is to attend the seminars where builders and companies go. Talk to them about what we have to offer: like the frontage roads and what we already have: Because of our interchanges and zoning coming up. With the General Plan we have passed we have opened the door for more freeway frontage. We need freeway frontage. Most small cities don’t have space like that. Businesses are interested in “rooftop counts”: If we don’t have the rooftop count to support new businesses they won’t come. Without a certain number of houses and population businesses are hesitant to come to a small city.

 

Question: In which areas would you like industry to develop?

 

Candidate Soria

Good places for light industry would be Campbell and Winton Parkway. A nice shopping center at Campbell and Dwight will be a good thing to have. At Winton parkway more is coming. Mr. Gallo would like to expand towards the river bottom. Those areas would be great. There is industrial proposed for the new interchange. Another road like Campbell. Another frontage for light industrial would be good. Livingston sits in a great location for a lot of growth. Although there is a lot of housing inventory and the economy has gone sour once the economy picks up, residents will need good places for shopping.

 

Candidate Aguilar

I agree with Mr. Soria. There are so many access points to off ramps it will benefit the community and the people who are driving through will have a place to go. It will benefit our city and provide jobs for our young teens. Most of the kids here don’t have a driver’s license and need a place they can walk or ride a bike to. Winton Parkway and Hammett: Those are main areas with easy access for nearby communities.

 

Candidate Varela

The previous comments were good, had some good points. But in this economic slowdown we need to be sure are proactive in going after businesses that are right for Livingston. Not just business that provide work but businesses that will be part of the community too. The Hotel that is coming to Winton Parkway is exiting. We have a lot of room for more businesses but we need to attract the right kind of businesses.

 

Question: How do you propose to serve the aging community?

 

Candidate Vierra

Back in 2000, when I was elected I talked about how our seniors need to be helped. That population is growing. We need to look at some ways to put services at the inner part of the city. Close to the Medical and Post Office and what is already there down in the inner part of town we could put in a high-rise facility three to 5 stories tall.

 

About Rent Control. You would have to go after legislation at the State level. This time around Denham did not want to anything at the time because he was sure the governor would not sign it. Galgiani is running for office again and did not want to take the time to talk or meet on this issue at the moment. A group needs to push the issue and re ask. I want to be a part of that group.

 

Candidate Samra

In Indian culture, we are taught to respect our elders and not rely on programs to take care of our families. I have and still have a commitment to all our seniors. I am committed to the Senior Center Project. When the Methodist Church proposed to bring in a senior housing project, I was all for it. It can be difficult for seniors to make ends meet. I support the housing project for seniors and the Senior Center

 

Candidate Varela

It is important to provide services to our seniors: medical care must be available. Some seniors would like a good place to go eat (some of the audience got a chuckle out of this commentJ) It gets back to bringing the right businesses, places where mom, dad and the kids can go. We need to look at what is available an what we need.

 

Mr. Vierra’s key point on the rent control issue is the need to go after legislation.

 

Question: What should we do about the Court Theater Project? Should we keep it or should we not?

 

Candidate Aguilar

First we should figure out what is the cost. It is a very expensive project and we need to keep in mind where the money is coming from. Where its located would make it good for teen theater. Maybe we could raise money for it. We’d just have to look into it and see what we can do to make it work.

 

Candidate Nateras

I know the Court Theater committee has worked hard on this project and there have been grants received. The theater has a lot of sentimental value for many people. Some of my family members worked there. It would be nice to refurbish it.

 

Question: How would you move the council and the city to attract and build a new supermarket?

 

Candidate Soria

We almost had a Ranch San Miguel market. The problem was it seemed like Wal-Mart was coming and San Miguel got spooked and sued the developer to get out of the lease for that space. They are no longer in the picture. We do plan to bring in a future supermarket. The proposed Blueberry Crossing project will eventually have a supermarket. I have been proposing to my contacts at Save Mart that they look at Livingston. Savemart is involved in buying Albertsons stores and I am trying to influence them to put one in Livingston. We want the tax dollars coming into Livingston. I am trying my hardest to bring in a supermarket. It was really misfortunate about Rancho San Miguel. The City Council did everything possible: expedited the procedures. Everyone on the same page.

 

Candidate Samra

I have never seen the city move as quickly as we did to bring in that project but the situation was not the fault of the city.

 

The city has applied for an Economic Development Grant to join “O” to F St. On the Blueberry Crossing Project, I have spoken with the developers of plans for a big box store. a 200,000 sq ft store. This will be a 34 to 35 acre project

 

Question Proposals to raise water rates is unpopular. How do you propose to address the need for a rate increase?

 

Candidate Varela

Obviously there are issues with our water rates the way they are. We have been denied grants and financing because rates are not up to par. Its just one of those things that needs to get done… like if my washing machine breaks down…I just have to fix it. I have talked to a lot of people who tell me the water is brown and smells bad. It’s something serious. We have to move forward on this. The water system needs to be worked on.

 

Candidate Ingram

Daniel is right on. We need to put in place proper state of the art filter systems. We need Superfilters to get the sand out. There are systems but they are very expensive. That’s one of the reasons rates need to be raises. As development comes in there will need to be new wells put in. We also need to make sure the water is tested thoroughly. There have been problems throughout the valley.

 

We need to keep on top of it. We need filtration treatment installed in each and every well.

 

Question We are aware that inroads have been made with underground water pipe replacement. How long would it take to complete the project? Where would you get the funds? How important is that project to you?

 

Candidate Aguilar

Although I’m just running as a resident, I know it is a costly project and needs to be done. The old pipes need to be replaced. We have to look into the costs. Maybe there is room in the budget. Maybe we can get grants. A lot of this will depend on the state. I have been a resident since 1970 and know all about the dark smelly water.

 

Candidate Vierra

I want to go back to the 1.9 million dollar grant that was used to replace pipes: the majority of the pipes were from the 20’s and 30’s. The state is not going to give us any more money unless our water rates are enough to maintain the new pipes. The state said were not taking in enough to maintain the pipes we put in. If we don’t raise rates there will be no more grants. If we are relying on grants we will not get any more if there is not enough money coming in to maintain the system.

 

Immediately after the election it should be the first priority.

 

Candidate Nateras

Water rates have not been increased since 1995 and only 1/3 of the pipes that need to be replaced have been replaced.

 

Candidate Samra

Some things are being done already, Chlorination is becoming automated. As we continue to replace water lines, things will get better.

 

Candidate Ingram

I agree this is a number one issue. Water rate studies have been done. The citizens understood the need. But I was told it was too political and would effect the elections. We lost a lot of money that could have been applied to the water systems.

 

Question Are you familiar with desire for a Code Enforcement Officer?

 

Candidate De Jesus

I have heard comments from people that we do need one in Livingston to make sure that all the citizens are following the rules that the city has. We need someone to enforce them.

 

Candidate Soria

I am familiar with the Code Enforcement Issue. I know we need one. I will vote to put the money in the budget. When walking the precincts you see a lot of rubbish in front yards: abandoned vehicles, half torn apart vehicles. The walkways on East Avenue and by Yamatto are just terrible. Wells should be fenced for safety. You’d be amazed at what you see when you walk precincts. In the office you forget about what is outside. A Code Enforcement Officer is needed. An abandoned vehicle abatement ordinance has been passed.

 

Candidate Samra

The MCAG board passed a resolution. We don’t need a Code Enforcement Officer to abate vehicles. Any city official can go abate vehicles, bill out for that and get money for it. I wanted to comment the CAC for doing a lot of work on this: brought in a speaker: a gentleman from Turlock made a presentation: how a Code Enforcement Officer would pay for itself.

 

Candidate Soria

We have a lot of abandoned homes: dried grass and bushes: real fire hazards. We need to find out who is the owners of these homes and require them to turn on the water.

 

Candidate Ingram

The state passed a law that says cities can go after home owners if they are not taken care of. If they don’t they can be fined up to a thousand dollars a day.

 

Candidate Vierra

I have asked twice for that to be put on the agenda. We still a need a local resolution and we don’t have one.

 

Question How do you feel about city workers taking cars homes?

 

Candidate Samra

There are instances where they do have to take a vehicle home: like the Chief of Police: in case of emergencies. Some individuals are on call and need to take a vehicle home just in case they get called back.

 

Candidate Varela

It would depend. Are the employees on call? Like maintenance teams because they have the tools: that’s a safety issue. If its staff going to Turlock on a Friday night I could be concerned.

 

Question What are the current needs and concerns of farming residents?

 

Candidate Vierra

Do not gobble up their farmland. I think we have in place a plan where there is no leap frog development. Development must be contiguous. We will have controlled managed growth. We will always have a development agreement. If they meet the agreement the state/fed says you have to allow them to build but you can make the agreement as strict as possible.

 

Candidate De Jesus

I think it’s important to preserve agriculture to a certain point. Farms bring food to out tables.

 

Candidate Vierra

Several years ago, when we were talking about paving, we changed the rules and we now can have “mixed use” in the downtown area. You can have a store on one level: go up to 5 stories.

 

Question Recently, a most disputed General Plan has been adopted. What is your opinion on this plan?

 

Candidate Samra

We passed a good plan. Different people may have different opinions but they are just that: opinions. All the larger roads that we will need in the future, any future development is planned for. Future councils can refuse future development. The plan will adapt.

 

Candidate Varela

The plan that was adopted was a good plan. It set boundaries for the community. Farmers need to have a relationship with the city like the city needs to have a relationship with the farmers. My father built a house with a plan. Purchased a big lot and built using a plan. This city council has a vision. We need to move forward and figure out what needs to be changed along the way.

 

Candidate Vierra

We have spent over a million dollars already. We are also dealing with a very aggressive county government with plans to expand unincorporated areas. Two plans are Fox Hills and Laguna. They want the sultana Interchange for their tax base. We need it for our city. We are not going to plow up every farm because space between us and Atwater. The county wants to put up houses everywhere.

 

Candidate Samra

We had a meeting with the county about the General Plan. The only thing they had to say was “give us the dollars and we’ll go away”.

 

Candidate Soria

That was what I was going to say

 

Question Why should we elect you?

 

Candidate Ingram

There are still things that need to be done. I’d like to see us form a committee to go to Sacramento and meet face to face with them there. With the economy as it is we need a check and balance system to justify the money that was spent. Someone needs to be accountable. You can’t take all the money and do what you want with it. Building took a flop and we took a flop with it. We need to take a reassessment on what we are going to do next.

 

Candidate Varela

I want to say thanks for the opportunity to voice my vision. I love Livingston. My kids enjoy being here. There is great potential here. We need to be united and proactive, aggressively going after good businesses. Listen to concerned groups and hear them and appreciate them. I’m green. But one thing I know is to be honest and to work with people. When I joined CAC for the first 4 months I just listened. I listen and hear then move forward. We need to provide a safe environment for our families. Maybe putting in a putting green in this area would be nice (Many chuckles from the audience)

 

Candidate Aguilar

I think we have to have unity in leadership: accountability for the choices made. We need a united council with professionalism. Past is past. We must bring in businesses: jobs for youth. Keep services for growth like the Fire Dept. and Police. As the city keeps growing we need to be sure the Fire Dept. has the equipment it needs. Youth programs to give kids something to do after school. The senior citizens can help the youth and visa versa. Seniors can serve as role models. I’d like to start up a Neighborhood Watch. I live in a newer part of the city and we have a problem with individuals tagging: need more patrol in that area.

 

Candidate Vierra

I stand for managed growth. I just read in a paper that Livingston is 19 out of 60. We are growing in the right direction, asking developers to do what they need to do. I have respect for agriculture. I believe we need adequate funding for police and fire. We plan for one police man for every thousand people. I believe in enhancing job opportunities. Teens need jobs to keep them occupied. We need Rec opportunities for youth. We’ve done a joint venture: Livingston Unified and the city. This council has done a lot but not much about it gets out.

 

Candidate De Jesus

I am hoping to bring a new perspective to the council. It is important to have a united council to: Work together to keep Livingston a safe place. I want to bring in new businesses. Having more jobs for high school students and others who want to work part time. Make Livingston a safe place to live in: work with the police and fire department.

 

Candidate Soria

I will be brief. My number one concern is taking care of the folks. I have been here since 1959. We had 8 or 9 bars downtown. We managed to clean up the downtown. Later the city hall was built. I have fought pretty hard to have more services for seniors, affordable housing, the clinic expansion, infrastructure like sidewalks. We have done water lines and alleys. We have the largest street project in Livingston history going.

 

Candidate Samra

First I want to acknowledge the panel here tonight. It takes courage to go in front of people and answer questions. I have a commitment to the police department and have been a part of the neighborhood visits. I’m committed to after school and youth programs. I made a commitment to the Court Theater project and voted to purchase it. We are in the middle of the largest road project but there is still more to do.

 

Because of the seating arrangement at the event, I ended up sitting on the floor: unable to actually see the candidates as they spoke. I had to depend mostly on what I could hear. If any of you out there in the blogosphere, feel I have missed any important comments that should be added to this record, or attributed comments to the wrong candidate PLEASE contact me www.thegardeningsnail@yahoo.com  so I can “set the record straight”. I will make the necessary corrections as soon as humanly possible.