Hello Neighbors!
As a candidate for 5th District County Supervisor, I believe it's crucial to address one of the most pressing issues facing Santa Cruz County: our serious budget challenges. My approach to budget management differs significantly from my opponent's, and I want to share my perspective with you, the voters.
Understanding Needs vs. Wants
In any budget discussion, it's essential to distinguish between needs and wants. This isn't just a matter of personal finance; it's a critical skill for managing county resources effectively. I pride myself on understanding this distinction and believe it's crucial for responsible governance.
My Approach: Prioritizing Needs
I advocate for a realistic approach to our county's spending. This means:
1. Identifying critical services and infrastructure that our community cannot do without.
2. Allocating resources first to these essential needs.
3. Carefully evaluating remaining funds for additional projects or services.
My Opponent's View: Equal Attention to All Budget Items
In contrast, my opponent argues that all items in the budget deserve equal attention. While this might sound fair on the surface, it doesn't account for the reality of our limited resources. Not all county services or projects have the same level of urgency or impact on our community's well-being. It is not about pitting one issue against another, it’s about living in reality and making hard choices. Until we have more money to work with this will be the reality of any supervisor sitting on that board.
Funding Sources: Grants vs. Reliable Revenue
Another key difference in our approaches lies in how we view funding sources.
My Stance: Focus on Reliable Revenue
I believe in building our budget around reliable, consistent sources of revenue. This includes:
- Property taxes
- Sales taxes
- User fees for certain county services
By focusing on these stable income streams, in addition to advocating for the rest of our FEMA reimbursement and seeking grants where possible we can create a more predictable and sustainable budget.
My Opponent's Approach: Emphasis on Grants
My opponent and I agree on advocating for the FEMA reimbursement however they place a strong emphasis on securing grants to fund county projects and services. While grants can certainly be beneficial and very welcome, they come with several drawbacks:
1. Grants are not guaranteed income. We can't build a stable budget on funds we might not receive.
2. Many grants are short-term, leaving us to find new funding sources when they expire.
3. Grants most often come with specific requirements that may not align perfectly with our county’s needs and cannot be used to augment the county’s general fund.
The Reality of Santa Cruz County's Budget
It's no secret that Santa Cruz County faces serious budget issues. We cannot afford to ignore this reality or to base our financial planning on overly optimistic assumptions.
My approach acknowledges these challenges head-on. By prioritizing needs, focusing on reliable revenue sources, and making tough but necessary decisions, we can start to address our budget problems effectively.
As your potential 5th District County Supervisor, I commit to bringing a realistic, needs-focused approach to our budget challenges. I believe this is the responsible path forward for Santa Cruz County.
As our community continues to recover, we will see more positive signs of progress. Federal reimbursements are coming in, and property tax revenues are increasing as our neighbors rebuild their homes. These developments, among others, will gradually improve our financial situation. I'm confident that if we make wise decisions now, our best days are still ahead. With thoughtful planning and united effort, we can build a stronger, more resilient community than ever before.
I invite you to consider these differing perspectives as you make your decision in the upcoming election. And as always, if you have questions or comments I am here.
In Community, always.
Christopher
Good article on your positions in the Banner Press. You have my support
I want to know your position on Props 2,4 and 5. As a retired homeowner, I am concerned about the state's reliance on carving out exceptions to Prop 13's protections every year. I am not going to outline the three state propositions as they are in the voting literature. Suffice it to say that I do not trust the legislature when they advocate positions that make the homeowners the ones carrying the burden of what has happened to us since 2020: CZU fire losses, annual incursions by the legislature for doing away with Prop 13 protections and making homeowners financially uncomfortable with "below the line" additions to annual property tax increases. I think you are correct in the "grant" vs.…