It is common for candidates to articulate short-term actions in order to share their priorities. They often focus on a couple of hot issues, and then offer simplistic promises to solve extremely complex problems. Pomona voters are smarter than that. We know that In order to solve the complex challenges facing our city and to unlock the opportunities available to us, we must first change the way in which decisions are made by our elected officials and appointed staff.
In the first 100 days after being elected, above and beyond specific initiatives related to economic development, homelessness and public safety, there are five goals I am committed to advancing to strengthen our city:
I’ve heard from many residents and businesses that they’ve had challenges dealing with city hall. At the same time, I don’t believe that our city employees are being supported, encouraged or empowered to do their very best. In the first 100 days I will work to institute long-ignored employee performance review processes, and work with employees to prioritize customer service for both residents and businesses.
Many of us have noted the lack of collaboration and productivity of the Council, and even sitting council members have remarked about the absence of a positive, cooperative culture. Such a culture begins with strong leadership. As your mayor, I will work to understand the values and goals of each council member, and seek to establish a common understanding of expectations and priorities. This begins with individual meetings with each council member about the interests of their district, as well as the interests of the entire city.
From the beginning, my campaign has been about strengthening community involvement in civic life. I will partner with each council member to hold community engagement sessions in every district where we present and discuss the audited city financials and gather and articulate a collective set of goals and priorities for our city. In addition, I will use traditional venues, like an annual State of the City address, as well as social media to regularly communicate with residents about the status of important issues and initiatives.
While Pomona is blessed with tremendous businesses and institutional assets such as its universities, its hospitals and the fairgrounds, it has failed to engage these organizations as partners in a successful future. In the first 100 days, I will make it a priority to hold meetings with our major institutions and roundtable discussions with small business owners, to discuss shared values and responsibilities, and promote creative synergy for change.
Too often, our City has been underrepresented or even absent at regional discussions around critical issues, such as homelessness, economic development, and public safety. Such problems and opportunities have causes and solutions that extend well beyond our municipal borders, and require effective advocacy and collaboration. In the first 100 days, the reconstruction of effective partnerships with our neighboring communities, as well as county, state and federal representatives will be a high priority, to ensure we are working together in the best interest of the City and the region.
Once I have accomplished these action items, I will hold a State of the City Address in which I will present the course of action with measurable goals, reasonable timelines, and intermediary milestones. This will help set a road-map for the following year and my first term as mayor. Together we can build a better, stronger Pomona.