"Ward 3 - The Hub of Riverside"

I see Ward 3 as the Hub for the City of Riverside. Most of the major avenues and thoroughfares for cars and trains run through our Ward from the 91 Freeway, to Arlington and Victoria, Central and Van Buren, to Brockton and Magnolia these streets carry thousands of cars a day. The Union Pacific Railroad line bisects our ward and sends hundreds of trains through our ward each day. We are also a center of economic activity, from the newly revitalized Plaza to the historic Brockton Arcade, Magnolia Center is a regional destination. Hardman Center and the Arlington Corridor are working on becoming a destination for the Ramona neighborhoods and beyond. Two of our city's seven high schools fall inside the ward boundaries, which means we have a large number of kids living with and around us.

Some questions we should have?

* Where does Ward 3 stand in gaining our fair share of the $1.5 billion Riverside Renaissance money recently approved by the City Council?

* Why is our city below all of the state averages when it comes to park space and amenities?

* Do the trains keep you up at night? Or do they just keep you from getting to where you want to go?

* Can you find a parking space at the Plaza?

* Do our kids have meaningful after-school activities or places to go when not in class? Do we provide them an outlet for their physical or artistic expression - parks and museums?

I hope to continue to build on the successes of the existing business as well as protect the historically significant buildings and places that remain in our neighborhoods. I do not agree with using eminent domain in return for corporate money. I do not plan on being a City Council member who takes a home through eminent domain for corporate America.

Conclusion

Leadership isn't a job for me, it is a calling. I believe that it is time for my generation to enter the political arena and bring our skills to bear to benefit the City of Riverside. Thank you for joining me on this journey. I hope you will share this vision with me.