Christian Carlos. Peninsula 360 Press.
Thanks to the collaboration of Innovate Public Schools and WeVote Redwood City, the first forum with Redwood City Council candidates was held.
Eight of the nine candidates for the Council participated:
Despite the invitation to the forum, Chris Rasmussen was not present...candidate from District 7.
You can see the forum again at this link: https://www.facebook.com/InnovatePublicSchools/videos/263714451648443/
Lasting approximately one hour, Redwood City Council candidates in their various districts answered questions of interest to voters, including housing, inclusion, education, tenant and business subsidies, and their response to the economic crisis that Redwood City will face as a result of COVID-19.
Janet Borgens, candidate for District 1In the first place, he began his participation by pointing out that it is important to attend to low-income communities, especially in the area of housing. On the subject of inclusion and censusShe stressed that, despite being a white woman, she did not have privileges, and that for this reason, she wants to maintain contact with the communities that have been in the same situation and pointed out the importance of the vote of each person. On the subject of payment of rentHe pointed out the importance of ensuring that funds are reaching the tenants. He added that Redwood City is the city that has been particularly active in supporting its tenants and their businesses. On the subject of educationThe president of the National Association of Schools in Redwood City, said Redwood City schools depend directly on school districts, adding the importance of safe after-school spaces.
Jeff Gee, candidate for District 1He said safety issues should be addressed as a priority and pledged to learn about each of the problems affecting the Bay Area. On the subject of inclusion and censusHe noted that work should be done not only with the Latino community, but also with the Asian-American community, and called for the unity of different communities. On the subject of payment of rentHe said that people in the community who have to pay a mortgage should be taken into account in order to protect tenants and, consequently, dialogue with banks and mortgage companies. On the subject of educationHe noted that the Council has provided support for programs for students; however, he said Redwood City is not on par with the Redwood Shore School District, so all children should be treated equally in education.
Nancy Radcliffe, candidate for District 1He said that, as part of the current Redwood City Council, he will continue the work currently being done for the community. On the subject of inclusion and censusHe said the debate on the subject must be more inclusive, with more events that include different people from different communities. On the topic of payment of rentHe noted that Redwood City is one of the few cities that have subsidies for tenants who are paying a mortgage, and said this is a problem that affects much of the community. On the subject of educationIn his speech, he stressed the importance of ensuring that everyone has access to free Wi-Fi and internet, and safe places to go to continue studying.
Isabella Chu, candidate for district 3In the first instance, he began his participation in the forum by speaking out in favour of decent housing accessible to all in the community, as well as transport and education. On the theme of inclusion and censusHe declared that there must be a balance of power. He noted that it is important to vote and to increase the participation of people who were previously unheard. On the subject of payment of rentHe said the real solution is a universal income that helps not only to pay the rent, but to provide assistance in food and health services. On the issue of education, he emphasized that it is important to increase population density in order to collect more taxes and thus boost the distribution of funds to schools.
Lissette Espinoza-Garnica, candidate for District 3At the beginning of his participation, he emphasized the integration of the most vulnerable sectors of the population and rejected inequity between communities. On the issue of inclusion and censusIn his speech, he spoke out in favour of communities that have suffered discrimination because of their historical status. On the subject of payment of rentIn a statement, he said he was in favor of extending extensions to tenants to prevent evictions; he noted that the city must resolve the problem of debt. On the issue of education, he spoke in favor of access to stable housing, increasing families' salaries, as well as a universal child care program and the promotion of the PAL and SRL program.
Michael Smith, candidate for District 4He said he was also in favour of affordable housing, decent work and people being able to run their own businesses. On the subject of inclusion and censusIn the same vein, he argued that there was a need for discussions regarding inclusion by race and class as well as the promotion of inclusive activities in the community. On the subject of payment of rentHe said that federal officials should be worked on to make them aware of tenants' concerns. On the issue of educationIn addition, the Committee on the Rights of the Child, in its report on the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, proposed changing the zoning scheme, such as R1, so that people would have access to better schools and therefore obtain better academic results.
Alicia Aguirre, candidate for district 7In the same way, he pointed out that there is a need for affordable housing, but also for access to transport, to the same extent, for all people. He reiterated his commitment to supporting economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. On the issue of inclusion and censusIn his speech, he referred to leadership as a way to protect vulnerable people, like the "Dreamers". On the subject of payment of rentIn his speech, he pointed out the uncertainty arising from the current crisis, the importance of knowing how people will be cared for through stimuli so that people do not lose their homes. On the subject of educationThe Director of the National Institute of Childhood and Adolescence, who noted that there is now a partnership with the school district, emphasized the continuation of this collaboration to ensure that children and youth have a safe and continuous learning experience.
Mark Wolohan, candidate for District 7In the first part of the meeting, he highlighted his representation of the new generations and reiterated his support and constant rapprochement with the Redwood City community. On the subject of inclusion and censusIn his speech, he emphasized the participation of the Latino community, to amplify their voices and encourage their participation in the Council. On the topic of payment of rentHe said he is concerned that people will have to move away from the community where they live, and that the strategy for protecting tenants in the short term must be rethought. On the issue of educationHe noted that it is important for educational personnel to have affordable housing; he also emphasized access to distance education for all students.
The next forum will take place on Monday, October 19, 2020.
