What specific steps would you take to move bayfront development forward?
Pat Aguilar: As the only candidate to have served on the Bayfront Citizens Advisory Committee, I know the plan well. The plan has many benefits but still short-changes Chula Vista residents. I will continue to work collaboratively to reconcile the needs of residents with other stakeholders so bayfront development can proceed successfully.
Larry Breitfelder: Completing studies and government processes are necessary details but they don’t address the core of the challenge. Excessive expense makes financing and investment for improvements impractical. Instead of caving into union-only construction bidding, I would insist on as much cost saving competition – open to all qualified companies – as possible.
Jill Galvez: I pledge to respect the Bayfront Master Plan that has been accomplished after several years of commission, citizen, environmental, business and government reviews. Once we get our government affairs side of the house in order, businesses will come back to the table with financing and projects that benefit Chula Vista.
Humberto Peraza: Once the EIR is approved by the Coastal Commission we can begin to recruit companies like Gaylord to return to Chula Vista. I will work to bring business, environmental groups, community groups and labor together. This is why I have the support of both the Labor Council and the Chula Vista Chamber of Commerce.
What specific steps would you take to bring more jobs to Chula Vista?
Pat Aguilar: My vision is to make Chula Vista the health care hub for South County. Health care offers clean well-paying jobs. The combination of our two fine local hospitals, passage of the federal health care legislation and our aging baby boomers make growth in health care jobs perfect for Chula Vista.
Larry Breitfelder: 1) Hold the line against increased taxes and excessive fees, 2) curb regulations and excessive wait times that hurt new and existing businesses without improving safety and quality standards, 3) humbly recognize that elected egos aren’t the answer. Community members pitching in to improve our city and promote it to investors are.
Jill Galvez: The buck stops here. My entire career has been spent in business-to-business marketing and corporate management. I won’t point to city staff or hire consultants to do what needs to be done. I will actively advocate for Chula Vista and personally recruit the right companies to open their headquarters here.
Humberto Peraza: 1) We need to continue to streamline our permitting process, 2) get rid of the fire inspection fee, 3) expand our enterprise zone in the east and create a 90-day permit process in that zone to allow for our job center to be created. Then more Chula Vistans can work, live and play in Chula Vista.
How would you distinguish yourself from your opponents?
Pat Aguilar: As founding president of Chula Vista’s leading citizen advocacy group, I have worked successfully over 21 years to improve Chula Vista. I am the only candidate with a proven record of accomplishments for local residents, like fighting for a major public park at the bayfront.
Larry Breitfelder: During my eight years in office, Otay Water District saved millions of dollars through information technology and sound management. I stand alone in my position that fair and open competition should be required for bidding on city construction projects and my experience defeating a sales tax increase that would have killed jobs.
Jill Galvez: I consistently produce results. I have managed large budgets, personnel, benefits, compensation and operations for AT&T. I have strong ties to Chula Vista and have dedicated years of my free time to Chula Vista activities and programs that benefit our community. I will make a difference -and then get out of politics.
Humberto Peraza: My experience fighting for our community and bringing people together on issues such as bringing down the South Bay Power Plant; helping bring our congressional delegation both Republican and Democrat together; or working to protect veterans’ rights as the District Chief of Staff to U.S. Congressman Bob Filner is unmatched.
