LOBA Candidates Questions

I.                     The top three issues facing the City of Santa Cruz are: In the Event the Utility Tax (Measure P) is repealed, the Budget will become the single most significant issue facing the city. If this happens I will carefully weigh all options to propose a fair budget that is in the best interest of the people. I will carefully address safety and social programs that are fair.

Today one of the biggest issues facing the city is the lack of a strong sales tax base. While sales taxes make up the largest part of the General Fund. Santa Cruz needs to do more to strengthen its position here. We need to attract more guests to our city so spending will go up in our Downtown. We do this by making The Downtown a friendly place to shop. We also need to clean up the Beach Flats. The Beach Flats is in need of a long waited for Convention Center. While building the Convention Center and cleaning up the area is a start, we need to connect both areas together, incorporating The Wharf creating one united tourist area. We need to promote our Downtown as a viable Alternative to the Capitola Mall or other shopping areas.

Traffic is another area that is a top priority that this city needs to resolve. We need to look at all options to better traffic flow. I support the conversion of some roads to one way streets. I support the widening of Highway 1. I support additional bike paths through greenbelt properties. In general II promise to study all viable options.

II.                   My top priorities: will be to promote the City of Santa Cruz in a positive way. We need to clean up the Beach Flats area, including more foot patrol by the Police Department. These patrols will start to develop trust between the Police and the people who live in the Flats (a major step in the right direction). This newfound trust and the presence of the Police will start the process of putting pressure on the Gangs and illegal drug activities.

As mentioned above the flow of traffic in the city is another top priority. I will put a plan into action to solve this most difficult problem. Highway 1 must be dealt with. Traffic Meters will not solve this problem. I will not waste the valuable time of the council debating Traffic Meters and will urge those on the council to do likewise. We need to put a stop to the cut through Traffic that increases safety problems in our neighborhoods.

III.                 Locally owned businesses are challenged by our close proximity to 41^st. Ave, and the draw of customers to this shopping area.  Santa Cruz and its shopping areas suffer from a negative perception. We must correct this image. We need to promote our Downtown as a good, safe and enjoyable place to shop. To do this we must move in a direction that does not allow poor behavior. I do support a person’s right to congregate; we must do it in a way where safety is paramount. I support the right of people to use public space unimpeded by Hacky Sack or other unsafe activities.

IV.                My experience as a Construction Manager gives me experience to take a difficult problem, break it into its basic components, assign tasks and complete the job. The most successful projects are the ones where everyone involved has some say in the final project. The art is guiding everyone involved to a cohesive conclusion. I have often been described as a people person. I feel the City Council needs someone who will listen and still hold him/herself accountable to getting something accomplished. I believe I have these qualities.

V.                  As stated above I will work for a safe Downtown. I will promote commerce in the City of Santa Cruz. I will support ordinances that require all person who use our city to be respectful of the general public. I will support transportation projects that move people in the downtown to other parts of our city.

VI.                I will improve communication between the City Council and local business owners by making contact phone numbers available and returning calls. I will be an active City Council Member, visible in the Downtown and surrounding areas. I will have posted and consistent office hours.

VII.              I support the Downtown City Ordinances. We should look at it and measure it’s effectiveness and adjust it as necessary. I also urge the enforcement of all existing ordinances governing The Downtown.  

I do support revisiting and revising The Beach Area Plan.

The Utility Tax is a tax not unlike having a gun to your head and being asked to pull the trigger. This tax punishes business it also punishes the residents of Santa Cruz. That said, at this time it is needed. We have for too long allowed the proceeds of this tax to be woven into our everyday life. We need to look for a way to end this “illegal tax” and still fund our social projects. It is my belief a strong sales tax base will go a long to ending this tax. I would support a measure that gradually reduced the tax over a period of time. I cannot support the out right removal of the tax at this time. I also feel we should use this money to make utilities more affordable. Perhaps using the money to promote conservation or solar alternatives. I do not favor any tax that does not pass the test of the voters.

I do not support the concept of a Soquel Ave. bypass. I would support widening Highway 1, the creation of one way streets and the creation of a bike path through existing green belt properties.

Greg Lopez, Candidate for Santa Cruz City Council

714 San Juan Ave.

Phone: 831-423-6418

E-mail   [email protected]

              Age: 43

              Occupation: Construction Manager

              Educational Background: Local Schools (Natural Bridges, Mission Hill, Santa Cruz High “77”, Cabrillo College 78-79) and Cal State Hayward 79-82