Why I’m Running. I care deeply about our City and I hope to earn your vote. I’m an independent thinker and will bring a fresh perspective to City Council. I truly understand the challenges Solana Beach faces and I am prepared to invest the substantial time and effort necessary to achieve the best results for our City. With my local knowledge, professional credentials and civic experience, I’m prepared to be an active contributor from day one – making the tough, informed and balanced decisions our City Council must make. I will be honored to serve as your City Council member, and I’ll never forget that I work for you.
Fiscal Discipline. The essence of Solana Beach is our City’s beautiful location, charm and character. It’s what attracts new residents, visitors, businesses and shoppers. If we lose this quality, we jeopardize our City’s fiscal stability. With my hands-on experience in business finance and project management, I pledge to continue the tradition of careful, conservative budget planning and prudent financial practices that keep our City solvent, build reserves, and expand our operating surplus.
Incorporation of our City allowed Solana Beach’s elected City Council – rather than a distant County Board of Supervisors – to control land-use decisions, giving our residents a voice in the development projects being considered. We also gained the ability to create a path to the fiscal stability our City enjoys today. As your Council member, I will protect your right to have a voice in projects being considered, encourage our City’s growth, and champion Solana Beach’s fiscal health.
The Challenge to Maintain Balance. Our city is attracting more attention from developers pursuing new commercial projects. Throughout the City – where commercial and residential zones coexist – there are a number of large projects in the works: north and south Highway 101, the train station and south Cedros, a large residential care facility off Marine View, and a 260-unit apartment complex on Nardo at Stevens Avenue. If thoughtfully developed, these projects will enrich our community and boost our economy. But striking the right balance is key.
I’ve managed the often-conflicting goals of new development and existing neighborhoods, having served on the only Solana Beach City Commission empowered to make binding decisions. I have the vision and experience to work with developers to shape projects so they fit our community, are compatible with the surrounding area, and mitigate negative impacts to our neighborhoods, quality of life, and property values.
Fair Treatment. Del Mar receives the lion’s share of revenues from the Fairgrounds, while Solana Beach bears the brunt of the impact. What’s more, the City of Del Mar intends to install parking meters on both sides of Via de la Valle, and is considering a new hotel on Highway 101 at Via de la Valle. These proposals will generate revenue for Del Mar at the expense of Solana Beach neighborhoods. I will work with the City of Del Mar and the 22nd District Agricultural Association to get our “fair share” of Fairgrounds revenue and control.
Improving Our City. I’ll work with affected neighborhoods to advance improvements such as street and sidewalk improvements on Lomas Santa Fe east of the freeway, much-needed capital improvements in-and-around Eden Gardens, and safer trails and pathways for pedestrians, strollers and bicycles. I will work to obtain funding to build-out the master-planned La Colonia Community Center and Park, and to support the San Elijo Lagoon Conservancy’s restoration efforts at Harbaugh Seaside Trails. I value your input and will advocate for increased community outreach to encourage citizen participation in important decisions.
Property Rights. What happens when your neighbor’s property rights conflict with yours? Until 1986, Solana Beach residents were obligated to live with unsuitable development and insufficient public services. Following incorporation of our City, Solana Beach’s development process was created to fairly balance the rights of all property owners. My experience on our City’s View Commission has given me a deep understanding of Solana Beach’s local land-use and zoning issues, which will help me serve you as a Council member.
North of us, the overbuilt Cardiff hillsides are an example of what can happen when new development is given precedence over existing structures. The result in Cardiff is a no-win competition as property owners build higher and higher to retain views.
Easier Remodels. Remodeling or building a house shouldn’t be so difficult. It’s time to reform the Planning Department. With our city’s growing popularity, many new residents want to remodel or re-build. I’ve lived both east and west of the freeway, in homes with CC&R’s and without, and I’ve been through the building process several times. As a Council member, I will address this and other vital city functions and work hard to improve the process.
The Right Choice. I have the expertise, experience and drive to build and improve on the progress our City has enjoyed. I’m committed to thoughtful and responsible growth, I’ll uphold sound financial practices and encourage new businesses. I am a good listener and am respectful of other’s opinions. I believe in solving problems and will strive to advance thoughtful, balanced, viable solutions.
If you believe that a candidate should be judged on character, experience, and platform, then please vote Jewel Edson for Solana Beach City Council.
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